Washington sentinel. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1856, 1856-07-08

Two Portraits OF the Democratic Candi-
date for the Presidcncy-The Public
Man and the Private Citizen.
In late number of the Courier and Journal
published at Potsdam, New York, we find the
following admirable sketch of Mr.. Buchanan
public career:
JAMES BUcHANAN's PUBLIC CAREER.
He is of Scotch descent and native of
Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, where he
now resides. From his parents he inherited
neither family influence nor wealth. but robust
health, powerful intellect, and unyielding in
tegrity. He was mostly self-educated, and
what he learned was thoroughly impressed upon
his mind. He acquired knowledge for use and
not for display.
He was early admitted to the bar, and de-
voted himself to practice with an energy that
knew no tire, and a success not surpassed.
His industry, prudence, and economy enabled
him, at an early day, to become the support of
his less fortunate relatives, and rendered him
independent in his circumstances. The friends
and neighbors of his youth and manhood soon
required him to represent them in the legis
lature of his State. This service was rendered
with such marked ability, fidelity, and sue
cess, that in 1920 his constituents transferred
him to the House of Representatives in Con-
gress, where he remained until 1881. The
records of the proceedings of that body prove
the wisdom of the transfer, and that for all the
purposes for which men are elected to that
body he had no superior. 1t was there, in
1928, that he first became acquainted with and
learned to appreciate the noble qualities Of
Slas Wright, whom he esteemed and loved
with warmth and sincerity. They afterwards
served together like brothers (nine years in the
Senate) as co.laborers in defending and main,
tanning the principles of the Democratic party,
and resisting the powerful efforts of their ad-
versaries to overthrow them. Their esteem
and confidence were mutual and enduring, be-
cause founded upon qualities which command
the esteem and admiration of all good men.
Mr.. Buchanan was deeply affected at the news
of the death of his friend, and now cherishes
his memory with a sincerity and affection which
illustrate the purity and goodness of his heart.
The talents and public career of Mr.. Buch.
anan in the House attracted the eagle eye Of
General Jackson. He had shown those quail
ties of mind and heart which qualified him for
the arduous and responsible duties of minister
to- Russia.
General Jackson commissioned him in 1881
to represent this country at st. Petersburgh, at
time when talent, knowledge, and prudence
were demanded. 1t can be truly said that Mr..
Buchanan largely contributed to that steady
friendship and that enduring national regard
which Russia has since constantly manifested
towards our own government aud people, His
treaty of December, 1882, with Russia, is
model specimen of diplomatic labor, which still
binds the two nations together and protects the
interests of each. On his voluntary return to
the United States, Pennsylvania selected him
to represent her in the Senate of the United
States, where he served from 1885 to l845,
when Mr.. Polk selected him to fill the State
Department. His labors in the Senate were
various and important. AS debater, he was
always ready, clear, and strong. AS a logician,
he was accurate, plain, and conclusive. AL.
though his debating foemen were Clay, Web
ster, Calhoun, Preston, and Clayton, he was
never overthrown or disabled. He triumphed
because he possessed the will and ability to
present truth in her irresistible character.
When he retired from the Senate in 1916, he
left behind no superior; and, what speaks vol
umes in his favor, not an enemy to envy his
promotion to the premiership. Not Demo
crat who served with him in the Senate fails to
rejoice in his present nomination; and those
who we're politically opposed to him frankly
admit that he is honest, capable, and faithful
to the Constitution" and true representative
of Democratic principles.
The ability and fidelity be displayed in Mr..
Folks administration proved the wisdom of his
selection. Amid the various diplomatic con-
ficts which he bad to encounter he never failed
to show his superior capacity in the field of
brilliant achievements. The power of his pen
was often felt and acknowledged by the ablest
diplomats. 0n~he election of Gen. Taylor he
retired to his delightful farm at Lancaster, and
spent the next four years in its improvement,
and in cultvating those friendships which
blameless years had brought into existence,
and which the simplicity and purity of his life
had cemented and strengthened.
Soon after his election, General Pierce Sc.
lected Mr.. Buchanan to represent our Govern
ment at London. The times were pregnant
with great and perilous events. The relations
of the two Governments we're critical and i'm
portant. Wisdom, 6rmness, and full and
critical knowledge of public affairs, were de-
manded by the crisis. To these qualities Mr..
Buchanan united gentleness and Cancellation.
In his intercourse in England he left the i'm.
press of his own and the American character.
Truth, frankness, fearlessness, boldness, hon.
esty, activity, and 6rmness were impaired as
some OF tire leading elements which compose
both. He was highly esteemed by all classes
iOi ITS Sthciouo ahu hopiC quuiiticst huo tbOSt
who knew him best most regretted his retiring
from there. On his arrival in his native land
he was enthusiastically received by all classes.
He was not cheered alone ~ politicians. There
was a ground swell from the Masses which,
if they had desired, politicians could not have
resisted. Fortunately for the public welfare,
the masses and politicians all appreciate his
worth, and unite in recommending him to the
favorable consideration of the voters as the
worthy representative Of the principles of JEFF
ferson and Jackson, by both Of whom he was
esteemed and beloved.
Mr.. Buchanan is sixty-four years of age. He
is tall, large, and muscular, and enjoys full
health, and is apparently as active as man Of
forty. His manners are simple and cordial.
The poor and lowly feel at home in his pre-
sence. He is plain in his dress and appear
ance, and temperate in all things. In his gen.
eral views and feelings he is conservative as
contradistinguished from dashing and reckless.
ness. In his attachment to his friends he re
sembles General jackson. 1t is not known