The New York herald., 1869-11-12
oBITuARY
Robert J. Walker.


AT ten O'Clock yesterday morning Mr.. Walker died
AZ his residence in Washington, after brief Illness
In the slxty-nnth year OF his age, He was born in
Northumberland, Pa, during the year 1901, his
father being well known and popular Judge Of
that State He received thorough education 40
the University OF Pennsylvania, In Philadelphia,
studied law under his father and shortly after his
admission to the bar moved to Pittsburg, where he
engaged In the practice OF his profession. This was
In 1921. Some years later lie married daughter OF
Franklin Bache, Of Philadelphia, and granddaugh-
ter OF Benjamin Franklin.
ENTRANCE lSTo POLITICS AND RESIDENCE IN MIS-.
sIssIPPL
Before he had attained to his majority Mr.. Walker
had actively engaged In politics. When but twen-
ty-three years OF age he was chairman or q demo-
cratic committee, and 1t at convention OF the
Pennsylvania democracy, hea In Harrisburg in
1924, that he nominated General Jackson for the
Presidency for the first time. On tins occasion he
made an admirable speech. which favorabiy
received, ana gave him quite reputation.
Although lie had succeeded in building up very
profitable practice IN Pitrsburg, superior induce
ments held out from Mississippi influenced him to
move to that state, which he did IN 1926, immedi-
ately taking high position at the bar. In the prac
tlce OF his profession ne accumulated handsome
fortune, deYotng his entire time TO busf-
nes5 aud refusing to become candidate
for office during period covering seye-
raj years. He, however, continued TO take
an active and influential part in politics. The at
tempt of uayaon Edwards and his blnd OF colonlsts
to effect revolution In Texas during the year 1925,
and soon after his arrival In Mississippi, met his
heartest sympathy. Tue failure OF this effort set
tied the question for six years, but when the
real movement for Texan independence began in
1882 Mr. walker became identified with ana gave 1t
material aid. In purely national matters he became
conspicuous Tor tile course he pursued during the
nunlcation excitement. The declaration OF ultra
State rights doctrine by Sopth Carolina was con.
demned In unequivocal terms, While the procama-
tlon OF President Jackson was defended with great
zeal and ability. The influence OF his speeches in
this connection far towards turning the voters
OF Mississippi from q support Of South Carolina to
defence CT the Union
IN THE UNITED STATES SENATE.
AZ reward for his services on the notification
question Mr.. walker was, in 1886, elected to the
United States Senate by the Legislature OF his state,
defeating Mr. George Poindexter. Soon after taking
his seat he was recognized OF the leaders OF
his party II tnat body and as one OF the confidential
friends and advisers Of President Jackson who was
mucn indebted 10 him for numerous valuable sug-
gestlons. rhe administration OF President Van
Buren, also received his hearty cooperation at the
beginning but before Its close he kept somewhat
aloof IRON 1t. After the death OF Harrison and the
installation OF Tyler Mr. Walker became OF the
trustlest advisers of the new President. He had,
long before the measure was formally introduced.
advocated the annexation of Texas to the United
States; and whel the treaty, which had been
signed between the Texas commissioners and
ir. Calhoun, was brought before the Senate
| lie used ali his influence TO have 1t ratified,
| although he did not disguise his decided
opposition TO the project of leSallzng slavery In all
parts OF tne coveted territory. The Sreay was re-
Senate
WAS brought up again cary in 1885, and on the 25th
OF February passed ooth houses the deceased taking
active part IN Its passage. lie also aided mate
rally In the acquisition OF California, two years
later; but at that tlne he was not In the Senate.
| HIS CAREER AS SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY.
Mr.. Van Buren's opposition to the annexation OF
| Texas broaeht him IN conrict with ar Walker,
about the nomination OF POLK Tor the Presidency
| against Mr. Fan Buren. To tile success which at
| recognition or his services PRESIDENT Polk imme-
dlatey after his inauguration appointed Mr.. Walker
administration Of the national finances met with
| s.gnal success. The first report he made to Con.
dS Io5k 1 aaa IN yG tay OF res @
plan lor a revenue system" which boldly re:
duced custom duties on nearly oil articles imported
Plan Plan were were asiceiy assaiisd Sy % ,Is wings;
opposing the bill in which Mr.. Walkers ideas
were embodied, declared that If 1t passed the reve-
nue. ensuing year would not reach s12 ooo oooO
| and predicted the utter RUN OF the manufacturing
interests uf the country. Daniel Webster We lind 1t
| stated cleft memorandum with tic Clerk OF the
Senate that 1t would not produce $4,000, 00o.n
Prominent nnancers OF the oli school, among them
Abbott Lawrence and nine tentns OF the New
England bankers, pronounced the policy as dest uc-
tive OF the material prosperity OF the country Every
where tie friends Of protecton INDUCED In the
most dismal forebodags.
In spite OF the strenuous opposition he met with
Mr.. Walker adhered TO his laancial Ideas and sue.
ceeded in pushing the bill through both houses or
Congress. IL was approved py tne PRESIDENT and
went into operat on Immediately alter. Mr.. Walker
had estimaed taat 10 would yield $50, 900; the
actual rcluTn was s29o00,ooo the first year and an
OF 80 0O0, 900 IN succeeaing yeae5 Until the
republicans obtaHed possession OF the government
this system OK Imposing dui7s for revenue and not
for protective purposes renamed In force and met
with marked sncccss. when 1t Was ascertaned that
his ideas finances were sound the reports OF Mr.
| Walker attracted considerable attention abroad Sir
! Robert Pec had tnem printed anu iald before the
House Of Commons, Numerous members or which
spoke loudly praise Of the views they contained.
| IL showed he remembered too, in this connection,
| that during Mir. Walkers administration OF the
| Treasury Department the war with Mexico was
! carried ol IL has been Gained Tor hn, and with
| some show of truth that lie mad athe honor or being
the only financial minister whom the word has pro-
| duced who has advanced government stocks and
| maintained them above par during a foreign war
| anu While It was borrowing money daiiy.n
HIS GOrERNORSHiP or KANSAS TERRITORY
On tho ias.allaton OF PRESIDENT Polk's successor
| Mr. Walker retired from the Treasury and
after paid VISIT TO Great Britain ana the Continent
| OF Europe. Ills reputation iinancler had pre-
ceied him, ana he received cordial reception
eycrywhere especiaily in England where he was
the recipient OF numerous lattering attentions.
Returning to the United States he resumed
tho practice ol his profession, principally
in the supreme Court at Washington,
and eschewed politics for several years. In
| 1851, however, the Kansas difficulty brought HIM
| again prominently before the public. Governor
| Geary had iaed to restore the Territory to peace
and order and had resigned his position. President
Buchanan then appointed Mr.. Walker TO succeed MIN,
| who accepted lle appointment and at the end OF
May 1887, assumed The duties OF his ofce. Like his
predecessor, ho failed TO effect any good. The vio-
ence OF conflicting parties partly inundated, aud
tie rdpidiy o passing events completely bewlldered
htu. Alter a vain enceavor to tranquillize the
country he resigned, rather than endorse the Le-
compton constitution. From The start he had blum
dered IN not ascertainlng upon his frs arrival the
existence OF tue act recurring him go make ap-
portoament OH the bass or the census OF volers.u
By tnis neg the Territory loreed into eiec-
flOu with au unfair aunort.Onmeut which he adj