National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1881-02-19
Town to me because of my relation to President

shown to me because of my relation to President
Polk"
"reminiscences being in order. General Cary re-
lated one OF the campaign Of 1874 between
| POLK AND CLAY.
He said: al greatly admired your husband.
madam, but having been a Wing worked and
voted for Henry Clay. l remember that about the
! time OF Mr. Folks nomination l was invited by
Clay TO deliver some speeches in Central Kentucky
! On my way over there from Cincinnati, horseback.
| accompanied by friend, while we were crossing
q stream, Kentucky citizen hOrseman overlook
us and inquired who had been nominated by the
Democrats for President. We told him James X.
Polk. OF Tennessee. Who I'm thunder is James
K POLK he eOncernedly asked, and adding that
Polk was some nobody never heard of before. We
| mentioned some of Mr.. Folks titles to distinc-
non. The Kentuekan Was a vigorous
Democrat Riding together, two min
utes later We met another Kentucky horyeman
Kentucky Democrat No. vehemently and enthu-
siastically shouted 10 Kentuckian No 2: 'HOo-rav
| FOR Jeems X. Polk, of TENNESSEE The greatest
man in America and mast renowned citizen
Couldn't ha' been better nomination. Hoo-ravr
! This change OF heart of Kcnuckian No. greatly
amused us"
And the story amused Mrs Polk who dcmurcly
observed: "Ycs, it was almost q surprise to the
country, when so young and comparatively un-
L
pete for the Presidency against one so famous as
Mr.. Clay; but the surprise even greater espe-
cially to Mr. Clays party and to Mr.. Clay himself
when Mr. Polk was elected"
You have wonderful variety of visitors, Ipre-
sumo Mrs. Polk II suggested.
Yes, persons Of all rlimes and ages come. Dur
ing the war General Grant gave me call and we
had pleasant visit. The Legislature usually call
on me ina body. Not long ago Presiden; and Mrs.
Hayes visited ME when passing through Nash
Vile"
Referring TO Mrs. Hayes, Mrs. Fall said, pleas
antly: -" Mrs. Hayes is n most charming lady. She
is one of the most highly cultivated and attractive
ladies ever met. We enjoyed her visit exceed
iBgly.''
Turning to Nr. Cary, Mrs. Polk observed:
Judge Hoadleys Of your city, accompanied by
the great lawyer, Charles O'Conor, visited Us re-
Gently Mr.. O'C0nor is, like myself, along in
years, and, you remember, his hair is SNOW white.
We had good talk of Washington life away back
in the fOrtieS, when Mr. Polk was President He
related his exalted opinion of himself, and his ex-
quiste sensations Of distinction and pleasure when
invited to g public dinner at the White House
MI OConor was then in Washington believe
He asked me: Don't you remember the occasion?
regretted that III such multitude of dinners and
social amenities couldn't just recall the instance
Then Mr.. OCUnor reminded me: Why, Mrs
Polk, you and were young and iovial then, and
remember il distinctly as if it weEc but yester-
day; and you were gracious 10 us all! Mr..
OCOnOr's memory Was tenacious AMI enthuSi-
astic, and was pleased, bat recollection Of that
particular event was ef1accd by time"
After further desultory social intercourse we
arose and babe these estimable ladies adieu. The
parting recognition was as free and cordial as was
the greeting, leaving upon us strangers touch Of
that warmth Of social life that is 50 winning in
the South land.
Reaching the streets, General Cary repeated TO
me verbatim the campaign of 1874 story, which he
could not tell in fall 10 The ladies. The Kentucky
Democrat No. I, when told that his party had
Polk, said; - Who the he'll is this bur
Polk, anyhow? never haern OF him befO'." Soon
meeting his acquaintance, Kentuckian No. ,, he
was asked: Governor Jeems II. Polk, sah.''
" Who's Polk asked No. > Polk Why, you
burned old gumpbea:i, Jeems II. Polk, The great
est man in America"
Mrs Polk lives apparently a quiet life IN her
Polk Place retreat, thus ending her days eOngen-
Tally, respected and hOnOred. The State OF Ten
nessee is entitled 10 one credit mark. Though
upon the public interest in all other
cases. the interest on $4,000 of Tennessee State
bonds owned by Mrs. Polk has never been de |
laulted was told that this was her chief source
Ofincome. Would it not be graceful social eOur-
eSy for Mrs. President Garfield TO extend cordial
to Mrs Polk 10 visit her at the White /
House next summer? GOTHAM.