served with General Scott in Mexico City. Was injured in September 1847 while taking part in the Battle of Contreras. He resigned his commission in 1848, when the war was over.

1850-Was a member of the Constitutional Convention which met at Concord to amend the Constitution of New Hampshire, and was chosen to preside over its deliberations.

1852-Four men: Buchanan, Douglass, Marcy, and Cass competed for the Democratic Presidential nomina

tion; none received the required two-thirds majority. Finally, after the convention was deadlocked, Pierce came forward as a "dark horse" candidate and on the 49th ballot captured the nomination. The platform of his party pledged to uphold all of the compromise measures of 1850.

Pierce won the election, carrying every State but four, though his popular vote margin was much narrower than the electoral vote margin; the Whig Party collapsed.

After the election, and before the inauguration, Pierce's only remaining son, 11 years old, was killed before his father's eyes in a railroad accident.

To restore unity in his party, Pierce named a Cabinet consisting of men from all sections of the country, among which were Marcy in the State Department, Jefferson Davis as Secretary of War, and Cushing as Attorney General. Pierce's foreign policy was a defense against all foreign intervention in American affairs. At home, he greatly favored expansion.

1853 Pierce sent James Gadsden to Mexico where he concluded the "Gadsden Purchase," insuring an American right-of-way for a rail route to the Pacific.

At home also, Pierce favored a "strict construction" of the Constitution. He called for a reduction of the Treasury surplus by lowering the tariff; he recommended subsidizing the Pacific Railroad and the Post Office and strengthening the Office of the Attorney General. 1854-A reciprocity treaty with Canada, concerning the use of the Newfoundland fishing banks, was ratified. Attempts were also made to purchase Cuba and Hawaii, and to secure a coaling station on Santa Domingo.

The Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 abandoned the Compromise of 1850 and left the issue of slavery in Kansas and Nebraska to the vote of the settlers. An overwhelming number of Southern emigrants. as well as the proximity of Kansas to the slave State of Missouri caused the legislature to go proslavery in the election of 1854.

The Kansas-Nebraska Act aroused such strong proand anti-slavery sentiments as to cause a general realinement in American politics. Many antislavery Democrats, Whigs, Free Soilers, and others, who opposed this legislation and took a strong stand against slavery, moved to form a new party-the Republican Party. Strong resolutions directed against slavery emanated from this new political party which first met at Ripon, Wis., on Febru ary 28, 1854, and again at Jackson, Mich., on July 6, 1854.

The "Ostend Manifesto," calling for forcible seizure of Cuba by America if Spain refused to sell it, was signed by the U.S. ministers to Spain, England, and France respectively. The premature release of this document fired deep resentment of the North against Pierce.

Commodore Perry succeeded in establishing diplo matic and trade relations with Japan.

1855 Pierce persuaded Britain to withdraw from all of Central America except Honduras.

Pierce's first Kansas Governor, A. Reeder, was dismissed after being involved in illegal land grafts; civil war erupted in the State; the free-soil group set up a second government in the State. Pierce ordered this illegal government disbanded and ordered Missourians not to interfere. 1856-Pierce's second Governor was unable to resolve the conflict. Finally, in the fall of 1856 the third Governor of the technically proslavery legal government, John W. Geary, reported that law and order had been restored in Kansas.

Pierce was refused renomination for the
Presidency.

1859---After a long tour of Europe, Pierce returned to his native New Hampshire.

1869-Pierce died on October 8, and was buried in Concord, N.H. He was 64.

Kansas-Nebraska Act-May 30, 1854, 10 Stat. 277.

OBV. James Buchanan, President of the United States, 1857. Bust of the President.

By Salathiel Ellis.

REV. A farmer, leaning upon a plow, and conversing with an Indian Chief, an American flag in the background, and above it three links: Labor, Virtue, Honor. By J. Willson.

JAMES BUCHANAN

791-Born April 23, 1791, at Cove Gap in Franklin County, Pa., the son of James Buchanan and Elizabeth (Speer) Buchanan.

807-09-Attended, and was graduated from Dickinson College, Pa.; later, studied law.

812-Although a Federalist and with his party opposed

to the War of 1812, he urged the enlistment of
volunteers for the defense of Baltimore, and was
one of the first to enroll his name.

Admitted to the bar and commenced practice at
Lancaster.

814-Served in the House of Representatives of the Pennsylvania Legislature.

820-Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, serving until 1831.

822-Buchanan's first speech in Congress was made in January 1822, supporting the Administration of

President Monroe, in maintaining an adequate military establishment.

1828-Became Chairman of the Committee on Judiciary of the House of Representatives.

1831-In June he accepted President Jackson's appointment of U.S. Minister to Russia though he contemplated retirement from politics. While in Russia he negotiated a commercial treaty.

