The National tribune., 1900-12-06

During the latter part of President Ty'
ier's Administration great excitement
spread over the country regarding the Re
public of Texas. From 1921 to 1896 the
FAST territory lying between Louisiana and
Mexico had been Province of Mexico.
Mexicans had been so oppressive that
the Texans rebelled in 1888. In March
1886. the Mexicans surrounded Il Texas
fort called the Alamo. This force was
commanded by Santa Ana. The garrison
was overpowered and maSSacred. David
Crockett, an Congressman from TenneS-
see. was one of the victims of the massa-
ere.
The next month the decisive battle of
San Jacinto was fought, which gave to
Texas her freedom and made her Repub-
lie.
Gen. Sam Houston, who was wounded
in this battle, resigned command of the
army, and was elected President IN Sep
TENDER, 1886. In March, 1887, the United
States acknowledged the independence of
Texas.
In 1889 the independence of the Repub-
lie was acknowledged by France; in 1910.
by England, Holland and Belgium.
During Van Buren's Administration
Texas asked to be admitted to the Union,
but no action was taken by the United
States. During the last years of Tyler $
Administration the question was agitated.
The proposition came before Congress IN
1914, and March l, after many warm de-
bates. in which the Democrats favored an
nexatiOn and the Wings opposed because
slavery was behind it, the bill was passed.
Three days before he retired from Office,
Tyler signed the bill, and the State was
admitted the following December.
The great question that governed polItl-
cal parties in the campaign of 1914 was
the annexation. Mr.. Van Buren, was
dropped by the Democrats, as it was
known that he was not favorable TO it, and
James K Polk was put forward as the
candidate. while Henry Clay was chosen
as the standard bearer of the Wings.
The convention which nominated Mr..
Polk met in Baltimore May %, 1874.
News of his nomination was sent to Wash
ingtOn by the magnetic telegraph. Ihls
was the first news Of such nature ever
transmitted in this manner.
Mr.. Polk vas elected by smaD major
ity.
The Liberty" party ran James G. Biz
ney. which merely resulted in taking votes
from Mr. Clay, and electing the Democrat
ic candidate.
After the storm was over there really
were many Democrats who united with
the Wings in regret, over the defeat OF
1.-THE Mill Boy of the SlaSheS.' grand
'Harry of the West" The great Senator
hope of reaching the Presidency was
eclipsed forever.
President Polk was a native of North
Carolina. His ancestors were from Ire
land. He removed, with his father, IN his
bOyhood to Tennessee. He was elected
TO the State Legislature in 1893; to Con-
gress in 1925; from 1885 to 1899 he was
Speaker of the House. He was elected
Governor of Tennessee in 1889, and in
1874 President of the United States.
The Inauguration was held March 4,
1915. The morning was rainy, cold, and
the streets were muddy as Washington
streets could be in the first half century
of the citys life. The face of nature and
the faces of men wore a depressed air,
aud the flags which were everywhere dis
played hung limp in the drilling rain.
The city was filed with visitors; no
tells were crowded to discomfort.
The military escort, under the command
of Capt. Mason, formed at the parade
ground and marched to Coleman's Hotel
now the Nationally Chief Marshal Me
Cula formed the Inaugural procession.
There were II military companies, among
them the celebrated Independent Blues of
Baltimore The Empire Club of New
York City. which followed the military.
hauled brass cannon. Several yOlleys
were fired in front of the hotel. They car
ried large silk banner. which was sur
mounted by the cap of Liberty and bore
the portraits of Washington. Jefferson,
jackson and Van Buren,. Military and ma
val officers followed. Then came in an
open carriage, escorted by Gen. Hunter,
Marshal of the District. the President
elect. James X. Polk. and President Tyler.
The carriage was hanked by the Fairfax
Cavalry. As 10 carriages were allowed to
enter the Capitol grounds, they left the
carriages at the gate and walked through
the rain to the Capitol.
The inaugural address was delivered to
Of I.y
Eastern Portico. The oath of Office was
administered by Chief-JuStice fancy.
President Polk was accompanied TO the
White House by exPrcsidcnt Tyler.
Two Inaugural balls We're held at night
One extra fashionable affair was held al
Carusi's. Tickets sold at SO. Another
was held at the old National Theatre, op
posite the Webster Building, on Louisi
ana Avenue. Tickets sold at 50. This
was badly managed, uncomfortable af
fair.
Mrs. Polk assumed the duties of the
Lady Of the White House and devoted
her time entirely to the pleasures Of hel
new station.
She was a woman of rare accomplish,
ments. She had been reared in the atmos
phere Of the old-school manners and prin
ciples, which she carried with her into the
White House, thereby always maintainn.
the dignity Of the Presidents Mansion
winch IN country OF KepuDlcan freedom
and simplicity was in danger of dropping
from this high estate.
She held weekly receptions at the White
House, always receiving her company sit
ting. as had been the custom of Mrs
Washington. The formalities Of to-day
were not necessary in those days
When Mrs. Washington held her levees
the President passed around the company
and had Il word for each. President
Adams had cake and wine served TO the
que; and we have heard of bread anG
che in Jackson's time. but the throng.
inc sed in the days of Mrs Polk unit
. sh Has compelled 10 dispense with re
treatments. Now the President and hi,
wife must stand through the long, wear,
hours, and policemen are stationed e
keep order and control the crowds Verii,
we are becoming child Of sturdy growth
Politicians may differ in regard to Mr.
DnILE,s nnlinr ,uhiIn Drnsianr.t E.,t r.L....