The Hillsborough recorder. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1820-1879, 1859-04-13
From lie Philadelphia American.
HON. JOHN BELL.

long honored, al tine when the spirit u
faction dominates 10 dangerously, and when
great exigency demands the wisest eoun. /
sel IL the direction Of public affairs, IS
loss she ca1ntry begins to realize. as - ma /
infested BY the general expression 81 re- /
greet which has tound ltterance without us. |
iinsticn of party. The OCCASION i htuhg
for arisf retrospect If career which, IN
its high example, conspicuous patriotism,
aud sterling integrity. i worthy v al praise
and imitation
MIR. Bell was born near Nashville On the
18th of February, 1897, and Is consequently
sixty. two years and one month old. tie de.
scenaed from an honorable stock, pn. INNER
tied nothing more than the good name which
his public and private character has 20 much
embelIished. After graduating with dis.
tinction at the University d tennessee, he
studied law. aud was admitted to tie bar in
1916, when lie settled al Franklin, in the
COUNT Of William SON Acquiring at once
the confidence of the community, he was
elected to the State Senate IN 1871, when
but twenty years old. Though urged to nc
cept reelection he promptly Decided that
a continued political career then world be
inconsistent with the professional success
towards which an honorable ambition was
directed. Under this conviction he Solaa-
tarily declined the tempting inducement, and
devoted himself continuously Tor nine years
to his profession, acquiring distinguished
reputation as jurist and advocate, and lay
ing the foundation Of that high repute FIR
moral worth which he has s.nge 80 eansist-
emily maintained.
In 1926, at which time the Democratic and
Wing parties were not organized distinct.
lively, he became candidate for Congress,
against Felix Grundy, who was sustained
BY the powerful aid Of General Jackson, then
regarded as a formidable aspirant for the
Presidency, and welding large influence,
not only in his own locality, but throughout
the State Of Tennessee. After an active and
animated canvass, extending through twelve
months, and enlistiug much personal feel
ing, Mr.. Bell was triumphaHtly elected, in
1887, by thousand majority. This may be
regarded as the beginning OF his national ca
reer. for his extraordinary success attracted
The attention Of the whole country. tie en-.
tered Congress at thirty one years Of age,
and. by successive elections, continued
member Of the House for fourteen years.
During this period ne took prominent part
in the leading discussions, and in the South
Carolina controversy opposed the doctrine
uf notification.
In the memorable struggle which grew cut Of
the removal Of the deposits, he separated from
Gen. jackson and the Democratic party, and
identified himself with the Wings, adopting,
erpounding. and illustrating their wise and
conservative principles in all his political
action, and was accepted b. them as safe
and statesmanlike leader. When Congress
came together in 1854 the whole power Of
The Administration was exerted 10 crush him
out. but lie MAS chosen Speaker over James
X paIk Subsequently - snrlnsiad iados
White as a candidate for the Presidency
against SIR Van Buren,, and, although Gen
eral jackson threw the weight Of his person
a and party prestige into the scale against
hun, he was again returned 10 Congress from
The Hermitage district BY an increased ma.
jority. That election may b. said to have
determined the political complexion Of Fen.
aessee for twelve wears, as her vote was uni
iSrmy rsst for the Wing candidates in the
Presidential elections 81 l6I0-44-'4s. and
-, a. il viii probably Be III 1860 for any
prupsr candidate of the 0prasf.ioH.
When the sectional agitation wns first
started as political element ii 1856, upon
the reception of petitions for the abolition ol
slavery in tie District u Columbia. Mr. Bell
Eione, Of the delegation from Tennessee,
voted 10 receive them, not only in ylndiea.
ton Of the sacred principle which was in
VOWED. but al the best means Or suppressing
that strife which his sagacits foresaw would
be ultimately evolved from such contro.
versy. Though sinaictiyely assaied at the
time, lie was generously sustained by his
s.st
ofeonfdence. Again, ia 1888, when this sub
jeet was presented ii another form. By Alher.
tons resolutions. proposing 70 receive the
petitions and lay them on The table. he PROV
ed his fidelity b. voting in the negative,
contsndiag that they we're justly entitled 70
the respect " reference, Investigation, and
report
Tpon the election u Gen. Harrison lie was
invited % tie War Department, and remain
eli ID that office antii lie cabiHet-Sitli tie
exception Of Mr.. Webster resigned. after
lie accession ii NJ. Tier lie was tic
hrst member ~io proposed thar step and
meditated ii before concert with his col
leagues. single instance IN this ecnntc~
ton mar serve to illustrate biz notions II
Official propriety. which contrasts very De.
cidedly with the practice Of these times.
NJ. TYLER desired u appoint some special
friend 10 the CommissiDaership u Indian
AH4irs, which was then attached 10 the War
Department As Mr.. Bell had long been at
the head Of the committee 10 the House which
had charge Of the Indian relations, he knew
the importance Of keeping that Office re-
moved iron partisan contact, and therefore
resisted the appointment. The President
itiil urged it and al the next Cabinet meet.
ing Mr.. Bel went prepared 10 settle the qaes.
ton conclosiseIy. When Mr.. Tyler pressed
hi friend again, Mr.. Bell informed him that
he might make the appointment, but upon
condition Of accepting his resignation, which
vas then rendered il writing. The Presi.
dent Immediately receded, rcnsrking, al the
same t4ne Bell, | knrv you are honest,