1834-Elected as a Democrat to the U.S. Senate. Remained in the Senate until 1845 and was known as one of the prime supporters of Jackson and Van Buren. 1839-Declined the office of Attorney General tendered by Van Buren.

1844 After losing the Democratic presidential nomination to James K. Polk, he accepted the position of Secretary of State under Polk.

The situation in Texas was the major interest of the Polk administration. Mexico would not recognize the independence of Texas and hoped that the Oregon question would strengthen her position. Presi dent Polk wanted the Oregon question settled as swiftly as possible. Polk placed Buchanan in charge of negotiations and he claimed all of Oregon for the United States and refused to arbitrate; thought he finally reached an agreement with Great Britain on a boundary along the continental line of the 49th parallel.

1846-In order to discourage suspected British designs

on California, Buchanan advised President Polk to make a stern restatement of the Monroe Doctrine

in his message to Congress.

1848-Made an offer of $120 million to Spain for the purchase of Cuba. The offer was rejected. 1849-Buchanan retired from office and purchased

"Wheatland," a country estate near Lancaster, Pa. 1853-After losing the presidential nomination in 1852 to

Franklin Pierce, Buchanan accepted the post of Minister to Great Britain. 1856 Unanimously nominated on the 17th ballot as the Democratic candidate for President, and on November 4, 1856, was elected.

In selecting his Cabinet, he gave equal representation to slave and non-slave-holding States calling it "The Sacred Balance." He wanted his administration to be known for its vigorous foreign policy. He concluded the arrangements between Great Britain, Nicaragua, and Honduras in order to check the activity of the British fleet in searching vessels suspected of participating in slave trade in American waters. He obtained reparation from Paraguay for the firing on the WATER WITCH, and he improved U.S. relations in the Far East by receiving ambassadors from Japan and Siam.

An attempt of the opposition to convict Buchanan
of maladministration failed to reveal any condition
of unusual laxity in the administration.
Supported the LeCompton constitution causing a
split between the two factions of the Democratic
Party. The LeCompton constitution identified the
administration with the southern wing and incited
the revolt of the supporters of Stephen A. Douglas.
During his administration, the slavery question be-
came more acute. Proslavery in his own views,
Buchanan had surrounded himself with a Cabinet
which also strongly supported the maintenance of
slavery. As Buchanan's administration was closing,
it became apparent that an armed conflict was pend.
ing. Notwithstanding the advice of General Scott to
reinforce troops in Southern ports, Buchanan took
no action. The election of Lincoln to the Presidency
in November 1860 was followed by resignations of
most of the Cabinet.

1868 President Buchanan died on June 1, 1868, at "Wheatland," near Lancaster, Pa. Buchanan was

the only President who never married.

Tariff Acts-March 3, 1857, 11 Stat. 192; March 2, 1861, 12 Stat. 178.

OBV. Abraham Lincoln. Bust of the President.

REV. A wreath of oak and laurel. Inaugurated President of the United States March 4, 1861. Second term March 4, 1865. Assassinated April 14, 1865. Within wreath, a spray of pine and cedar, circled by serpent with tail in its month, the Egyptian symbol of eternity and immortality. By George T. Morgan.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN

1809-Lincoln was born in a log cabin near Hodgenville, in Hardin County, Ky., on February 12, 1809, the son of Thomas and Nancy (Hanks) Lincoln. 1816 The Lincoln family moved to Indiana and settled on Little Pigeon Creek, on the Ohio River, where Abraham grew to manhood. At the age of 9, Lincoln's mother died. His father soon remarried, to a Mrs. Sarah Bush Johnson, who was destined to play a strong role in developing Lincoln's character and interest in study.

1830 The Lincolns moved to Macon County, Ill. By this time Abraham had attained the unusual stature of 6 feet 4 inches and was of great muscular strength. He joined with his father in building a cabin, clearing the fields, and splitting rails for fencing the farm. When the job was completed, Lincoln left his father's home and hired himself to Denton Offutt in Sangamon County, whom he assisted in building

a flatboat and navigating it on a trading voyage to New Orleans.

1831-Lincoln settled at New Salem, where he managed a mill. His leisure time was spent in constant reading and study, mostly in the field of English grammar, surveying, and the principles of law. 1832-When an Indian war began, Lincoln volunteered

in a company raised in Sangamon County and was immediately elected captain. His company was organized in Richmond on April 21, 1832, but his service in command of it was brief, for it was mustered out on May 27. Lincoln reenlisted as a private and served for several weeks, finally being mustered out on June 16 by Lt. Robert Anderson, who afterwards commanded Fort Sumter at the beginning of the civil war.

