The Arkansas banner., 1844-06-26

a higher degree. His calmness and good temper have ailayed the violence of opposi- ton, in a station for which his quickness, coolness, and sagacity, eminently quailly him.
 Few public men have pursued lirmer or more consistent course than Mir. Polk. Upon several emergencies, when the current oi popular opinion threatened to overwhelm him, he has sternly adhered to the convic- tions of duty, preferring to siull with his prin- ciples, rather than rise by their abandonment This, we have noticed, was the case after his bank report in 1883, and he incurred the same hazard, when in 1895 he avowed his unalterable purpose not to separate from the Democratic party in the Presidential election On each of these occasions, the popular ex- citement in his district, would have appalled, and driven back timid and time-servlng 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 fearlessness characteristic of his whole pub- lie course, avowed and persisted in his we'll matured determinations. He succeeded in carving truth home to an enlightened con- stituencv. was sustained by increasing maior- itios. and is now so strong in the good will of his district. that al 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
 non with the prominent supporters of the late administration. lis true, that despising the cant of ao pariy, which has ever been the pretext of selfish and treacherous poltici- ans, and convinced that in 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 II 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.
 Mr. Polk Is ready debater, with a stylean manner forcible and impressive. In discus sion, he has been always distinguished by great courtesy, never having been known to indulge in offensive personality, which, considering the prominence of his course, and the ardor of his convictions. is no small merit. As proof of his exemplary assduity, 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 mays. His ambition was ever to be a useful member as well as prominentactor. and accordingly he always performed more than a 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 ofh.s countenanee is grave, but its serious cast Is often relieved by peculiarly pleasant smile, indicative of the amenity 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