The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 18??-1935, 1891-01-16
Mrs Polk,s Bonds.

IN his recent message to the legisla-
ture, Gov. Taylor uses the following
words: ST recommend that your
honorable bodies authorize the fund
ing at par of the bonds of the State
now held and owned by Mrs. James
K. Polk"
This same question has been up be-
fore the legislature time and again,
and has as often failed, for the lack of
equity, and we hope the present leg
islators are of like minds with their
predecessors.
There is absolutely no equity or
Justice in this claim, al d the only
hope for its passage is the persistent
begging that keeps it before the pub
lie and the maudlin sentiment Of
hero worship. That President Polk
was an honor to his State and gave it
distinguished services, of cou Sc We
are proud to admit That his hon
ored widow is in every way worthy
to enjoy the after glory of his great
name, we are quite as willing to ties
tify. But in the business settlement
of a States debt there are other ques
tons for consideration, not quite so
pretty but deal more practical.
When it comes to the point OF
measuring Mr.. Folks distinguished
services by money standard, as the
Governor does, it is fair to reply that
Mr. Polk was paid according to con-
tract, AM well paid. And in the
further consideration of this inter
esting question, we wish to inform
our Legislators who do not know the
fact, and to remind those who do,
that Mr.. Polk was President OF all
the States and the servant of the
Union, and the Federal government
has already very literally provided
for his widow. She receives a pen
and having no one to care for but
herself, and being lady not of overly
extravagant habits, this gives her q
plenty and to spare.
or course no Tennesseean would be
| willing to see this estimable widow
Of great son of Tennessee, at all
stinted in the manner of living. But
she il not. For that matter Mrs. Polk
could very we'll endOw some charitable
| institution of the State with all hel
bonds, and never in the lea It feel the
loas of them. And, indeed, as she
has no children, this would seem s
very proper thing for her to d., and
! would be very much more in keep
| ing with greatness than to ask NOR
when she already has a plenty.
But the truth is. If our information
from year to year upon this question
has been correct, Mrs. Polk is not Sc
much concerned about the funding OF
these bonds, and does not disturb
| herself as much as some others dc
for her. 1t is something of an opeI
secret about. n ashville aud in wei
| informed circles that Mrs. Polk il
petitioner" more in name than il
fact, and it is very broadly stated by
a gOodly number of. people that thu
prospective heirs::..Of this estimabl'
and aged lady, are working up this
funding scheme more for their owl
advantage than hers.
However this may be, and putting
all other considerations aside, when ,
State goes to fund its debt, it shOulC
deal honestly and alike with all it
creditors. There are orphans wh'
hold some of these bonds, and ther'
are other widows who. hold them, ant
they are entitled to the same funding
rate as Mrs, Polk. And the legislatO
who votes to the contrary will vote t.
please the favored few. and agains
the wishes and interest Of the many