The weekly Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1861, 1856-02-21

the Respondent has presented to Us several
figures Of speech, for the purpose Of illus.
traing the necessity OF restraining this
great instrument Of our freedom. Howev.
er happy and however eloquent these illus-
trations may have been, they might, with
equal truth and propriety. have been sppli.
ed (though that gentleman would be the
last to apply them) to the edict Of Charles
K. Figures of speech prove only the in.
genuity or the eloquence Of the orator who
uses them. They are always dangerous in
a grave discussion, when the guilt or inno'
cence of an accused person is to be estab
lished. 1t would be easy for me, in an
sweriDg the gentleman, to turn his 6gbrei
against himself, and say: Better that the
noble vine should shoot into rank luxuri
ance, than plant canker in it's root which
would destroy the tree, or even commit il to
the care of such vine.drssser as the Re.
spondent, to lop away all its fruitful bran.
ches, and leave it naked trunk"
The result of the trial was the acquit.
tai Of Judge Peck, by a majority of one
vote.
Mr.. BuchaBan's service in the House ter
minated on the 4th OF March, 1881. On
the 4th of January, 1882, he was appointed,
BY President Jackson, Minister to Russia.
During the short period he remained in
that country, he negotiated an important
commercial treaty with the Emperor Mich.
olas, which had baffled diplomatic skill for
twenty years.
AT the session OF the legislature succeed
ing his return from Europe, he was elected
Senator in Congress, and presented his
credentials in the United States Senate, on
the 9th Of December, 1884; where he was
continued, by the unanimous vote of the
Democratic members of the Legislature,
until the 4th Of March, ls45. In that year
he was appointed by President Polk to fill
the first place in his cabinet, as Secretary
of State. The authority for the aBfiity and
fidelity with which he discharged the duties
OF that high position, is to be found ia the
published records of the country. In the
Senate he occupied position as the proud.
ly recognized equal OF the most distinguish.
ed members of that august body. His nat
hral dignity Of department. easy and concil-
iatory manners-his we'll. tablshed repu-
tation, unsulied by blot or blemish, Sc.
cured to him not only the entire confidence
OF the Democratic side, but gave him, with
the opposition, q strengh and influence pos
sessed by few of the ilustrious statesmen.
whose brilliant talents adorned the Senate
of the United States. The Democratic
party of the whole country then recognized
James Buc hanan as one of its most gallant
able and faithful champions.
His successful contests in intellectual
power with the two greatest of living ora.
tors, Henry Clay aud Daniel Webster, in
The celebrated discussions upon the "Veto
power" the "M'Leod case" aud other i'm.
'ortant questions, embracing the vexed one
IT the Tariff, in which the Hon. John Da.
'is, OF Massachusetts,, became his most
prominent adversary, conclusvely proved
that he was deserving of the exalted opin.
on, then entertained, of his abilities as
statesman and of his devotion to the princi-
PIES of the party to which he belonged.
The signal ability. with which DIr. Blu.
,hanan performed his high and responsible
luties as Secretary of State, is exhibited on
he highest pages of the National Record
1t the close of Mr.. Folks Presidential term,
Ir. Buchanan enjoyed his friendship and
Unlimited confidence, as it existed at the
'ommencement--and that confidence and
friendship, mutually entertained, only ter
minated at the death of the ex. x.President.
But, although Mr.. Buchanan was appoint
d to fill high places by Presidents jackson
nd Polk, they were not alone in the high
pinion entertained by the executive branch
{ the government, OF his eminent abilities.
Lis merits and public services were appre.
lated, and official honors offered to be con-
erred upon him anterior to the existence Of
hese administrations. He was an espec ial
avorite OF Mr.. Madison, at The close OF his
residential term. President Monroe, as
arly as 1913, offered and pressed upon him
is acceptance, an important foreign mis-.
ION. And aiterward, in 1887. Ut the or.
anization Of bis cabinet, President Van
uren rendered him the appointment of At.
'rney-General Of the United States. He
'sPectfully declined both appointments,
referring to serve his constituents as their
preventative in Congress, first in the house
Representatives, and then in the Senate
the United States. s.o II
AT the close of President Polk's adminis-
alton, Mr.. Buchanan retired to private life,
his home Of of"Wheatland," in Lancaster {
'unty, where he remained in social quiet, /
nong his old friends and neighbors, until !
yain called into the service Of his govern.
ent by President Pierce. or his selec. :
on as Minister to the Court OF England, I
ID bis conduct there, We will speak before B
osing this briefsketch Of his public ca 9
er. M n
AS Mr. buchanan has been presented for .
Presidency. BY the Democratic party Of "
'nnsylvanis apparently by aeclamationl p