Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1869-11-19

Another politician of the older school,
who took an active part in the questions
which agitated the country in the days of
jackson, Van Buren and Polk, has passed
away Robert James Walker died yesterday
morning Nov. llth, in the City of Wash
ington. He was born at Northumberland,
Penn, in 1901 Entering the University Of
Pennsylvania, he was graduated 10 1919,
and at once commenced the study of law.
Settling in Pittsburgh in 1921, he began
practicing, taking at the same time deep
interest In politics, and bringing forward
the name of Gen. jackson for the Presidency
before it had been elsewhere mentioned.
He removed to Natchez, Miss, in 1926,
where he acquired an extensive practice,
and was. nominated Judge of the Supreme
Court (which honor be declined), and where,
in 1885. he defeated the Hon. George
PoiDdexter as candidate for the United
States Senate. Soon after entering upon
his duties in that body, he made a spirited
reply to Mr.. Clay on the question Of Public
Lands, by which, he acquired great popu-
larity throughout the West. When the ac-
auisition Of Texas and California became
serious consideration, a secret agent was
sent to the former country to inquire into
its resources, and the party movement was
inaugurated which led to their conquest.
In this matter Mr. Walker was the personal
adviser of the President He supported
the principal measures of President Van
Buren, administration, especially on the
Bank question, and il was principally through
his influence that President Tyler vetoed
the Bank BILL which had been prepared by
Mr.. Clay. He remained in the Senate until
March 10, IS45. Friend as he rad been 70
Mr.. Van Buren, when the President an
nounced his opposition to the annexation of
Texas, Mr.. Walker took grounds against
him, and secured the nomination Of james
K Polk, by the Baltimore Convention, and
was by him appointed Secretary Of the
Treasury, an office which he resigned Mach
5, lS49. Mr.. Walker was strong advocate
Of Free trade, and his report on the subject
was reprinted by order OF the British House
of Commons He urged the strongest
measures during the Mexican War, proving
the ability of the Government to sustain its
finances without the aid of banks. In June,
1853, be was appointed Commissioner TO
China, but resigned because a steamer could
not be furnished him. according to promise
At the close of Mr. Polk administration,
Mr.. Walker returned to bis practice, but
was appointed by Buchanan Governor of
Kansas during the great excitement He
speedily became unpopular by refusing to
admit a false election return from Oxford,
in johnson County, where the names on
the register were copied alphabetically from
a Cincinnati Directory. The FRAUDULENT le-
compton Constitution was shortly aiterward
promulgated against his remonstrance, and
he Immediately resigned, because, in his
own language, he would not aid in forcing
l. {.
He was warm supporter of Mr. Ilncoin,
and in April 1861. delivered an address in
this city, strongly defending the acts of the
Union party. In 1868 he was appointed
Financial Agent of the United States Gov
ernment III Europe by Secretary Cahase,
returning in November, 1864, having effect
ed the sale of $3.50, 000 600 of $40 bonds,
and defeated the second Confederate loan Of
SIS, ,000,0 900.
During the last few years he has paid con
siderable attention to literature, publishing
several letters on finance and other subjects,
and in connection with his law partner,
Fred =. Stanton, who was Secretary Of Kan
sas while he was its Governor, editing a
monthly magazine which was at first of some
literary merit but which lacked stability
He finally settled at Washington, and en-
gagged in the prosecution of claims aud
specific measures of legislation In the
latter apacity he was influential in procuring
the ratification of the Alaska treaty, and
was some time compromised by an unpleas-
ant scandal arising from it.
BY his death another politician d the
older school passes away; one who, having
lived through the birth of the presen; par
ties, saw the issues at stake, and, n the
after days of passion and treaehery, re.
manned true to the principles on which his
faith was founded.-N J. Tribune