The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-09-11
cnzgvAR x.
John BELL, Of Tennessee


80 comp,erciy lost 10 public view has been the
gentleman whose name heads this sketch that when,
at an early hour this morning. the news came OF his
DEATH it was unexpected, although 1t was men
toned some time ago In newspaper paragraph that
he was In very feeble health.
John Bell was born near Nashville, Tenn, Feb
ruary u.s. 1897. He was the son Of q farmer In
moderate circumstances who was, however,
able TO give him good education ct Cum
where he graduated in 1914. He studied law. and
was admitted to the bar IN 1915, and settled at Frank
the State Senate IN 1917. He soon saw his IN
entering early into public life and declined re-
ted himself to his profession In 1895 he became
candidate for Congress against Felix Grumpy one OF
the most popular men in the state OF Tennessee ana
who had The powerful support OF Andrew Jackson.
then candinate for the Presidency against John
Quincy Adams. Mr.. Bell was elected. by successive
elections he continued member OF the House OF
Representatives for fourteen years.
lie entered Congress warm admirer OF Mr.. Cal
against Which he made speech IN 1852 Subsequent
Investigations and reflection induced MN to change
his opinions on that subject he was opposed TO the
for roads and canaus In the States, except In
the case Of some great road for military purposes
of improving the great rivers and lake harbors
With all his apparent admiration for Mr.. Calhoun Mr..
Bell opposed the South Carolina doctrine OF nud-
carion and was made chairman OF the Judiciary
Committee OF the House OF Representatives, with
special reference to the questions connected with
that subject which might have to be considered and
reported on For ten years he was chairman
Of the Committee on Indian Affairs. He was In
favor Of the United States Bank, though be voted
against the BIN for its rechar in 1892 because,
Is alleged, he believed that the subject was brought
up at that timeour years before tue expiration OF
the old charter--mereiy to defeat General Jackson
in the ensuing Presidential election, and because
he was AFRAID the President would veto the
tested against the removal OF the deposits, and
refused TO vote for u resolution approving that
led to the subsequent breach between himself and
President Jackson and the democratic party, and
finally TO his co operation with the wings.
This change OF party relations was much acceler-
atel by ms election to the Speakershp Of the House
OF Representatives In 1884. In June OF that year,
mated Minister 20 Great Britain, and Mr.. Bell was
elected TO succeed him In opposition to james X:
Was hrssa osnaase 81 9' the en sa
ninissrassun and Of the democratic party;
Mr. Bel 3 y was sapportea by tsaS wings. and
20 the n,c.nded nomination OF Martin Van Buren, a.
" to General Jackson The principal ground
Of Mr. Bells Opposition TO Mr.. e- ~. -aren was ms
strong dsapproval OF the system of removals from
subordinate offices for political reas0ns-a system
which Mr.. Van Buren, had jealousy promoted IN the
party conflicts of the State OF New York, and which,
1t was supposed he intended TO carry out TO It's inii
ment. The final separation Of NJ. Bel and General
Jackson TOOK place In 1885, when nj. Hell declared
himself IN favor Of Judge White for the Presidency
Up 10 that time there had been no opposition in
Tennessee to General Jackson's administration, ana
IL generally supposed that his personal and po
ltcal influence could not fail to subdue the opposi-
ton raised by Judge White and his friends Tue
whole force OF the administration was cXerted to
this end. Judge White carried the State by large
majority, and Mr.. Bell re elected to Congress-
tennessee which arrayed it IN Opposition TO the de-
mocracy during the four succeeding Presi
aentia! elections asat Is4s and 1852 When
ton of slavery in the District Of Columbia
was agItated In the House Of Representatives in
favored their reception. Subsequently, In 1898,
when Atnerton's resolutions were introduced pro.
posing to receive ana lay these petitions on the
table, he maintalned his CONSISTENCY by voting in
the negative. When President Harrison, IN 1871,
was forming ms Gaen Mr. Bell was 9vea
he readily assented. With the rest or the Ca
binet, Mi. Webster only excepted he resigned Office
party in the autumn OF that year. The wing majo-
rity in the next Tennessee Legislature which met
alter his withdrawal from tn Cabinet offered HIM the
Office of United States Senator which he declined
MIR. Bell remained IN retirement until called by the
people % sss IN S 70 , them IN
vacancy he was elected TO the United States Sen
ate to which he was re elected IN 1858. His term OF
| service expired in March, 1882 since which time he
has been living in retirement from public life.
! III the Senate Mr. Bell opposed the policy OF an
| neXlng Mexico aud other Span sl-American States
| to the Union. He was in favor OF the compromise
measures Of 1861 but desired to tile issues then
made fully settled at the time OF the division of
Texas into States, provided by the act Of annex
ton. In 1854, when the Nebraska bill presented
In the Senate, Mr.. Bell protested against its
passage. In the controversy on the admission OF
Kansas, in March, 1858, Mr. Bell opposed the Le-
compton constitution.
After the great spit up Of the democratic party at
the Charleston Convention In 1860 1t became evident
that the republicans would inevitably carry the
country, and that II they did the Southern States
would secede. The remnant OF the Old wing party
which existed In some strength at the SOUTH to
avert the threatened danger determined upon pla-
cling candidates in the field They nominated
Mr.. Bell for President and Mr.. Edward
Everett OF Massachusetts for Vice President. The
deceased Tennesseesa made as fair q canvas as
| he could. He was the forom hope Of the Sothern
unionist, and the great majority OF his votes
from them. Az the election he received 500, G31
votes ana carried three States. Virginia Kentucky
and Tennessee. He was, Of course defeated and ever
after lived III retirement, almost forgotten by the
people. During our civil war he gave the rebellion
his sympathy, but took no active part in its support.
He was man OF excellent traits OF character and
personally, was much esteemed.
TIE IsEEaNAT.0NsL RACE.