The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1849-06-21

VI all The Twelve Presidents OF the United States, only
three survive, including the present incumbent.
OF the nine who have deceased none, except Mr. Polk
were under about sixty eight years OF age The oldest
was John Adams, who was nearly ninety one.
In 1906, when President Polk was eleven Years old
the family removed 10 Tennessee.
In 1915 he entered the University of North Carolina,
where he distinguished himself BY puncuality good
scholarship and other desirable qualities At each semi
annual examination he bore away the first honor, and
finally graduated with the highest distinction of his class
In 1919 he returned to Tennessee and commenced the
study OF law in the Office of the late Honorable Felix
Grundy and was admitted to the bar in 1920 After Two
or three years exclusive application TO his profession he
was elected to seat IN the State stature and in 1925 to
the Congress of the United States He soon made his
influence felt in that body, and continued member oil il
for great number OF years. In 1885 he was elected
Speaker of the House. and again in 1897 In leaving the
chair the close of that Congress- (Which terminated its
existence in 1892 MIR. Polk addressed the House
considerable length, in the of which he SAID
Us But five members who were here with fourteen
years ago, continue TO be members of this body My
service here has been constant and aduous per-
haps Say what but few others, if any, that have
not failed 10 attend the daily sittings of this House
single day since have been member of it, save on
single occasion, when prevented for short time by
ndspostion
the pleasure OF this House TO elevate has been at all
times of labor and responsibility 1t has been made
my duty to decide more questions OF parliamentary law
and order, many of them of complex and difficult char
acer, arising often in the midst of high excitement in
the course OF proceedings than has been decided it is
believed by all my predecessors from the foundation Of
me, without distinction of the political parties of which
il has been composed. return them my thanks" &c.
In 1899, MIR Polk declined election to Congress- and
was thereupon elected governor of Tennessee which Of
flee he held Tor two years From the expiration of this
period he remained in private life (athough twice
successful candidate for governoD until May, 1914,
when, most Unexpectedly to himself and to the nation
he was nominated by the Democratic Convention at
Baltimore, for the presidency of the United States
70 this high office he elected in the fall of the
same year. His administration is too fresh in the
memories OF our readers to require to be particularly
deneated. It was, however, bold and successful
one. Everything which he attempted he achieved
Whatever may have been the merits of the war with
Mexico, deny that it carried on with en-.
Iergy, ability, and wonderful success. None either can
justly deny to Mr. Polk the credit of honesty and integ
y of purpose and sincere desire TO promote the honor
and interests of his country. He always manifested
great respect for religion, and added his influence that
his excellent lady, in its favor But he has gone His
administration and life ended, and henceforth mat
tiers of history.
Within how short period have we been called to
chronicle the departure of three of distinguished
citizens Worth, Gaines, Polk, all of whom had filled
bright pages the roll of fame, among the dead
While honor their memories and endeavor to initiate
virtues, let remember that the highest distinction
on earth is, to be truly good.