The Arkansas banner., 1844-06-19

The majority of the Democratic party prefer
 d Mr. Polk as his successor, but ln conse-
 uence of division in it's ranks, the Oppo- siiion. to whom his prominent and uncom- promising course had rendered him less ac- ceptable, succeeded in electing a gentleman, then professed friend, but since decided opponent of the President and his measures. Mir. Folks defeat produced no change in his course. He remained faithful to his party and assiduous in the performance of his ar duous duties In December, 1885, he was elected Speaker Of the House of Representa- lives. and chosen again in September last, af- ter an animated contest. The duties of this difficult situation, it is now conceded, he has discharged with rare fidelity and fairness. In the beginning unusual difficulties were thrown in his way by an animosity which was sometimes carried to an extent that call- ed forth general animadvcrsion. During the first session in which he presided, more ap- peals were taken from his decisions than had occurred in the whole period since the origin of the Government, but he was uniformity sustained by the House, and by many of his political adversaries. Strangers of all parties who visit Washington are struck with the dignity, promttude, and impartiality with which he presides over the deliberations of the House. It 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, Congress passed, at the close of the session in 1857, unanimous vote of thanks to its presiding officer, from whom 1t separated with the kindest feelings; and no man, now could enjoy its confidence and friendship 1T higher degree. His calmness and good temper have allayed the violence of opposi- ton. in station for which his quickness coolness, and sagacity, eminently qualify him.
 Few public men have pursued firmer or more consistent course than MT. Polk. Upon several emergencies, when the current of popular opinion threatened to overwhelm him, he has sternly adhered to the convic- tions of duty, preferring to sink with his prin- ciples, rather than rise by their abandonment. This, we have noticed, was the case after his bank report in 1893, and he incurred the same hazard, when in 1885 he avowed his unalterable purpose not to separate from the l. On each of these occasions, the popular ex- citenent in his district, would have appalled, and driven back a timid and time-serving politician. Had he been governed by selfish motives; had he consulted his own personal ease and looked to his reelection alone; had he, in short, regarded success more than principle, he would have yielded his own convictions to the indications, not to be mis- taken, of popular opinion. But he took counsel of nobler sentin ents, and with a fearlessness characteristic of his whole pub lie course, avowed and persisted in his well matured determinations. He succeeded in carrying truth home to an enlightened con stltuency, was sustainedby increasing maior- ities, and is now so strong in the good will of his district, that at the last election no op- position was attempted. Nothing can be more false than the charge of subserviency which has been brought against him, in com mon with the prominent supporters of the late administration. It is true, that despising the cant of no party, which has ever been the pretext of selfish and treacherous politici- ans, and convinced that in a popular govern ment nothing can be accomplished by isola- ted action, he has always acted with his party, as far as principle would justify. Up- on If ost of the prominent measures of the late administration, however, his opinions were not only generally known, but he had actually spoken or voted, before the accession of Gen. Jackson to power.
 MT. Polk is ready debater, with style and manner foIcible and impressive In discus sion, he has been always distinguished by great courtesy, never having been known to indulge III offensive personality, which, considering the prominence of his course, and the ardor of his convictions, is no small merit As a proof of his exemplary assiduity, he Is said never to have missed division, while occupying a seat on the floor of the House, his name be- ing found upon every list of the yeas and nays His ambition was ever to be useful member as we'll as prominent actor, and accordingly he always performed more than full share of the active business of legislation. In person he IS of middle stature, with full, angular brow, and quick aud penetrating eye. The expression of his countenance is grave, but its serious cast is often relieved by peculiarly pleasant smile, indicative of the amenity of his disposition. The aimable character of his private life, which has ever been upright and pure, secures to him the esteem and friendship of all who have the advantage of his acquan- tance.
 HAVE YOU PLANTED A CRATE VINE ?-IfI you have planted one that produces good fruit, take care of 1t, and propagate it by cut tngs and layers, and its fruit will repay your labor. If you have not, buy or beg one, and plant it the present spring. If you buy, it will cost you few shillings; if you beg one, l do not know how much 1t will cost