The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1892-07-19
A TRIBUTE TO PRESIDENT POLK.

Polk is dead. The President of the
National Farmers Alliance died at
Washington, June 18th, 1892. He died
after a short illness, and 5000 after his
great letter was read in the Stockton
Convention. He fingered only a few
days in extreme bodily pain, and the
silent melancholy of a proud and noble
heart, and then expired. His body was
conveyed to Raleigh for interment. At
the time of his death he was IS wears
of age, all Of which had been spent in
an active, courageous struggle for the
necessaries of life. He was a great
organizer, and massed all the indus
trial elements into a compact body.
He was scrupulOusly correct in his
principles, delicate in his sense of
honor; and owing to his extreme ieaI-
ousy of his reputation he fell a victim
to OverwOrk, In battle he was con-
spicuous, and whether on the bloody
angles, or looking over the cleaning
gun barrel, his courage never failed
him. He has done more to bring about
a reconciliation between the old sol
diers, North and South, than any man
now living. But it is on the amiable
qualities that adorned his private life,
that his friends will love to hang with
the fondest rememberance-that bland
philanthropy that emanated from
every look, that breathed forth in
every accent, that gave a grace to
every action. His was a general be-
nevOlence that, like the lambent flame,
shed it's cheering rays throughout the
sphere of his influence, warming and
gladdening every heart and lighting
up every cOuntenance into smiles.
But there was a little circle on whose
sacred sorrows even the eye of SYM.
pathy dared not intrude. His wife and
daughters looked up to him as their
ornament and pride. There is a touch
ing pathOs about the death of this
great man that endears him more to
US than if he had lived. The conqueror
of nations is an object of admiration,
but in some measure of envy; what
ever gratitude we feel for his services,
we are apt to think them repaid by
the plaudits he enjoys, but he who falls
a martyr to his cOuntry's cause eXCites
the fullness of our public sympathy.
Envy cannot repine at laurel5 so dearly
purchased, and gratitude feels that he
is beyond the reachO its rewards. The
last sad scene of his life hallOws his
memory; it remains sacred by misfOr-
tune, and honOred, not by the accla-
nations, but by the tears of his coun-
trymen. The idea of Polk being cut
down in the prime of his manhood and
stretched upon his bierin Washington,
is a picture that will remain treasured
up in the dearest r~ecOllectiOns of every
farmer in the United States. Weclaim
him as great leader, and his will
form one of those talismanic names
which every nation preserves as watch
words for patriotism and honor.
Deeply, therefore, as every bosom
must lament the fall of so gallant a
leader, there are some reflections con
soling to the pride of friendship, and
which may soothe, thoughthey connot
prevent the bitter tear of affection. He
fell before the battle was or. His fall
may be the cause, but not the cOnse-
quence of defeat. He fell covered with
glory, in the flower of his days, in the
perfection of mental and personal en-
dowment, and in freshness of reputa-
ton, thus leaving in every mind the
full and perfect image of a hero. How
yer we may deplore the stroke of
death, his visits are occasionally we'll
timed for his victim; he sets a seal
upon the fame of the illustrious, fixing
it beyond the reach Of accident or
change. And where is the O of
honor, painting for his distinction, who
would not rather, like Polk, be
snatched away in the brightness of
fame and glory, than dwindle down to
old age, wear his reputation to shreads
and leave behind him nothing but the
remembrance of imbecility. With
feelings that swell our hearts do we
record the honors paid to our great
leader on their arrival at Raleigh. His
pail was supported by his old com
rades, who crowded to yield the last
sad honors to the man they loved. The
group that gathered around Folks
grave presented a scene worthy of the
heroic days of chivalry. Peace be to
his ashes, and may his spirit from on
high wa.ch and guide the army he has
organized until victory perches upon
our banner.
recommend that a time be set apart
in the meetings Of the Alliance in july
for suitable memorial services.
MARION CANNON,
State President.
Ventura Observer, June 22. 1892