Returning home after his brief military career, Lincoln made a try for the legislature, but was defeated. At this time he thought seriously of learning the blacksmith's trade. An opportunity was offered him to buy a store, which he did, giving his notes for the purchase money. He was unfortunate in his selection of a partner. The business soon went to wreck, leaving him burdened with a heavy debt, which he finally paid in full, earning him the nickname "Honest Abe." He then applied himself earnestly to the study of law.

1833-Was appointed postmaster of New Salem and filled

the office for 3 years. At the same time he was appointed deputy county surveyor. 1834 Lincoln was elected to the State legislature, and was reelected in 1836, 1838, and 1840, after which he declined further election. In his last two terms he was the candidate of the Whig Party for the speakership of the House of Representatives. 1835 Courted Ann Rutledge, who died of "brain fever" before their marriage could take place. 1837-Moved to Springfield, where he entered into partnership with John T. Stuart and began the practice of law.

1842-Married Mary Todd of Lexington, Ky. They had four sons, but only the eldest, Robert Todd, lived past childhood.

1846- Was elected to Congress as a Whig. Served only one term, until 1849, and was not a candidate for reelection. While a Member, he advocated the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia. Was an unsuccessful applicant for Commissioner of the General Land Office under President Taylor. Was tendered the office of Governor of Oregon Territory, which he declined.

1849 Successful law cases in the State supreme court, circuit court, and Federal courts, brought Lincoln fame in his home State.

1854 Campaigned for the U.S. Senate, denounced Stephen Douglas' "popular sovereignty" doctrine. Unable to secure nomination, Lincoln yielded his votes to another candidate. 1856-Joined the new Republican Party, and at the Illinois State Republican Convention on May 29, 1856, delivered his famous "Lost Speech," uniting both abolitionists and moderates, making himself a leader of the new party.

At the Republican National Convention, Lincoln received 110 ballots for the vice-presidential nomination.

1858-Was nominated by the Republicans to serve as the

U.S. Senator from Illinois. At the State convention, June 16, 1858, he delivered his famous "House Divided" speech. During the campaign, he challenged his opponent, Stephen Douglas, to a series of seven debates. These debates gained Lincoln popularity and respect nationally. He forced Doug. las to modify his "popular sovereignty" doctrine, thus costing the Democratic leader the votes of the South in the 1860 presidential election. The legisla ture chosen was favorable to Mr. Douglas and he was elected.

1858-60-Lincoln made speeches defining his and the Republican Party's position in many States. On February 27, 1860, Lincoln delivered a speech at

Cooper Union, in New York, where he clearly out. lined the principles for which his party stood. 1860-On November 6, Lincoln won the Republican presidential nomination after a low-key, no speeches campaign, over William H. Seward, his close rival. Lincoln was elected over Douglas, Breckenridge, and Bell. 1861-Between the election and the inauguration, Lincoln was silent. He left Springfield February 11, 1861, for Washington. In the interim, the Confederacy was established. Lincoln made it clear that secession would not be tolerated, but his inaugural address was moderate and conciliatory.

In the Cabinet, William H. Seward headed the De-
partment of State, Salmon P. Chase, the Treasury;
Simon Cameron, and soon afterward, Edwin M.
Stanton, War; Gideon Wells, the Navy; Caleb B.
Smith, the Interior; Edward Bates was Attorney
General, and Montgomery Blair was Postmaster
General.

Lincoln made the decision to send food and other
provisions to the Union garrison at Fort Sumter.
He notified the Governor of South Carolina that
this would be a peaceful mission, that neither men
nor ammunition would be carried. The Govern-
ment of the Confederacy regarded Lincoln's mes
sage as a declaration of war. Early in the morning
of April 12, 1861, General Beauregard's forces
opened fire in Charleston Harbor-the first shots
of the Civil War. Two days later the flag of the
Confederacy flew over Fort Sumter.

Immediately offer the fall of Fort Sumter, the President called for 75,000 volunteers to put down the rebellion. He soon issued a call for additional troops, instituted a blockade, and summoned Congress to meet in extra session July 4. Congress recognized a state of war July 13, 1861. "War President" Lincoln is identified with the history of the prolonged struggle which ensued.

Foreign complications, military and naval movements, domestic politics, as well as routine administrative duties, all claimed the attention of the President. To the people and the armies he was endeared as "Father Abraham"; numerous anecdotes are related bearing on his humor, strong common sense, and sympathy. 1862-63-On September 22, 1862, profiting by the partial

success of Antietam, Lincoln issued a preliminary
proclamation fixing the following January 1 as the
date for freeing slaves in the insurgent States;
there followed the great Emancipation Proclama-
tion to that effect at the opening of 1863.
Victory of the Union forces at Gettysburg and
Vicksburg signaled the turning point of the war.