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--> --> Feb. 5: Buchanan, the bachelor president By Jeff Cheek The United States was lucky to have strong, decisive presidents in its infancy. Thomas Jefferson agonized on the question of purchasing Louisiana. The constitution did not authorize it, but did not prohibit it. His decision to make the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 established a precedent. Other presidents purchased Alaska in 1867, American Samoa in 1900, and the Virgin Islands in 1916. When South Carolina threatened to secede in 1832, President Jackson sent Army and Naval forces to Charleston. "The Union. It must be preserved," he said. South Carolina backed down, but the issue was dormant, not dead. Unfortunately, the president during four crucial years, 1856 to 1860, was a bland, indecisive diplomat, James Buchanan. Although he had been a Congressman and a Senator, he had also served as Minister to Russia, and as Polk's Secretary of State, 1845-49. He was abroad as Ambassador to Great Britain for almost four years, 1852-56, then returned to successfully run for the Presidency. He was Chief Executive when South Carolina seceded in December 1860. Ten other states soon followed. Buchanan did not believe that states had the right to withdraw from the federal union. But he did not think the president had the right to coerce them with force to remain. His indecision was critical. While he did nothing, the southern states promulgated a separate nation, the Confederated States of America in Montgomery, Alabama on February 8, 1861. This new government seized most of the federal property within their new boundaries, with the exception of Charleston's Fort Sumter. Again, he took no action except to plead for restraint by all parties. A furious Congressman said, "There is no person named James Buchanan. He died of lockjaw." Buchanan was born April 23, 1791 in Mercersburg, Pennsylvania. He attended Dickinson College and was admitted to the bar. He fought in the War of 1812 then returned home for a successful legal and political career. He built a comfortable estate, Wheatland, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and returned there whenever possible. His diplomatic career was more successful than his term as Chief Executive. As Secretary of State under President Polk, 1845-49, he peacefully negotiated a dispute with Great Britain over the Oregon Territory, and supported the annexation of Texas. His years as Ambassador in London were equally praiseworthy, partly due to his beautiful, talented niece, Harriet Lane. Buchanan is our only bachelor president. When her parents died when she was 9, Harriet chose him as her guardian. She was his hostess both in London and in the White House. Harriet was such a gifted hostess that Queen Victoria granted her full diplomatic privileges. On March 4, 1861, he gratefully surrendered the turmoil of the country to Abe Lincoln, and retired to his beloved Wheatland. He died there on June 1, 1868. He loved Pennsylvania Dutch Stuffed Shoulder of Pork. INGREDIENTS: 5 to 6 pound shoulder of pork, boned 4 cups sauerkraut, drained 1/2 cup flour 1 tablespoon brown sugar PREPARATION: Fill shoulder with sauerkraut, skewer shut. Score the shoulder, dredge in flour and sprinkle with sugar. Bake at 450 degrees for 10 minutes, reduce to 350 and bake 30 minutes per pound, basting occasionally. 30 minutes before the roast is done, pour off drippings, place remaining sauerkraut around the pork and finish roasting. Serve. Jeff Cheek lives in Medford Email your... Technical questions & comments to: WebMaster Daily Tidings editorial comments & questions to: Editor Visit our other Oregon Newspapers... | Albany Democrat-Herald | Ashland Daily Tidings | Corvallis Gazette-Times | | Lebanon Express | Newport News-Times | Springfield News | Cottage Grove Sentinel | Ashland Daily Tidings 1661 Siskiyou Blvd. Ashland, OR 97520 Telephone 541-482-3456 © Copyright 2001 Lee Northwest Publishing