The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1844-08-30
THE HON. J. X. PoLK-THE HON. GEO. NJ,
DALLAS.

pOTltu tHt VI 1iti W oc obaH Piat'" ."
the high station Of Chief Executive Magistrate OF
the Union. A tariff for revenue with proper dis
elimination for protecton--the annexation OF Texas
the adjustment of the Oregon question without re-
linquishlng any of claims to terfitory-and I'M
compromising opposition TO the establishing OF Ma
tional Bank, the great measures that nave
claimed our attention heretofore. They are The
principles of MIR Tyler, and some OF them peculiarly
his own-they the principles OF the Democratic
party.
Since the withdrawal by Mr. Tyler of his name
as a candidate for the Presidency we know of 10 In
dividual after him. to whom could with greater
pleasure and cheerful give our support TO that
high office than to Mr. Polk man of unbem-
ished private character, which the breath of malig-
nant SANDER has been unable to tarnish with stain
Failing 10 that, his enemies and opponents have
sought to make him responsible for acts imputed to
his grandfather.
Passing from his private character, both pure and
unspotted, we take Retrospective glance al Inc
public career of MIR. Polk. This we do entirely
from recollection We shall endeavor, however, TO
preserve accuracy. Mr.. Polk first came into Con-
gress at the session of 1929 3O-the first after Gen.
Jackson was elected President During his two
terms of eight years, Mr.. Polk was his undertaking
supper et He justly enjoyed the confidence OF Gen
Jackson TO an Unlimited degree
On the resolution offered early in 1882, by Judge
Clayton, of Georgia, for the appointment OF a com
mttee 10 investigate into the conduct of the mana
gers of the Bank Of the United States, and into the
state of its affairs most violent and angry
debate arose between the supporters AID OPP
moments of that institution. Ia favor of the PAS
.age of that resolution Mr.. Polk took very
CONSPICUOUS and performed most able part. The
committee was appointed, and Developments of
most astounding character resulted from the investi-
CATION. In the following session of lS32-33, Mr..
Polk was a member OF the Committee OF Ways and
Means. Between this and the previous ,sslon, DIS
closures had come to light, of most audacous con-
duct Of the Bank in the arrangements ii had made
abroad to postpone The payment of the three per
cent debt, for which the Government had provided
the funds in its hands. One of the first moves
at this session, was an effort made 10y Mr.. Folk 10
have committee appointed to investigate into the
affair, well as other things connected with the
Bank. The proposition was voted down, and failed
The friends Of the Bank, who were then a majority
proposed that sn agent might be appointed TO ex'
anime and report the condition of the Bank, know
ing that the Secretary of the Treasury, who would
appoint the agent, friend OF the Bank.
Mr. Polk, nothing daunted by this defeat,
solved that the Transactions Of the Bank in regard TO
the three per cent should be brought to light al
though majority OF the Committee of Ways and
Means were friendly to the Bank, yet, Mr.. Polk per
severed until he had the matter brought before that
committee and thoroughly investiga ed. The agent
of the Bank, who made the negotiation abroad and
a number OF the most prominent directors were sum-
moned to Washington TO give evidence before the
committee touching the transaction. The 0agrancy
Of the transaction, as we'll as the delicate and un-
sound condition Of the Bank, drawn from the eyi
dence Of the witnesses and the report Of the agent
were fully exposed in a most able and elaborate re-
port, made by Mr. Polk on the part of the minority
of the committee, while the majority reported
favorably TO the Bank, anC appended resolution,
that the deposiles might be safely lodged with it,
which was adopted by vote Of 10 to 46 Two
members of that majority Of the committee, the
Hon. Gulian c. Verplanck, the chairman, and the
Hon. Ralph Y Ingersoll, who were the opponents of
a Bank and we bel the supporters Of MIR
Polk.
In the recess be,w cen this session and that Of 1888
- "a the deposites were removed from the Bank by
Gen. jackson.
At the session Of Is33-'34 Mr. Polk was appoint
ed to the important ard 1ous and responsible post Of
Chairman of the Committee Of Ways and Means
The Bank and its friends exasperated and furi-
GUS They were resolved on having revenge Their
whole strength was put forth to oppose the Admins
tratiOn and embarrsss the country, for the purpose
Of he Ih.,r
est men took the lead in the onslaught. Tits may
be said to be the most violent and stormy session
witnessed the capitol. II was on occasions almost
innumerable, during this session, that Mr. Folks
powers sbone with the most exalted lustre. He was
emphatcaily the leader Of the House. On him de-
yolved the duty of defending the Administration, and
repeing the assaults Of the supporters Of the Bank
lie did 1t IN a most triumphant manner No man,
probably ever possessed the confidence Of the party
in the House. in a eminent degree than did Mr..
Polk. He possessed the rare quality OF being able,
when occasion required, 10 rally It to a Mr..
Polk continued in the station Of Chairman Of the
Committee Of Ways and Means at three succeeding
sessions with equal credit to himself and equal salts
faction 10 his friends.
AT the session Of 1886, MIR. Polk was elected
to the important station OF Speaker Of the House Of
Representatives, which chair he filled during that
and the succeeding session. Probably who
ever filled that chair had hs patience often put to
the tes, as Mr.. Polk Steps taken, debates got
up for the sole object OF embarrassing and irritating
him. Nevertheless, Mr. Polk on all occasions was
calm, dgnl6ed, decided. He never Lost his equsom-
ty or allowed hrs impartality TO be effected 10 such
higb deUree did he pre serve all those otia tes Of
character, that he commanded the appreciation and
thanks OF those opposed to him in general, and in
some instances, in an especial manner. 1t probably
never fell to the lot Of any individual occupying the
Speakers chair, 10 be called on to decide, as fire.