Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-01-11
As Secretary of State

AFTER Van Buren,. retired from the
state department under Jackson, Liv-
ihSslon was invited to succeed him,
| anu with some hesitation he accepted
during Livingston's service in Jack
sons cabinet the controversy arose
between the government of the United
states ana the state of South Caro-
ma over the enforcement Of the Gus
TOMS laws of the United States. and
the Legislature of South Carolina
passed its notification ordinances.
Livingston, as secretary Of state, wrote
the proclamation which jackson is
/ sued to the people of South Carolina
and to the people Of the United States
on the subject of notification. 1t is an
adm rable document, and has been
| truly SAD 1t argues the case against
| nuilfcation with all the charm. force
and style of John Marshall. The Wig
or or the assertion OF national power
| was so great that some of Jackson's
friends We're troubled over what they
| called the Meta physics of the Mon
tesque of the Cabinet"
jackson was very fond of Living
SION, but, as the correspondent shows,
ne ola not have the profoundest con-
hoence In his political Judgment. He
spoke of him during his incumbencv as
secretary OF state as a polished schol-
dr. an able writer, and a most excel
leht man, but he said che knows MOTH
ing OF mankind, and he lacks Van
Hurens judgment" He also referred
TO the TACT that his memory was then
somewhat failing him.
III the controversy with the United
! states Bank, and Jackson's deteru;n-
dtioh TO remove the deposits, Living
| SION was not in full sympathy with
iilia' ana tried to effect a settlement
ana compromise between the contend
ing parres. But he failed-Jackson
theh renewed the offer to Livingston
"hlch ne had made him at the begin
hlnS or his administration. that of tho
post OF minister to France. The most
always honorable and important was
/ especially so at this time when an is
sue was. pending as to the payment bv
/ france of what were known as tho
french spoiiation claims, which France
ilau agreed to pay. but failed to an
proprlate the money for. Louis PhiIinne
I was then King Of the French and
Iound dlff1culty in persuading the
frehch Assembly to make the annro
prlauons. Livingston accepted the Of
! Ter, left the cabinet and went to
france. In his usual state of necuni-
airy distress he borrowed s1s 600 from
! the United States Bank. In view Of tho
| strained relations between jackson and
! the bank which Livingston sought IN
reileve by compromise the accent
ahce or such favor from the bank
scandalized his friends.
AS Minister to France
LiVingston's life in France as minister
/ OF course was full of delight. He and
/ MS wife came into close relationsbi
with Lafayette. who was still living. and
mao been bosom friend of LIVINGSTONE
! fanny AS an associate member of the
fielich institute, life in Paris was al
! ne could desire. He succeeded after noucl
| eHort in securing an approximation h,
the French Assembly of the monay d,.
under the treaty, but it was ACCOMPANIED
| by a condition that President Jackson
siiouiu "ithdraW certain structures that
| ne hid made upon the French govern.
meht IN a message to Congress- The re-
suit was that ultimately Livingston ask.
| ed Tor his passports and returned to the
1 United States. where he was receives
| with great warmth. The matter was
settled by the mediation of England, the
money was paid, and a construction
| which General Jackson put upon his
/ message was held by the French to be
an explanation. Livingston wished to re.
| turn to France and intimated his will.
i lngness to do so to Jackson, but Jackson
| appointed Cass. Livingston retired tc
| the estate, which had been left him or
the Hudson, of his sister, Mrs. Montgom.
cry and there lived out the few years oil
! his life remaining.
/ This is the career of a great jurist ant
| iaw-giver. There are few lives in oui
j history more replete with unusual and
| romantic incidents, with variety of ex-
! perience. with great constructive and
useful work. His close association with
! the other great men of the country
| doubles ones interest in him. His fame
was greater abroad than at home While
we reluctantly confess that he had weak
| ness, we would forget it In the light OF
! his genius and his heart. A study of
+ his personality charms. His broad sym.
! pathies awaken affection. The great code
/ of enduring usefulness which he left tC
his countrymen and the world commands
our grateful admiration.