The Columbia Democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, 1844-06-08

,essee in the beginning OF the year 1919, he
commenced The study of the law in the Of
ice of Senator Grunsly; and in the latter
jari OF the year ! $40 was admitted TO the
var. He commenced his profession, and in
less than year became the leading rpracu
oner He pursued his profession with {
conslanuy increasing reputation and success
lunil the year 1928 when he entered upon
the stormy career Of politics in being cho
sen 10 represent bis county in the State lie
gisIatUre. lie was chosen to that body two
successive wears. where his ability in de
bate, and talent for business, at once gave
aim reputation. The early personal and
political friend of General Jackson he was
one of those who gave his vote TO call that
distinguished man TO the Senate Of the Uni
ted States.
In August 1925, being then in his ihirii
eth year. Mr. Polk was chosen to repre-
sent his district in Congress, and in Decem
ber following took his seat in that body,
where he remained until The year 1885,
lie brought with hlm into the naiona! coun
ell certain fundamental principles TO which
he uniformly adhered through all the muta
ions of the party. Being from his early
youth Republican, he has ever regarded
the Constitution of the United States as an
instrument of specific ard limited powers,
which doctrine is al The basis of the Demo
cratic creed. Mr.. Polk is a strict construc
Zionist, and has ever opposed the lslitudma
rian Interpretation that federalism gives to
The Constitution, and which teGd to tive
CONSOLIDATION Of all power in the general
government. He took early ground against
both the constiIutionality and expediency Of
an United States Bank, and in August 1929
months before the appearance of General
Jackson's first message, he published lev
Ter to his constituents containing his views.
He strenuously advocates a reduction OF
the federal revenue 70 the economical wants
The government which should be raised by
a tariff based upon revenue principles, and
afford suCh incidental protection as may be
ne ,essary 10 suslainAmerican manufactures.
During General Jackson's term he was .
firm supporter of his administration, and on
certain questions of great importance, lis
chief reliance. In the hour of trial he was
never found wanting, or from his post. In
December, 1923, lie was placed on the i'm
por,ant committee Of Foreign Affairs, and
shortly after at the head Of The Select Com
miilee TO which was referred the portion OF
the Presidents message calling the attention
of Congress 10 the probable accumulation Of
a surplus IN the treasury after the eX'inguish
nent of the national debt. As the head OF
this committee he made an able report, re
lpete with sound argument and doctrine ably
Ienforced, denying the constiutlonality OF
the power to collect money from the people
10y taxes, and then distributing it; and main
tained that the revenue should be reduced
10 the wants Of The Government.
In December, 1892, he was transferred
10 the Committee of ways and means, tn,
most important committee Of the House -
There again he distinguished himself, anC
was placed at the head Of the committee
HIS GOODNESS prompti!ude, asd abundant in
telleclual resources were never al fault ant
through the whole of The stormy period o.
Jackson's administration, caused by .he vi
Iolent opposition Of the UEited States Bank,
Mr.. Polk enforced with great power ant
ability the propriety OF lbe measures of The
administration.
i In December, 1885, Mr.. Polk was chosen
Speaker of The House, and elected again IN
l53V. During the whole term OF his Speak
ership, in all the emergencies in which he
was called upon to act, he sternly adhered
to his convictions Of duty, and few. men
lhave ever pursued 6rmer or more consist
lent course than Mr.. Polk Notwiihsiand
ling the violence with which he was assail
led by the opposition in the House, Con
Igtess passed, at The close of the session Of
1898, an unanimous vote of thanks TO him
as the presiding officer, from whom il separa
ted with the kndest feelIngs;,aD no man en-
Iioyed is copfden' or friendship in high
er degree. HIS camness and good temper
frequently aIlayeI The violence Of opposi
|uon, a power for which his GOODNESS and
sagacity eminenlly qualified him.
In 1890 Mr. Polk was elected Governor
lof the Safe of Tennessee, which Office he
held until l94l' Thus we see our cana
date for the Presidency has filled various
honorable stations in the councils Of The ma
lion, and the highest Office in the gll Of
the people Of his State. And he is deslin
ed shortly TO be elevated 10 the highest of
all earthly stations. Mr.. Polk's private
character is as pure as his putlic life has
been exalted; and the country does not fur
nish man OF more pure and steadlasl devo
ton to The great and fundamental principles
Of our Republican Government than James
K. Polk, the personal and political friend OF
Andrew Jackson and Martin Van BuTen.