Bloomington herald. [volume] (Bloomington, I. T. [Iowa]) 1840-1849, 1844-07-05


tial
Mr.. Folks career at the University was
distinguished. At each semi-annual ex>
animation be bore away the frs, honor
and finally graduated in 1918 with the
highest distinction of his class, and the
reputation of being the first scholar in both
the mathematics and the classics. Re-
turning to Tennessee, in the beginning of
the year 1919. he commenced the study
OF the law in the Office of Senator Grun-
dy; and in the latter part of the year 1920
was admitted TO the bar. He commenced
his profession, and in less than year he
became the leading practitioner. He pur-
sued his profession with constant in.
creasing reputation and success, until the
year 1923, when he entered upon the
stormy career of politics in being chosen
to represent his county in the State Legis-
lature. He was chosen TO that body for
two successive years, where his ability in
debate, and talent for business. at once
gave him reputation. The early personal
and political friend of General Jackson,
he was one Of those who gave his vote to
call that distinguished man 10 the Senate
of the United States. In August 1925,
being then in his thirlieth year. Mr. Polk
was chosen to represent his district in
Congress, and in December following,
took his seat in that body, where he re-
NAMED until the year 1898. He brought
with him into the national council certain
fundamental principles, to which he uni
formly adhered through all the mutations
of party. Being from his early youth a
Republican, he has ever regarded the Con-
stitution of the United States as an ins,rl-
ment Of specific and limited powers, which
doctrine is at the basis of the Democratic
creed. Mr.. Polk is strict construction
list, and has opposed the la'itudinarian in
lerpretations that Federalism gives to the
Constitution, and which tends to the con-
soldation of all power in the general gov
eminent. He tool: early ground against
both the constitutionalily and expediency
of United States Bank and in August
1929, months before the appearance of
General Jackson's first message, he pub
ished letter to his constituents contains
ing his views. He is a strong and .pow>
eIiiuI opponent of Protective Tariff, and
strenuously advocates reduction of the
Federal revenue to the economical wants
of the Government which should be
raised by Tariff based upon revenue
principles, and afford such incidental pro
lection as may be lnseparable from pure
revenue duty. During General Jackson's
term he was firm. supporter of his adj
minstration and on certain questions of
grea,importance its chief reliance. In the
hour of trial he was never found wanting,
or from his post. In December, 1927, he
was placed on the important committee OF
Fore on Affairs, and shortly after at the
head of the Select Committee, to which
was referred that portion of the Presidents
message calling the attention of Congress
TO the probable accumulation of surplus
in the Treasury, after the anticipated ex-
,inguishment of the National Debt. As
the head of this committee he made an a.
bic report, replete with sound argument
and doctrine ably enforced, denying the
constitutionalty of the power to collect
money from the people by taxes, and then
distributing it and maintained that the
revenue should be reduced to the wants Of
the Government.
In December, 1882, he was transferred
to the Committee of Ways and Means.
the most important Committee of the
House. There again he distinguished
himself, and was at the head OF the Com.
mi,tee. His GOODNESS, promptitude, and
abundant intellectual resources were new
er at fault; and through the whole OF the
stormy period of Jackson's administration,
caused by the violent opposition of the u
nited States Bank, Mr.. Polk enforced
with great power and ability the proprle-
~ of the measures of the administration.
In December. 1885, Mr.. Polk was cho-
sen Speaker of the House, and elected a.
gain in 1887. During the whole term OF
his Speakership, in all the emergencies IN
which he was called upon to act, he Stern.
w adhered to his convlciios OF duty, and
few men have ever pursued firmer OF
more consistent course than Mr.. Polk
Notwithstanding the violence with which
he was assailed by the opposition in the
House, Congress passed, at the close o
the session of 1897, an unanimous vote o
thanks to him as the presiding officer
from whom it separated with the kindes
feelings; and no man enjoyed its conn
dence and friendship in a higher degree
His calmness and good temper frequently
allayed the violence of opposition pow
er for which his quickness, coolness' ahe
sagaci,y eminently qualified h'm. 81
In l549, Mr.. Polk was elected GOV
ernor of the State of Tennessee which Oh
free he held until ls4l Thus we SET
hat our candidate for the Presidency ha
FLIED various honorable stations III tn