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VOL. L
ADDRESS
- On the Life, Character and Public Serlices of
JAMES K. POLK,
Late . President of the United states,
DELIVERED B Y
B. CHAMPNEYS, act.,
In the Tann: Hall, in the Borough of Marietta,
November 17, 1849
Agreeably -to previous arrangements a
meeting was held at the Town Hall, for
the purpose of hearing an Address on the
life and character of the late illustrious
President of the United States, JAMES
K. PoLK, by the Hon. B. CHA3IPNEYS,
Wll . O had kindly consented to perform that
service on the occasion. The meeting
was organised by appointing the Hon. J.
GROSH, President; and HENRY HAINES
and HOPEWELL BLANCHARD, Esqs., Vice
Presidents ; and DAVID GROII and SrmoN
S. ALBRIGHT, Secretaries.
On motion, J. J. Libhart and Charles
Kelly, were • appointed to conduct the
Speaker to the Hall.
After the conclusion of the Address;
on motion, the thanks of the audience were
tendered to the Speaker, for his eloquent
and interesting oration, and a committee
appointed in solicit a copy for publication.
CORRESPONDENCE
.To the 'Hos. B. CHAMPNEYS
DEAR Sin :—The undersigned appointed a
committee by the Democratic citizens of Marrietta,
Maytown and vicinities, who had the pleasure of
hearing your eloquent address on the life, character,
-and public services, of the late illustrious and la
mented Ex-President of the United States, - JAN Es
K. Potir, delivered before them on the evening of
the 19th inst., at the Town Hall, to solicit aAopy
for publication.
The committee hope and believe, from your uni
form readiness to serve the public, that you will
not hesitate to grant this additional favor.
With considerations of respect and esteem, your
friends,
BAYARD GROSE!,
J. J. COOK.
Marietta, Nov. 19th, 1849. Committee
• GENTLEMEN :-I am deeply sensible of my
obligations for the kind and friendly sentiments
expresSed in your note of the 19th inst.
In submitting the Address for publication, in
accordance with your request, I cannot presume,
in the brief and condensed view of the Life and
services of the illustrious deceased, connected with
so many important events of our past History, to
have been able to contribute any additional in
formation to the public mind, upon subjects with
which all are so familiar.
I remain with high regard your friend and
obddient servant,
B. CHAMPNEYS.
Messrs. J. Huston, John J. Libhart, Andrew
Leader, Bayard Grosh, and J. J. Cook, Commit
tee.
Lancaster, Nov. 20,1849
ADDRESS
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN •
A passing tribute to the, memory and vir
tues of the dead, is a jusedebt from the jus
tice of the living. It is associated with the
best feelings of the human heart ; with the
examples and recollections of the past ; and
impelled by an incentive to the bright path
of dtity to the future.
The resistless wave of time, carries to
its last resting place, all 'that remains of
humanity ; an the business, turmoils, sel
fishness and interests of society impel us
onward ; almost unheeding the lifeless form
which has been stricken doiim in the midst
of its career of usefulness. It has been well
said by the poet, " How peaceful and how
powerful is the grave !" It curbs the as
perities of our nature ; teaches a lesson
which must check the vaulting ambition of
the aspiring; and inculcates the salutary
moral, that every position in society occu
pies the same space in the eyes of the di
vinity :—" Wheti the fever of the world
shall hang upon the beatings of their hearts,"
as it has been well expressed, there are
spirits who will turn their thoughts to the
lifeless clay, and reflect upon the memories
of the past; and give to the future, the pre
diction of the blessings and bounties con
ferred by the influence of good deeds, and
a pure and patriotic heart.
When standing at the grave of one who
has distinguished himself for his patriotism
and extraordinary services to his country,
" The spirit's ladder,
That from this gross,and visible world of dust,
Even to the starry world, with thousand rounds
Builds itself-up;"
purifies and elevates the memory and theaf
- fections; and discards every other sentiment
and feeling, except the impress of the lin
eaments of character and service, which
leave their golden lines of beauty vividly
traced upon the institutions of humanity.
No citizen can be elevated to the highest
office of this great Republic, without a long
course of distinguished public services ; and
-whatever differences of political sentiment
may exist; all will accord to the „eminent
citizen who so recently filled the highest
office of his country, that in the various and
importantservices which he rendered, he
was governed by patriotic motives, and con
tributed every effort of his high intellect in
the.promotion of the public interests. The
din ;of party strife, and- the unfortunate per
sonal animosities, necessarily engendered
by the universal and pervading excitement
of our political contests, are hushed, in our
approach to that chamber of death, which
points, with unerring certainty, to the doom
of the living. The memory of meritorous
service, will, however, always remain ; and
we will not fail to offer the just homage of
our hearts for hispatriotism, his public ser
vices, and for his exemplary private vir
tues.
It cannot be anticipated, that, in the ac
ceptance of the kind, invitation tendered by
the committee, I shall be able to present to
you, - upon the life and character of the il
lustrious deceased, and the great results of
his administration, any remarks, that will
be recommended to your attention, by the
aid of their novelty, or that can be embel
lished by the blandishments of the imagi
nation. Every matter connected with the
past history of.our country, and of the great
intellects who have wielded the reins of gov
ernment, presents so extensive a field for
contemplation, that it may almost be deem
ed presumptuous, to-attempt even a curso
ry glance, at the various interests, necessa
rily embraced in the consideration of sub
jects,the vastness, and importance of which,
are well calculated to startle me from the
atterept--atid, especially, when it is consid
ered, that the life and services of the dis
tinguished man, who is the subject . of this
address, with the great measures aßti ben
eficial influences, resulting from his admin
istration of the government, have already
been commented upon, and examined by so
many eminent speakers and writers, whose
Virtues and intellectual superiority, have
left to those who follow them, little else,
than the humble task of presenting merely
the results of previous'investigations.
