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

people OF Mecklenburg were, almost 10 man,
staunch wings in the genuine, revolutionary ac-
ceptation Of the term, and have been up to the
present day remarkable for their unwavering ad-
herence to the democratic principles. AS an evil
dence Of the sturdy independence which charac-
terizes them, it is often pleasantly observed that
at the last war, they took up arms six months
before, and did not lay them down until twelve
months after the government In the contest for
independence, several of Mr.. Poks relatives dis
tinguished themselves even at the peril of life. To
be allied to such people and lineage, is fit sub
ject for honorable pride. Liberty does not frown
upon the indulgence Of sentiment so natural
She does not reject the heritage of honor, while
refusing to add to it social or political distinctions
subversive Of equal rights. The American peo-
pie have always manifested an affectonate regard
for those who bear the names of the heroes or
martyrs Of the revolution They furnish not a
proof of the alleged ingralitude Of republics.
The father of Mr.. Polk was farmer Of unassum-
ing pretensions but enterprising character =
Thrown upon his own resources in early life, he
became the architect Of his own fortunes. He
was warm supporter of Mr. Jefferson, and through
life firm and consistent republican. In the au-
tumn Of 1906, he removed to Tennessee, where
he was among the first pioneers Of the fertile
valley Of Duck river, then wilderness, but now
the most fourishing and populous portion of the
State. The magical growth of a country which
was but yesterday redeemed from the sole domn-
ion of patura 10 a nbanomanon of oraat moral and
political interest, and cannot fail to impress char
acter Of strength and enterprise upon the authors
and participators of the wonderful result. How
can man languish or halt, when all around him is
expanding and advancing with irrepressible ener
gy! In this region, Mr.. Polk still resides, so that
he may be said literally to have grown with its
growth and strengthened with its strength. OF
course, in the infancy of its settlement, the oppor
tunities for instruction could not be great Not
witbstanding this disadvantage-an the still more
after years of suffering he was finally relieved by
a surgical operaton-he acquired the elements of
good English education. Apprehending that
his constitution had been too much impaired to
permit the confinement OF study, his father deter
mined, much, however, against the will of the
son, to make him "a commercial man; and with
this view actually placed him with amerchsnt.
Upon what slender threads hang the destinies of
life! A little more and the uncompromisng oppo-
nent of the bank of the United States, the demo-
cratic speaker of the house of representatives,
might have been At this day, in spite of his origin
and early tendencies, wing preacher of pancs,
uttering jeremiads for the fate of that ,shadowy
and intangible thing yclept "credit system"
eff shape it might be called, that shape had none,
Distinguishable in member, joint or limb; a-'"
Or substance might be called, that shadow seem'd,
For each seemed either" H
He remained few weeks IN situation adverse
to his wishes and incompatible with his TASTE
Finally his earnest appeals succeeded in overcom-
ing the resistance of his father and in july 1913,
he was placed under the care OF, Rev. Dr. Hender-
son, and subsequently at the Academy of Murfrees-
borough, then under the direction of Mr., Samuel
P. Black, justly celebrated in that region as cas
sical teacher. In the autumn of 1915, he entered
the University of North Carolina, having, in less
than two years and half, thoroughly pre- Jared
will be seen from this hasty SKETCH that the history
of the speaker furnishes an interesting example of
talent and perseverance triumphing over disheart-
ening difficulties in early life. So frequent are
such instances that ii would almost seem that true
merit requires the ordeal Of adverse circumstances
to strengthen its temper and distinguish it from
unsubstantial pretension
Mr.. Folks career at the University was distin-
gushed At each semi-annual examination, he
bore away the first honor, and finally graduated in
1878, with the highest distinctions Of his class, and
with the reputation of being the first scholar in
both the mathematics and classics. Of the former
science he was passionately fond, though equally
as linguist. His course at college
was marked by the same assiduity and studious
application which have since characterized him.
His ambition to, excel was equaled by his perse-
verance alone, in proof Of which it is sad that he
never missed recitation, nor omitted the punctil-
ious performance of any duty. Habits Of close
application at college are apt to be despised by
as il they were incompatible. This is melancho-
ly mistake. Genius has ever been defined the fac
uIty Of application The latter is, at least, some
hing better and more available So carefully has
Mr. Polk avoided the pedantry Of classical display,
which Is the false taste of our day and country, as
almost to hide the acquisitions which distinguished
his early career. His preference for the useful and
indicated by his youthful passion for
he mathematics, has made him select q style Of
slocution which would, perhaps. be deemed too
plain by the shallow admirers of flashy declama-
ion. Tne worst Of all styles is the fiorid and
exaggerated. 1t is that of minds which are, as it
we're, overlaid by their acquisitions. They break
Town beneath burden which they nave NOT
strength to bear
deep versed in books but shallow in themselves"
The mind should rather be ferdlized by culture
han encumbered with foreign productions Ped