The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1844-12-12
From Che Nashville Union.
THE PRESIDENT ELECT.


Congratulations Of his friends in Alabama.
On the 2st ultimo, a few days after the certainty
of Gov Folks election had been ascertaned high
y respectable committee, consisting of fifteen dis
tnguished gentlemen of Alabama, deputeG by their
ellow-citZens, waited the President elect al his
residence IN Columbia. On their arrival and hen
they called on Gov Polk at his hospitable mansion,
Dr. J. Shack eford as chairman delivered the fol-
lowing congratulatory address, with copy of which
we have been politely furnished by direction of the
committee.
On being introduced, DR.. S. said
Gov. Polk: We have been deputed by a respecta-
BILE portion Of the democracy of North Alabama to
wait on you personally and TO congratulate you upon
your elevation to the highest Office which be
TERED by the suiirages of free people We sincere
y congratulate you upon the triumph which has been
achieved by the sober second thought of the peo-
pie OF the United States We congratulate YOU upon
the reputation by the people of the doctrine that
Is the government should take Of the rich and the
rich take care OF the poor" We congratulate you
upon the prospect of the reestabshment, in the adj
nnlsraon Of the federal government of those pure,
genuine and sacred principles Of republcanism,
Vhich mold the balance Of justice and steady
vhich diiuse their blessings equally throughout every
prton oil society-and which cheer the heart of the
hmblest cottager as well the man of wealth
We congratulate you that the event of the election
lbs made the heart of the old Roman the venera-
ne sage and hero of the Hermitage, {" leap for joyn
We congratulate you that the people have not been
inmlndiu OF those distinguished services which you
lave already rendered your country, and that the
glorious victory, the effect Of which thrills every
democratic heart IN the nation with emotions Of hon
est iHua non, has been achieved under the lead Of
mai who has never been found wanting in ZEAL patri-
otisn integrity, or ability Truly, sir your election
IS Tie htest reward which could have been bestowed
by your countrymen for the seli-sscrihcing spirit
whbh has characterised your COURSE and always
PLACED you foremost in the conflict where dearly cher
nh'd principles and the equal rights Of The people
wee TO be maintained and vindca
hstrucied and taught to confde in your well
\ bolshed character for patriotism and qualifications
byte energy you have often displayed IN former days
whre those great principles, now happily redeemed
| lron The dangers which lately threalened-were
sailed by the advocates Of monopoy-the democracy
of Alabama, in common with the democracy OF the
Upion, look forward TO your administration with most
perfect confidence, that as far be done within
the scope OF executive action, IT will the hap
piness and prosperity Of the whole country. We feel
proud sir, that our own young and gallant State has
contributed her whole strength TO the accomplishment
Of this browning victory.
We are likewise charged, sir, with the agreeable
duty of inviting you, in the name of the democracy
of North Alabama, to partske Of public dinner, to
be given at the town Of CORTLAND, at such time as
may best suit your personal convenience.
To this hearty and cordial address the Governor
made brief, but appropriate reply. Being i'm
promptu, and delivered ex tempore, ii was marked
by that peculiar felicity Of eoquence aud feeling for
which he is almost unrivalled among the public
speakers Of the day. Being taken, as II were, by
surprise, at his own house, we have no means OF
giving his response except from the notes Of its sub
stance, made Immediately afterwards by gentleman
who was present on the occasion:
Governor Polk heartily thanked the committee for
the kind congratulations they had been pleased TO
convey to him, in terms respectful and hattering
TO his feelings, from his friends and fellow citizens
Of Alabama upon the result Of the late important
political contest.
In referring TO the allusion which had been made
10 the address OF the committee the course Of the
State of Alabama in the election just terminated he
said in substance that the admiration and thanks of
the whole Democratic party we're richly due that no.
Bile and youthful State Alabama though not one of
the cold thirteen had, from the moment she became
10 member of the glorious coniederscy Of States,
maintained firmly and unde viatingy the cherished
Democratic principles Of Thomas jefferson, Nathan
N Macon and their patriotic associates. In the
worst and trying times she had never faltered
When, four years ago, so many States we're over
vhelmed by our opponents, she stood erect aud un-
shaken In her Republican Democracy, in the midst
Of the fury and devastation Of that memorable pollt-
cal storm. He sincerely congratulated the commit
tee that they were citizens Of State-a patriotic
and rapidly growing Stste-which had been so con.
sistent and whose political position Justly en-
yiabe.
lie further remarked, that he scarcely knew what
reply TO make to the kind invitation they had given
him to meet the democracy of Alabama at a public
dinner at CORTLAND He was aware Of the enlarged
Pnd generou. hospitality by which the invitation was
dictated and need not assure them, that # il should
POSSIBLY be in his power it would give him the most
ncere pleasure to meet his democratic friends at
be place indicated, and shake them by the hand -
hey must be aware, however, that IN his present
osition heavy correspondence, as well as many |
Their indispensable engagements, making heavy de
lands upon nearly the whole of his time, almost |
feoluded the possibility Of his acceptance Of the
tended henor. lie would, however, he assured |
km, In the course Of few days convey TO them a |
| tre definite answer. Again, he thanked them for |
honor Of their visit, requested them TO return his
Anowledguents 10 the democracy Of Alabama
sose repres, natives they we're, and bado them |
hrty welcome to the Inequalities Of his house
| The committee were highly gratifcd by their
vt We have since learned that Gov. Polk has in
aritten communication, declined to accept the in
vition TO the proposed public dinner.
bill has been introduced into the South Carolin,