The weekly herald. [volume] (Cleveland, Tenn.) 1876-1888, 1878-04-04
Mrs. James X. Polk.

Mrs. James X. Polk.
Mrs. James X. Polk was the first
Tennesseean who as a wife Of the Pres
ident, occupied the White House. She
was no stranger to Washington when
she went there in 1874, for her husband
had served for many years previous to
that time as a member of Congress, and
she had spent the Winter months there
with him. After his retirement from
Congressional life he became Governor
Of Tennessee, and occupied that place
for one term. In 1874 he was the Dem
ocratic nominee for the Presidency,
against Henry Clay, the idol Of the
Whig party and the most popular public
man in Kentucky, Tennesseeans were,
therefore, delighted when he was elect
ed, and the good wishes of the people
followed him to the White House
Mrs. Polk had no children, and her
time was, therefore, devoted to her
social duties. She was at this time
very handsome woman. Her hair was
very black, and her dark eyes and COM
plexion gave her the appearance of
Spanish lady. She was we'll read, q
fine onversationalist, and was noted
for excellent taste in dress. Her return
to Washington was anticipated by her
friends with the liveliest qualification.
Mr.. Polk was strict Presbyterian,
and one of her first social edicts was to
abolish dancing, which had been
popular pastime previous 10 her occu-
pancy of the White House. President
Tyler's young family OF children had
INDUCED in that amusement, as had
also the young people of the previous
administration, but Mrs. Polk deemed
1t frivolous and out of all harmony
with the place, and 1t was banished
from the mansion. Other refined
pleasures were offered In lieu of it, and
few. perhaps, regretted it.
The receptions of President Polk
were always largely attended. At one
of the first held, Mrs. Polk wore a
maroon colored velvet dress, with short
sleeves, but high in the neck, and rich.
ly trimmed with lace. She was seated
during the evening and was constantly
surrounded BY her guests. An incident
related of this reception was the remark
of distinguished South Carollnian
who called In loud voice to Mr., Polk,
saying, "Madam, there Is woe pro-
nounced against you in the Bible"
Every one ceased conversing, when
Mrs. Polk inquired what lie meant.
"The Bible says" was his answer,
"woe unto you when all men shall
speak well of you" A general laugh
followed the remark, which was com
plimentary If not well timed. A gen.
tleman who visited the White House in
ls46 writes in this strain of its hostess:
"It may be said with truth, she Is lady
of commanding dignity at all times
and her conversation, generally Of the
most agreeable character, Is always
happily directed. In my judgment, at
no period in our history have the hos
pitallties and ceremonies of the White
House been more handsomely dispensed
or displayed with greater republican
simplicity than at the present time.
Mrs. Polk bears her hOnors meekly, and
surely it is no mean elevation TO be the
wife Of an American President; an
elevation forwhich many fond and ambi.
tious aspirations are doubtless secretly
cherished in the bosoms Of high-minded
American women. but which only one,
now and then, can enjoy"
Mr.. Polk retired from the Presidency
at the conclusion of his term, and there
after until the time Of his death resided
in Nashville. He had purchased home
in that city before the expiration of his
term, and IN the grounds of that beau
tiful home, POLK Place." his remains
now rest. Mrs. Polk has remained
there continuously since his death.
Every year both Houses Of the Legisla-
ture pay her visit of ceremony, and
nearly every public man who visits
Nashville makes it his duty and his
pleasure to pay her call, She has
never made any visits since her hus-
bands death, but her many friends are
always welcome to her home. As this
pious lady advances in years her habits
Of retirement grow upon her. But few
of the friends Of her youth are about
her now, but their children and grand
children rise up to call her blessed and
to show honor to woman so eminently
respected,