The Cadiz sentinel. [volume] (Cadiz, Ohio) 184?-1851, 1844-07-10

duties. In December, 1885, he was elected
Speaker Of the House Of Representatives, and
chosen ngain n September last, after an anima-
ted contest The duties OF this difficult situation
II is now conceded, he has discharged with rare
fidelity and FITNESS. In the beginning, unusual
difficulties were thrown in his way by an animos-
ity which was sometimes carried 10 an extent
that called forth general animadversion. During
the first session in which he presided, more ap-
peals were taken from his decision than had oc-
cured in the whole period since the origin of the
government but he was uniformly sustained by
the House, and by many Of his political adyersa-
fes. Strangers Of all parties who visit Washing
ton are struck with the dignity, promptitude, and
impartiality with which he presdes over the de-
liberations Of the House Iiwas with great plea
sure thatwe 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 pas
sed, at the close Of The session in 1885, unan-
imous vote of thanks to its presiding officer from
whom il separates with the kindest feelings; and
friendship in a higher degree. HIS calmness
and good temper have allayed the violence Of
opposition, in station for which his quickness.
coolness and sagacity emnenty qualify him.
Few public menhave pursued frmer or more
consistent course than Mr.. Polk. Upon several
emergencies, when the current Of popular opin-
ion threatened to oveTwhelm him, he has sternlv
adhered to the convictions of duty, preferring to
sink with his principals, rather than rise by their
abandonment. This. We have noticed, was the
case after his bank report in 1888, and he incur
red the same hazard when, in 1885, he arowed
his unalterable purpose not to separate from the
democratic party in the presidential election.
On each of these occasions, the popular excite
ment in his district, would have appalled, and
driven back tmd and time-sering politician.
Had he been governed by selfish motives; had
he, in short, regarded success more than princi-
pie, he would have yielded his own convictions
TO the indications, not to be mistaken, of popular
opinion. But he took counsel of nobler senti-
ments, and with fearlessness characteristic OF
his whole public course, avowed and persisted in
his well-matured determinations He succeeded
IN carrying truth home TO an enlightened constit-
uency, was sustained by increasing maorties,
and is now so strong in the good will Of his dis
trIct, that at the last election 10 opposition was
attempted. Nothing can be more false than the
charge of snbsenoncy which has been brought
against him, in common with the prominent sup
porefs OF the late administration tits true that
despsing the cant of no party, which has ever
been the protext Of selfish and ueacherous poll
ticians, and convinced that in popular govern
ment nothing can be accomplished by isolated
action, he has always acted with his party, as far
as principle would justify. Upon most of the
prominent measures Of the late administration.
however, his op'noas were not only generally
known, but he had actually spoken or voted, be-
fore the accession Of General Jackson to power
Mr.. Polk is ready debater, with style and
manner forcible and impressive. In discussion,
he has been always distinguished by great cour-
tesy, never having been known TO indulge in Of
tensge personality. which, considering the prom
inencc of his course, and the arlor of his convic-
tiors, is no small merit As proof of his exem-
plary assiduity, he is said never to have missed
division, while occupying seat OH the floor of
the House, his name being found upon every list
ofthe yeas and nays. His ambition was 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 statue, with a full, angu-
lar brow, and quick and penetrating eve The
expression ofhis countenance is grave but its Sc
rious cast is often relieved by peculiarly pleas
ant smile, indicative of ihc amenity of his dispo
sition. The amiabe character of bis private life.
which has ever been upright and pure, secures
to him the esteem and friendship of all who have
the advantage Of his acquaintance.
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