The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-12-18
From the N. Y. Globe
HON. JOHN w. DAVIS-SrEAKER.

From the NJ Y. Globe
HON. JOHN w. DAVIS-SrEAKER.
The rise of man of merit by force Of his own
genius integrity, and resources, should ever be
object of interest and admiration in government
like ours where the most distinguished honors are
open to the competition Of talent and moral worth.
In the early history Of the republic the principles Of
free institutions, the capabiy Of self-government,
and finally the revolution, which contaminated the
declaration of independence and secured place
amongst the nations of the earth, all these
advocated by men from the humblest walks Of life,
impelled by high and devoted patriotism, encour-
aged by that noble ambition which is the offspring
| of true genius.
II is no great achievement for fortune and family
influence and ability combined, to attain station and
honor; but that perseverance, resolution of charac-
ter, and naked poverty, should surmount all con-
tending difficulties, and reach seat of eminence
cupied by the greatest and best of statesmen s
an event worthy of remark--a beacon-light to the
laudabe ambition Of rising generations. Such has
been the we-deserved fortune of the subject of this
notce-a man emphatically without fear or re-
proach.
John w. Davis was born in the county of Lam
caster, Pennsylvania, and is now forty-6ve years of
age. He studied medicine under the celebrated DR..
Foulke, of Carlisle and graduated with great cred
1t at the University Of Maryland, in 1921 carrying
with him the sincere affection of his class, and the
high respect Of the institution which conferred his
Indiana, then comparatively wilderness, and set
tied in the county Of Sullivan, where he now resides
By his urbanity of manner fidelity of character and
enlightened ability in his profession, he soon COM
manded the esteem and regard Of the people among
whom his fortunes were cast, and in 1929 was cho-
sen surrogate of the county. Two years after, he
induced to accept seat in the State legislature,
and acquired so much popularity and influence in
that short period, to be reelected without oppo
siton in 1882. His reputation had now spread be-
yond the limits of his adopted State, and attracted
the attention of Gen. Jackson, then at the head of
the government, who, in the summer of that year,
selected him commissioner to negotiate treaties
with the Miami and Pottawatomie Indians. How
faithfully and zealously he discharged these delicate
and important duties is matter of public history,
and one to which his friends Justly point with
pride and satisfaction. He returned to his seat in
the legislature of Indiana, in the winter of 1884, and
was chosen Speaker of the House of Representa-
tive The impartality and ability with which he
administered this Office secured him the democratic
| nomination for Congress, in 1883, when he was de-
feated by two votes, after having deprecated the
wing majority to mere fractional existence. At
the next canvass, in 1885, he was again put forward
and triumphantly elected, against powerful COM
binaton, and under circumstances most fatterng to
his personal popularity
| In 1887, he was not candidate for reelection,
and the district relapsed into its ancient whig faith
Public opinion, however, called him forth at the sue
ceedng contest and the immense majority of l, 300
manifested, in some degree, his hold upon the feel
ings and affections of his neighbors and constituents
those who best able to estimate the qualities
| and character of public man.
In lS4l the universal cry for "change in the adj
ministration of the government" extended itself to
Indiana, and the deuge of public sentiment in favor
OF General Harrison, permeated to its remotest
boundaries. majority of 1000 on the presidential
ticket was rolled up for odd Tip, and yet DR..
Davis stemmed the current as to be defeated but
by few votes. In the same year, however, he was
once more returned to the legislature, and again
elected speaker to the House; and in I842 by an al
most unanimous appeal, no opposition having been
nominated; he was persuaded to resume his seat
He declined on this occasion to permit his name to
be presented in the contest for the speakership in
order that he might accede to the general wish Of
the leaning interests Of the State and accept the
management of the Committee of Ways and Means.
The embarrassmens and financial difficulties of In
diana, at this period, made the post Of the high
responsibility and trust and demanded the reso-
luton and energy belonging to great crisis. The
signal capacity with which he met the surrounding
difficulties, and fulfilled every duty connected with
the station, has left impression upon the State
which will not readily be eradicated.
| AT the canvass of l643 he was returned to Con-
gress by large majority and placed at the head of
the Committee on Public Lands, one of the most i'm
portant positions in the routine of legislation. In
| this situation, he gave evidence Of eminent legal
acumen, ard that distinguished sense and judg-
ment which has always characterized his public ca
reer. He was laborious, faithful, and practical in
executing this trust and by his demeanor on the
floor Of Congress, and the talent evinced in the
mitee ROOM secured that confidence and respect
which has since raised him still higher in the scale
of public estimation.
! During the last summer he was reelected to
Congress by majority of three thousand, being one
thousand five hundred the highest party vote
a circumstance which speaks its own eulogium bet
ter than any could pronounce.
i At the democratic caucus for speaker, he received
on the first ballot, than double the number of
votes given to all the contrasting candidates. and
honored with the nomination without another ef-
forta mark of appreciation rarely conferred within
| late years.
In this gradual elevation from one post of honor
to another he has always united the regard and
spect of the people-he has never violated faith of
any sort--he has always proved himself honest and
upright--he has never shrunk from duty or respon-
sibility, and zeal and industry have been among his
leading qualifications. The early instructions which
he received from an aged and respectable parent,
who is still an active and eminent divine in Mary
land, has given him moral influence which few
/ public men possess. Such is this man of the peo-
pie, who has risen to the high Office of speaker of
the American Congress- by the effect of integrity, in
| dustry, and ability. 1t is an example worthy of
emulation, for higher honors are yet in store for him
| unless all the omens are false
| IT -