The Arkansas banner., 1844-06-19


 thoroughly prepared himself to commence his collegiate course. IL will be seen from this nasty sketch, that the history of the Speaker furnishes an interesting example of talent and perseverance triumphing over dis heartening difficulties in early life. So fre- quent are such instances, that 1t would almost seem that true merit requires the ordeal of adverse circumstances, to strengthen its tenn per and distinguish it from unsubstanial pre- tension.
 Mir. Folks career at the University was distinguished, At each semi-annual exami- nation he bore away the first honor, and finally graduated in 1918, with the highest distinction of his class, and with the reputa- ton of being the first scholar in both the mathematics and classics Of the former science he was passionately fond, though equally distinguished as a linguist His course at college was marked by the same assldully and studious application which have since characterized him. His ambition to excel was equaied by his perseverance alone, Tn proof of which 1t is said, that he never missed a recitation, nor omitted the punctli- ous discharge of any duty. Habits of close application at college are apt to be despised by those who pride themselves on brilliancy of mind, as if they were incompatible. Thi. Is a melancholy l.istake. Genius has ever been defined the faculty of application. Tn. latter IS, at least, something better, and more available So carefully has Mir. Polk avoided tie pedantry of classical display, which i: the false taste of our day and country, as al most to hide the acquisitions which distin guished his early career. His preference foi the useful and substantial, indicated by hi, youthful passion for the mathematics, has made him select a style of elocution which would, perhaps, be deemed too plain by the shallow admirers of hashy declamation- The worst of all styles is florid and exagge. rated. It is that of minds which are, as i were, overlaid by their acquisitions. They break down beneath burden which they have not strength to bear
 'Deep versed in books, but shallow in themselves
 The mind should rather be fertilized by culture than encumbered with foreign pro ductioAs. Pedantry is at once the result ant proof of sciolsln
 Returning to Tennessee, from the Slatc which IS, in two senses, his alma mater, with health considerably impaired by excessive application, Mir. Polk, III the beginning o the year lSl9, commenced the study of the law in the office of Senator Grundy, and late in 1920 was admitted to the bar. He com. menced his professional career in the count, of Maury, with great advantages, derived from the connection of his family with it early settlement To this hour his warmes friends are the sharers of his fathers earl, privations and difficulties, and the associate, of his youth. But his success was due tc personal qualities, still more than to extrinsit advantages. A Republican in habits as wei as in principles, depending for the mainten ance of his dignity upon the esteem of others and not upon his own assumption, his man ners concillated the general good will Tht confidence of his friends was justified by tht result His thorough academical preparation his accurate knowledge of the law, his readi ness and resources in debate, his unwearicc application to business, secured him, at once full employment, and in less than year he was already leading practitioner. Sucl prompt success Tn a profession where tho early stages are proverbially slow and dis couraging, falls to the lot of few.
 MT. Polk continued to devote some year exclusively to the laborious prosecution of hi profession, with progressive augmentation of reputation, and the more solid rewards by which 1t IS accompanied. In 1923, he en tered upon the stormy career of politics, bein. chosen to represent his county in the Stat legislature, by heavy majority over the for mer incumbent, but not without formidab opposition. He was, for two successv I years, member of that body, where hi ability in debate, and talent for business, a once gave him reputation. The early per sonal and political friend of Gen. Jackson he was one of those who, in the session o lS23-'24, called that distinguished man iron his retirement, by clecting him to the Senat of the United States; and he looks back will pride to the part he took in an act whicl was followed by such important consequen ces. In August, 1925, being then in hi thirtieth year, Mir. Polk was chosen to rep resent his district in Congress, and, in the en suing December, took his seat in that body where he has remained ever since II brought with him into the national council those fundamental principles to which he Ina adhered through all the personal mutation of party. From his early youth, he was Republican of the "straitest sect.n He Ina ever regarded the Constitution of the Unite States as an instrument of specific and limite powers, and that doctrine Is at the very loun dalton of the Democratic creed Of course he has ever been what is termed a strict con structionist, repudiatng above all things, tn latitudinaran interpretations of federalism which tend to the consolidation of all powe , in the central government. He has signalize his hostility to these usurpng doctrines I all thier modes. He has always refused hi assent to the appropriation of money, by tn ? Federal Government, for what he deems th unconstitutional purpose of constructin : works of internal improvement within tf :, States. He took ground early against tf s consttutionality, as we'll as expediency, of :. National Bank, and in August, 1929, cons h quently several months before the appearan' d ofGeneral Jackson's first message, announce l. then his opinionssin published letter to - constituents He has over been onnosad