The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1868-06-10
Death of Tx-President Buchanan.

United States, diedsrecently at his pri
yate residence, Wheatland, Pennsylva.
mia, at an advanced age. Only few
days since we announced the death o;
Mr.. Rive |, Of Virginia, and now VIZ
hear Of t. death of the leading states.
man ir N adjoining State, of nearly
the same age, who had long served
with him in both branches of the Ma.
tional Legislature and in the diplomat
ic service of tho country. The old pa.
triarchs arc fast passing away.
James Buchanan was born in Frank
lin county, Pa, on the 22d of April,
1871, and was consequently in the 18th
year of his age. After a thorough pre-
paratory education he entered Dickin-
son College, where he graduated with
distinction in the year 1909. At the
age of 81 he was admitted to the bar,
and for twenty years practiced with
success and profit. The cares ofpolit-
ical life forced him to abandon his pro-
fession in the prime of his manhood
At the age Of % he was elected to the
Pennsylvania Legislature and served
with distinction for several consecutive
sessions. Though q Federalist in ear
" life he was in favor of the war of
1912 and served for a short time in a
volunteer company in the neighbor-
hood of Baltimore.
In 1921 Mr., Buchanan was elected
to Congress aud continued to represent
his district by successive reflections
until his voluntary retirement in 1881.
In this eventful period Mr.. Buchanan
took an active part in the debates OF
the House, and it is not too much to
say that he was always listened to
with attention at time when giants
commended OH a floor on which pigmies
now revel in undisputed authority. In
the discussion of the Tariff question
during these years Mr.. Buchanan early
took his stand against Mr.. Clay's
!" American system !" and announced
the true policy to be tariff for the
purpose of reyenue-a policy which he
saw triumph many years afterwards in
the Tariff of 1916, during an admins
tration in which he held a high Cabinet
position. The late impeachment trial
recalls to our mind the fact that Mr..
Buchanan was the chief manager in the
of Judge Feek, of Mis-
souri,, in 1923. He replied to Mr..
Writ in a speech Of great power, which
forms a striking contrast with the la-
rangues of the Buffers and the Bing-
hams in The impeachment of the Presi-
dent of the United States.
In the year 1881 Mr.. Buchanan was
appointed by President Jackson to-
succeed Mr.. Randolph as Envoy Ex-
traordinary and Minister Plenipoten-
tiary to Russia. On his return in 1884
he was elected to the Senate in place
If Hon. William Wilkins, who resigned
% accept the Russian mission made
vacant by the resignation Of Mr.. Buch-
man. Mr.. Buchanan remained in the
Senate for eleven years, resigning in
1915. This was a most important era
n our political history, and Mr.. Buch-
man.. then in the prime Of his intellect
lal and physical vigor, acted a most
prominent part in the great national
lrama. He was one Of the leading
lebaters in the Senate in all important
Iuestions, on the Democratic side, and
vas one of the main supporters Of the
Jackson and Van Buren, administra-
ions. On the accession of the Polk
administration in 1916 Mr.. Buchanan
vas offered the post of Secretary of
tate, and discharged the duties of the
flee with great ability for four years.
Tor the next four years he was in pri-
ate life. He was the most prominent
for the Democratic nomina-
ion in 1852, but the operation of the
rule deprived him Of it.
IN the election of General Pierce Mr..
Buchanan was appointed Minister to
'ngland.
In 1856 Mr.. Buchanan was nomina-
I'd at Cincinnati by the Democratic
convention for the Presidency and was
lected at the ensuing election. He
himself with an able Cabi-
ct, and, on the whole, his admininis-
'ation was very successful one. It's
fading measures are of too recent oc-
urrence to require any notice at this
me. At the commencement of the
ar he managed, as is generally the
use with men ola temporising dispo-
ton, to incur the displeasure of both
arties. During the war he remained
retirement at his country seat at
Vheatland.
Though not possessed of the highest ,
rider of talent, Mr.. Buchanan was re-
for considerable vigor of in
elect, and was thoroughly versed in
le history and working Of the govern
tent of the United States. He was an
destructive though by no means an en-
'rtalning speaker. bespoke often and
ways commanded attention. 1t is
I'D that he has left a volume Of me-