The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-11-11
4 Sketch of His Career,

Tne Hon. EODeU James Walker q man who
has figured extensively in the politics Of the country
been Secretary OF the Treasury, and was especially
noted for his skill and industry as political PAM
phleteer whose death is announced in the above
despatch, was born in northumberland in this
State in the year 1s0l and after graduating at the
University of Pennsylvania, in this city, in 1S19
studied law and commenced the practice of this
profession in Pittsburg in 1921. Throughout his
long public career he continued in practice and en-
joyed the reputation OF being thorough master of
his profession, especially of those branches bearing
upon constitutional and political questions
Although he did not become an occupant OF any
political position until his election to the United
States Senate in 1885, lie entered actively into the
political stres of the day at the outset of his career
becoming chairman of q Democratic committee
during one Of our State contests when but twenty
two years OF age. lie took very prominent part in
the earliest movement for the elevation OF General
Jackson to the Presidency, having been the first per-
sun'to suggest the of the hero of New Orleans
for that position, and was largely instrumental in
bringing about the action Of the convention at Har-
risbgrg which nominated Jackson in 1924.
Removing, in 1926, to Natchez, he soon acquired
an extensive and lucrative practice and became one
Of tie leading and most influential politicians of the
State OF Mississippi. For years he was one OF the
most earnest antagonists Of Jefferson Davis and
contributed largely to the dsrepute attached to the
reputation schemes OF the latter in that State his
enmity for the President OF the late Southern Conede
racy not expiring with the Inauguration OF the great
conspiracy against the Union, of which Davis be-
came the head and 'front.' and which drew into its
support nearly every leading man of the South,
whether OF Northern or Southern birth. He steadily
refused all political preferment until 1885, when
he was elected to the United States Senate the
Hon. George POindexter. He had scarcely taken his
seat in that body, when he came into collision with
Henry Clay, on question connected with the public
lands, and by his spirited response to the great Ken
10 ity " fhn
His relations with President Jackson were OF tn;
most cordial character and jackson frequentl con-
suited him on matters OF great importance, espe-
cally in reference to the prospective ACQUISITION of
Texas and California. BY his advice chleiy secret
agent was despatched by Jackson to learn the re-
sources OF Texas and The temper OF its inhabitants,
the mission resulting in the Inauguration of the
great party movement which brought about the war
with Mexico. During the administration of Van
Buren, Mr.. Walker was an earnest supporter of the
administration in the Senate, being especially pro-
mincnt in the crusade against the United States
Bank. He was reelected to the Senate in 1S4l,
and became one OF the Contden-
tial advisers OF John Tyler, when
the death of President Harrison elevated hm to the
Chief MagistraCy. Throughout Tyers adminstra-
tion, he exercised commanding influence over the
administration, it being mainly in consequence of
his advice that Tyler was induced to veto the bank
bill which had been framed under the supervision OF
Henry Clay. Towards the close OF Tyers term of
office, his influence was felt L very marked manner
and induced the adoption Of the unexpected and
vigorous steps which precipated the conflict with
Mexico and consummated the annexation of Texas
Although Mr.. Walker had been a warm personal
friend of Martin Van Buren, when the latter occu-
pied the Presidential chair, and one OF his most de-
voted supporters, he turned about and opposed his
nomination in 1S44' because Van Buren, had an
nounced his opposition to the Texas annexation
scheme. BY suddenly springng upon the Demo-
cratic National Convention the two-thirds rule,
which had become a practical nullity he
secured the defeat OF Van Buren, and the
nomination OF James X. Polk. He also entered ac-
lively into the canvass, and by OF his peculiarly
powerful pamphlets the Texas question eXer-
cised great influence in determining the result OF
the election When Mr.. Polk was installed in Office
he was not unmindful OF his Indebtedness to Mr..
Walker, whom he selected for his Secretary OF the
Treasury. Resigning his seat in the Senate, he en-
tered upon this responsible position in March, 1856
and remained in it until the close Of Poks term
in 1S49. His administration Of the affairs of this
office IN the interests Of the free traders, the
| tariff of 1916 having been framed by him, While his
celebrated report in opposition to protection was re-
printed by order of the British House of Commons.
His conduct of the national finances Of the country
during the critical period OF the war with Mexico
| was marked by much sagacty.
At the close OF Polk's administration, Mr., Walker
resumed the practice OF the law, chiefly in the Su-
|
take prominent part IN national politics until he
was appointed by:Presdent Buchanan, in 1851, to the
| GovernOrship Of Kansas, as the successor to Go
vernon Geary at critical period in its history. The
election Of delegates TO the Constitutional COnVen-
| tion took place on June 49, bat the free State men
generally refused to participate, for the reason that
| the legislature which ordered it had no legal
authority, and that they would be Overpowered by
ntruders from Missouri if they attempted to vote
Only 1000 votes cast although the legal vote OF
the Territory at least 10000. Governor Walker
| assured the free State men OF protection, however
and few months later, at the Territorial election
they cast 1900 votes against 3TOO by the pro-savery
| party thus electing Marcus j. Parrott delegate to
| Congress, together with Of the II COuncmen and
2I Of the 80 representatives. An attempt was made
to change the result by means Of false return from
| Oxford, Johnson county, a place Of only eleven
houses. il was alleged that at this place 1924 per-
| sons had voted, and corresondng roll OF names
! was sent in, which, on examination, were found Ia
have been copied in alphabetical order from Gin.
! cinnati Directory
! This return, il accepted, would have changed the