The Columbia Democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, 1849-07-14

was HOt SHllltSl Win uespOlluSHCJj MOI stain
ed with guilt Regretting and avoiding the
vices and evils about him, he looked FORWARD
to a time for their repression and banishment
Allrefoms received from him willing audi
ence, and if approved, countenance and
support. And his spirit did not flag to the
last. Beneath the whitened hair of age
dwelt the same faith that had fired his zeal
in boyhood by the banks of the Cumberland
| Ripened, sobered, enlightened and yet stren-
gthened, it had survived contests, contumely
and time. lie carried to his last retirement
an mistaken confidence in Goodness, Truth,
and Humanity. WHATS higher praise for a
public man than this II was the same lof.
ty, unbent, indomitable and hopeful spirit,
with which Milton, old, and blind and poor,
within hearing of ribald court and suuoun-
ded by degenerate people, sang the advent
of truth, justice and brotherhood among men,
Mr., Folks opinions upon public questions,
Gas has been well said OF distinguished his
tonan,) "were philosophical and therefore
uncompromising." They were of the school
of Progress, and few will question that they
were honestly entertained We here ap-
proach ground where sentiment permanent
ly divided, and where it is vain to expect a.
greenent or compromise. War, unending
and unyielding, has ever been waged be-
Cnncar,,oticn, Ipnn,,t,o,,.
only left to choose sides in the struggle.
This much may however be asserted in the
ear of all; that the golden mean between an
archy and tyranny is to be attained by prac-
ticalizing rational and Just reforms, and a
sentiment therefore against progression is
indeiensble and injurious. The blind, un-
reasoning fear Of change and liberalism is
not even promotve of order and content
ment but exactly the opposite. Justly con-
sidered, liberty is the ally of order, or as my
author better words it, "honest liberty is the
greatest foe to dishonest license" OF all
the prominent governments of the world
that one is at this moment the most secure
which is the most free. All Europe is rock
ed with commotion war, rebellion and APP
nrehnnsiou. every whore nhnnndinU In
the United States, where there Is less res
traint upon the citizen than in any other civ
ilized country upon the globe, absolute peace
and quietude prevail. The lesson is being
learned that a free people are the most or
dery. The country where radical reforms
are frequent, and where government itself is
but a creature Of the popular will, is secure
and peaceful amid worldwide connections,
Let the fact be noted as justification OF lib
eral opinions and an iunoyating policy, and
let no one hereafter imagine that the smi-
ting down of abuses will be productive OF
anarchy and disorder.
In the public record of Mr.. Po!k's life, we
have abundant evidence OF his possession
Of popular confidence and respect. He was
the architect OF his own fortunes, without
extraordinary advantages by birth or con-
nexions in short, with his character, indus
try, talents and opinions only to recommend
him; yet they were sufficient to hit HIM INTO
public station, and continue him there, un-
til the close of life. He was in public sta
ton, by repeated elections, and almost un'
interuptedIy, for twenty two years two III
the Legislature and twoa Governor of Ten
nessee; fourteen in Congress, and four as
President of the Union,
His Presidential administration was truly
an eventful one A large circle Of domestic
questions, many of them of highly excl
ting character were acted upon and adjusted.
A foreign war, exhibiting the patriotism and
prowess of our citizen soldiey in most
creditable aspect was conducted to sue
cessful conclusion. Starving thousands IN
in the old world were fed by contributions
from the new Territory west and south, lar
gcrthan all Europe, was added to the Union,
and highway TO Asia opened by the Paclt-
ic, 10 deyelope the enterprise and extend the
power of the Republic through the centuries
looming up from the future History only
in view of results hereafter appearing, can
properly estimate the importance of the e.
vents crowded in to the past four years.
In private life Mr. Polk was distinguished
for amenity of disposition, a gentlemanly de
pertinent, aud strict regard for the rights o
others. His reputation was absolutely with
out stain or suspicion. Although chidles'
his domestic relations were most fortunate
His wife, who survives him, was calculate
to grace any station; she was attached
her husband by real affection, and will It
ceive the heartfelt sympathy of the Amer
can people in her great and iueparable be
eavement
This imperfect sketch is now concluded
We have the deceased before us in the puri
of his character and the sincerity OF his
pinions, as an example for imitation and
subject for praise If such men are take
! as models Of character by h" mas. "