The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1849-06-30

| .
| the United states.
We published through the columns of the last number
of this gazette brief article In relation TO the merits
and virtues, and patriotic services OF the Hon James
Polk late President of the United States The article
dictated by long cherished respect Tor great and
good man, who had faithfully discharged all the duties his
country had required al his hands, and who after sue
cessu and brilliant career had retired 10 the quiet retreats
of society, where he sought that repose and absence
from labor and turmoil which essential to the welfare
OF the statesman.
Although the article IN question was the offspring OF
good WILL and OF honest admiration OF we had
long known aud honoed and who at the time at which 1t
written, powerless, II denounced by party
undeserved euogum, and the author OF IT sus-
pected of aiming sinister objects Such is the spirit,
the Infamous and deestabe spirit OF faction and party
such the baseness of that spirit of parsanship which
suspects everything above lis degraded level and which
would enter the sepuchres OF the dead and feast and
riot on Wondering carcasses
At the time wrote, had not the remoest idea
that Mr.. Folks life in danger; on the contrary, we
thought had good TO believe that he had so lar
recovered from the assault that disease had made him
in New Orleans, that he out OF danger, and would
live many years receive The respect and veneraon OF
his grateful counrymen. But erred The late Pres
dent of the United States died the 18th instant at his
residence in Nashville, Tennessee; and II the good, and
the just and the pure IN spirit are admitted TO the pres
ence of Jehovah, James X. Polk is rejoicing in the
mansions OF eternal happiness
Mr. Polk born in the county OF Necklenbhrgh
North Carolina, November2, l795, and at the time OF
his DEATH was in the fifty fourth year OF his age IT is
not necessary TO 60 through with his entire biography
has already been published IN most OF the gaZetles
OF the Union He entered Congress IN the year 1925
and remained in il until the 4th OF March, 1889. In the
year 1882 he was elected Speaker Of the United States
House of Representatives, and held that position four
years and is stretch of political history to say that
he discharged the duties OF that high and responsible
position with an ability, dignity and success that were
never equalIed He the ablest presiding officer that
ever occupied the American woosack.
The day that Mr.. Polk elected Speaker, combi-
nation was formed embracing the united strength of the
opposition then made up of wings, nulfers, and Judge
White State rights men, 10 break him down and crush
him with the dust For two years was tins most rancor
Gus and determined waged with merciess zeal and
penacity but it failed It's objects, and the designs
of the foemen were totally defeated The Speaker Fri.
umphed. On the 4th day of March, 1899, Mr.. Folks
of Office having expired, he returned to Tennessee
and remained private citizen, until the month of August
that year, when he elected governor OF Tennessee
which post he held two years, when he defeated by
Governor Cannon and retired from the hustle
and cangor of political warfare. He content with
the past and sought not preerment renewed honors
at the hands OF his counrymen and was happy in the
enjoyment repose which his unostentaous cottage
on the banks of the Duck river afforded.
Whilst thus secluded from the world. IN the month of
May 1884, IN consequence OF divisions and dlssenslons
in the democratic party he was nominated candidate for
the presidency by the Baltimore convention. .
During the entire campaign OF 1914, we were the active
and daily correspondent OF MIR. Polk. and among the
most ardent OF his partisans and writer's We ap.
prised of his opinions and feelings reference to the
probable result OF the canvass; and when, IN the month
of September OF that year. we assured hum that he would
carry the State of New York, and furnished him sta
tstca table that demonstrated the certainty OF his
cess, he replied that very sangune and good
friends, but talked very much like enthusiasts He had
no confidence in his success, till the votes of New York
and Pennsy lvaDla were recorded
MIR. Polk took personal steps, adopted no private
means, insure his He refused to perainbuate
the country and make speeches--he declined writing
political letters and left everything the decision of the
people. And the people elected hmm.
The only letter he wrote during the entire canvass,
was one to Colonel Kane, of Pennsy lvania in reply to
one asking his opinion reference to the tariff which
he said 81 in favor of tariff for revenue, and Incl
dentaly for protection" This reply all that
quired-it full and explicit; and yet after it
ascerained that Pennsylvania had awarded to him her
suffrage it denounced nsidous, hypocrltcal and
deceptive 1t had no effect the decision OF
Pennsylvania than pieee OF blank paper.
James X. Polk incapable of deceit or duplicity In
all his actions he was open, bold and manly and the
man does not exist who justly charge him with the
sin of double-deaing He was
an hone ST man--the noblcst work of God"
His administration outshone all others in brancy,
splendor and glory 1t marked with great events
accomplished the nobles of ends and he who re-
view it, and refuse admit that he who led il, and who
carried il successfully through the trials with which ii
beset, great man, equal TO every emergency Of
State, must possess OF heart and sordid-
of mind that shall envy But this is not
the time the place to goino the public and private
history of Mr. Folks administrations both reserved
for the author of the "Reminiscences of the Times of
the late John Quincy Adams" who will lay them before
his readers.
A. GREEN. Auctioncer.
VALUABLE FARM, CROP, STOCK, sc. AT AuCTIoN.-On