The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1844-06-14


proclaiming that revolution had already begun;
all the business Of Legislation in both wings OF the
the Capitol postponed to that ofagtaton and panic;
an extrajudicia and branding sentence pronounced
upon the Chief Magistrate of the nation, in violation
of usage and the constituton;-these features pre-
sent but faint picture of the alarm and confusion
which prevailed. CONSERVATION had almost seized
upon the republican ranks, thinned by desertions
and barrassed by distractDg doubts and fears. But
the stern resolve ofhim whose iron arm guided the
helm of state, conducted the perlous conflt to
successful issue, Nor should we forget the emf
nent services of the individual who presided over
the Committee of Ways and Means. Hiscoolness,
promptitude, and abundant resources were never
at fault His opening speech in vindication OF the
Presidents measure, contains all the material facts
and reasons the republican side of the question,
enforced with much power and illustrated by grea;
research. To this speech, almost every member Of
the opposition, who spoke upon the question, at
tempted to reply; but the arguments which its au-
thor brought forward to establish the power of the
President under the constitution, as elucidated by
which had been SO boldly denounced as high-hand-
ed and tyranncal usurpation, could neither be refu-
ted nor weakened Mr.. McDuffie, the distinguish
ed leader of the opposition in this eventful conflict,
bore testimony, in his concluding remarks, TO the
''boldness and manliness' with which Mr.. Polk had
assumed the only position which could be judicious-
ly taken The financial portion of his speech, and
that in which he exposed the garing misdeeds of
the bank, were no less efficient. When Mr.. Nc
Duffie had concluded the remarks to which we have
alluded, member from Virginia, after few peril
nent observations demanded the previous question.
A more intense excitement was neverfelt in Con-
gress than at this thrilling moment. The two par
ties looked at each other for space in suen silence,
like two armies on the ola deadly conflict. The
motion Of fMason prevailed, the debate was arrested,
and the division proved triumphat victory for the
republican cause The bank then gave up the con-
test in dspair.
The position of the chairman of the Committee of
Ways and Mean, at all times most arduous and
responsible one was doublyso at this session. which
will form an epoch in the political annals of the
country. Mr.. Polk occupied it for the first time.
From its organization and the nature OF its duties,
this committee must be at all times the chief organ
Of every administration in tn House. At this ses-
sion it was, for obvious reasons, peculiarlyso. To
attack it, then, was TO strike at the government; TO
embarrass its action to hwart the of the
administration. Extraordinary and indiscrminate
opposition was accordingly made to all the appro-
priation bills. 1t was avowedin debate that it was
within the scope Of legitimate opposition to with
hold even the ordinary supplies until the depostes
were restored to the bank of the United States;
that this restitution must be made or revolution en-
sue. The bank must triumph, or the wheels of gov
ernment be arrested. The people should never for
get the perils ofa contest in which they almost
constrained to succumb The recollection should
warn them not to build up again power in the state
of such formidable facilities The tactics which
we have just described, threw great additional labor
upon the committee, and particularly upon its chair
man. Fully apprised of the difficulties he had TO
encounter, he maintained his post with sleepless
vigilance and untiring activity. He was always
ready to give the House ample explanations upon
e very item, however minute of the various appro-
priations. He was ever prompt to meet any objec-
tons which might be started, and of quick sagacity
to detect the articles to which factious disngenu-
business is prone to resort. All the measures of the
committee, including those of paramount impor-
tance relating to the bank and the deposites were
carried in spite of the most immtigable opposition
The true hearted republicans who conducted this
critical conflict to successful issue-among whom
Mr. Polk occupies distinguished rank-deserve
the lasting gratitude of the country.
Towards the close of the memorable session of
1884, Mr.. Speaker Stevenson resigned the char, as
well as his seat in the House The majority of the
democratic party preferred Mr.. Polk as his success
sor but in consequence of adivison in its ranks the
opposition, to whom his prominent and uncompro-
missing course had rendered him less acceptable sue
ceeded in electing gentleman, then professed
friend, but since decided opponent Of the Presi-
dent and his measures. Mr. Folks defeat produ-
to his party, and assduous the performance of his
arduous duties. In December, 1885, he was elect
ed Speaker of the House of Representatives, and
chosen again in September last, after an animated
contest The duties OF this difficult station, it is
now conceded, he has discharged with rare fidelity
and frmness. In the beginning unusual difficulties
were thrown in his way by an animosity which was
carried to an extent that called for gen.
eral animadversion. During the first session in
which he presided, more appeals were taken from
his decision than had occurred in the whole period
since the origin of the government; but he uni
formly sustained by the House, and by many ofhis
political adversaries Strangers Of all parties who
visit Washington are struck with the dignity,
and impartiality with which he pre-
sides over the deliberations of the House. 1t was
with great pleasure that we heard, but the other
day, an eminent member of the opposition in that
body bear the same testimony Notwithstanding
The violence with which he had been assailed, Con-
rraee y,ooead ha elo1a oft tho saaeson 1907