The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1849-07-15
Death % =. P.ll.

u
will be read with higher interest than those of the old
neighbor Of the lanented deceased We copy the fol-
lowing proceedings from the Columbia Recorder and
this we would have done at earlier day had they not
been msaid, and escaped attention. The beautiful
and appropriate remarks Of Bishop otey will be admired
throughout the Union:
DEATH OF Ex- President PoIK.-Intellgence OF the
death OF President Polk having reached Columbia BY
telegraphic despatch Friday night number OF our
citizens, and OF persons from the neighborhood met at
the court house Saturday afternoon 10 testify the in
ierest which they felt in this melancholy result Bishop
Oey was requested to act as chairman, and Thomas
Kelly as secretary.
Bishop Otey, upon taking the chair remarked in sub
stance, that he understood the object OF this assembly
to be to give suitable expression OF the concern
townsman the ates James X Polk, ex President OF the
United States The intelligence OF the last evening has
been confirmed BY the information OF this mornings mail
The man whom the nation delighted to honor, and in
whom who were then present, felt something of
personal interest, was no more II was right and be-
coming thus to testify our sense OF WORTH and to offer the
expression OF our sympathy and coincidence with the fam
lily and friends OF who holds large share in their
love and respected who had received the highest
marks Of honor and confidence from the nation Our dis
hngushed ieowcitizen had attained the most honorable
station Of dignity and trust in the gift OF great and free
people His administration OF the government had been
r forward during most eysnu period q h
OF deep and absorbing interest to the people Of Europe
and marked by occurrences this continent which are
leave lastlng impression upon our nauOnal
character and give shape TO destiny But all these
his labors and tolls OF whatever kind, private public
personal social have, by the solemn event which has
iorian, and there we who knew him best may safely
leave them; Whatever be our estimate of him as
statesman this not the time or the place to give expires
sion to our opinions Postery never fails to do justice
to character But this is not my purpose (sad Bishop
Oley) to deain you BY any observations respecting the
political life and services Of President Polk, knew
him not politician. never heard him make polt
ical speech never heard him utter an unknd word
about political opponent In this country at least our
and labor for us the free citizens oi this great republic
and in their reputation have deep inteest-an in.
teest inseparable from the honor Of country-ther
fame is our property, and is to be the property of
children.
Ii is due to the seriousness OF this occasion and the So
lemnity OF the purpose for which we have met to re.
member and say that the decease of President Polk
furnishes one OF the most striking instances which can
be presented to contemplation to illustrate the uncer
!ainty OF human caculationhe vanity Of earthly hopes
had scarcely passed the meridian Of manhood-whle
his mental faculties were yet in their full vgorhonored
by his countymen to the full measure Of any reasonable
ambition, and beloved by his trends for many virtues and
social qualities, he might naturally, and doubtless did,
anticipate years OF rational enjoyment in the peaceful
avocalion and tranquil pursuits OF private life Such
may say were his ancipatons-such certainly were the
tondly cherished hopes OF his now bereaved family and
friends
The pail Of death has been suddenly cast over these
bright ami cheering prospects, and called to bow
in grief and humble submission yet in hope to the SOW
eregn will Of that God who doeth nothing in vain The
Bishop said he fell melancholy pleasure in presiding as
the chairman OF that meeting meeting called to do hon
or TO the memory OF one whom he felt il privilege call
his personal friend He had known him for thiny-two
their had commenced at an early period of
fe they had been fellow students the same college, as
socaied as daily companions, In scenes and pursuits
which form the character and develop the qualities Of
both heart and mind. He had subsequently known him
long and intimately in those social relations which bring
men together in private and familiar intercourse He felt
real satisfaction in giving his testimony occasion
i've "a In tha for
Mr Folks diligence and application to study combined
with vigorous powers OF intellect almost disianced
petition He always received the first honor. and gene
rally If not in each instance, separate dslinc.
ton. In his Igid and faithful submission TO lawiul
authority and regulations he had superior in ms in
ercouTse with hts companions he aabe, courteous
and just He was known TO be absent IRON reca.
uon or other duty or exercise prescribed by the college
laws, unless prevented BY sickness Through the long
acquaintance already mentioned, he had never known
HIM perform act, he had heard him utter sent.
ment the recollection Of which might raise blush upon
his cheek or cause sigh Of regret to escape from the
bosoms Of those who loved him. Well might we lament
the departure OF such man! well might we do honor TO
his memory well might we mingle our sympathes and
our tears with those Of his friends in mourning for loss
which they feel 10 be neparabe.
After the eloquent remarks OF the Bishop to the OBJ
ects of the meeting concluded Major General Pill
low moved that the chairman appoint committee to
draugh resolutions for the consideration Of the meeting
whereupon the chairman appointed the following persons
TO be Of sald committee, viz: General Pillow, l. Polk,
Martin, and John b. Groves, who, BY The Chairman,
made the following report. viz:
Having learned the melancholy intelligence of the
death OF ExPfesident Polk we his former friends and
neghbors, deem II due, alike TO his many private
virtues and his illustroas public service publicly to man
iie.t the sympahies Of the community in which he had
resided until called by the nation TO preside over il as
its Chief Magistrate M =
We have known the deceased in all the relations OF
private lie He was ever the mild amabe, courteous
and accomplished gentleman. We have known him
throughout his whole career the bold talented ener
getic and lndomitable statesman and believe tha,
but lew instances can be found IN the history OF man, Of
life devoted with more sngeness OF purpose 10 the ad
vancefnent OF the interest and honor OF his country
Alter he had laid aside the and responsibilities of
the station which he had filled with 30 much honor 10
himself and usefulness 10 his country had but us
welcomed him back TO our midst and hoped long TO see
him In the tranquil walks OF the private citizen enjoy
ing the blessings OF free institutions and the protec
he had himself controlled much TO the glory OF the
country.
But in this hope we have been disapponted n has
pleased Almighty God in bis Providence after permitting
him to close his eventual public lfe TO take him. In The
iulness Of HONOR and ripeness OF manhood from his
venerable mother and numerous relatives to mourn his
loss ''''
Rssoiued, That bow In meek reverence and humble
submission TO the Infinite wisdom Of Almg hy God in this
dlspen,aon OF his Provdence, who alone by power
ssaet men the hieh stations OF the EARTH aud again
Hssovsd That we cherish grateful rcmen brance Of
The long and faithful services Of the deceased by which he
attained the highest honors Ia the gin Of free people
dhs. his many private and social virtues
ss deeply the loss we have sustained by his removal from
Rs,ol.,d Ths. the irmne.. and ability with which he
Magistrate OF the have secured for him th