I am consoled, however, by the reflection,
that our knowledge, which is chiefly derived
from the laborious A efforts of other minds,
aided and strengthened by our own reflec
tion and judgment, cannot urge, in the pre
sent advanced state of learning and political
intelligence, a very high,claim to . original
ity. In the writings of the ancient Greek
philosopher, whose profound speculations of
the first cause, procured:for him the appel
lation of divine: he has intimated, that all
learning is but the result of memory, found-
ed upon idea's, of which he rudiments had
formerly been implanted in the mind. This
opinion was the result of his doctrine of the
pre-existence of the soul; and, although
his views, thus broadly expressed, in refer
ence to the operations of mind, cannot
be sanctioned by experience ; yet the truth
and justice of the sentiment, in relation to
the chief sources, from which we derive our
information, cannot be denied. It teaches
us a becoming humility, in any effort to
convey instruction or information to others;
and I shall, therefore, in the brief and cur
sory remarks I propose to make, ask the
boon of that liberality and indulgence, which
I have so often, and so cheerfully received
from my fellow-citizens : and permit me to
add the remark, that, IVith the associations
of the past history of the deceased, and with
all the joyous lights of otir country's free
dom and prosperity around us, that he, who
would not offer up the gratitude of his heart
to an overruling Providence, for the bless
ings which the influence of our institutions
has so lavishly scattered in our path, must
be deficient in a proper appreciation of duty
to himself and his country. ".
The character, fame and services of
James K. Polk, have now become a part of
our national property ; and like those of
his distinguished predecessors, all party
animosities will be hushed, and the just
pride of every American, will yield the tri
bute, so justly due to his superior abilities,
his patriotism, and the purity of his private
character. The associations of antiquity
recognize the justice of canvassing the mer
its and services of those high in authority
after their decease ; so, that when deprived
of all the ensigns of power and influence,
the impartial and unprejudiced judgment of
the people can then be fearlessly expressed.
The well known charitable expression of
the Latin poet, that of the dead nothing
should be said, but that which was good
and tended to exalt their character, is just
so far as to repress that spirit of slander,
which sometimes invades the ashes of the
dead, for the purpose of gratifying the ma
lignity of the living; but truth and justice
equally require, that the acts and service§of
public men, whether living or dead, should
be subjected to the impartial ordeal of pub
lic opinion. The long career of public ser
vice of James K. Polk with the unsullied
integrity of his private character, require
no such mantle of charity to cover from the
minutest scrutiny of the public mind, all the
motives and actions of his life.
J. HUSTON,
JOHN J. LIBRARY,
ANDREW LEADER,
The character and services of public men,
particularly under the influence of our free
institutions, become identified with our his
tory; and the impress of their deeds leaves
either a beneficial or pernicious influence
upon the policy and prosperity of their
country. The great security of free gov
ernment, depends upon the salutary check
of constitutional restrictions; but, it cannot
be denied, that a combination of political
and intellectual qualifications, requisite for
official station, exert the most salutary and
enduring influence in the promotion of the
public interests. •
In approaching, therefore, the considera
tion of the life of labor and patriotism of the
distinguishA citizen, who has just passed
from the admiration and gaze of his coun
trymen ; it may not, I trust, be deemed in
appropriate to glance at the names of the
illustrious men, who have filled the highest
station in the government, and having
passed from this busy scene of action, have
left their character and services for the im
partial consideration of the historian and
their countrymen. These illustrious men
have afforded the best illustration of the
power of man for self government; and
have falsified that eeflection on human na
ture, which the advocatei of despotism so
constantly urge, to induce their abject sub
jects, to plod on in The sluggish misery,
which leaves them without the rights or
privileges of huinanity. The name of our
first President, George Washington, en
twines itself with the inmost fibres of the
heart of every American ; and the fame of
his exalted patriotism, sheds its beams of
light; wherever the standard of freedom is
unprled against the oppressor. It is not
certain, to adopt the sentiment of the
poet, that the earth has any more such ele
ments within her bosom, as produced the
infant Washington: and, the history of the
past, offers no parallel to thd purity, firm
ness and disinterestedness of his patriot
ism.
The right of resistance to despotic au
thority, which was inscribed on the ban
-ners of our republic, was under such guid
ance: our great and patriotic leader bent
his knee and offered his orisons :to the
God of battles! No atrocity, no violations
of justice or social order, stained the career
of the soldiers of liberty; Our victory was
won! and the result of the blood and toil
of our ancestors is now to_be seen in the
prosperity and fame of our extended coun
try.
It was a fitting tribute, therefore, from
the devoted admiration of his
,country men,
that the great chief of the revolution, who
had contributed so much in compelling En.
gland to furl her proud flag. and yield all
her pretences of sovereignity; should be
made the first executive officer, to aid and
guide by his experience, patriotism, and wis
dom, the dawning, power of that great Union
of States whose interests were associated with
every impulse of his heart. His adminis
tration was worthy of his former fame. It
is inappropriate to-the-purposes of this ad
" THAT COUNTRY IS THE MOST PROtPEROUS, WHERE LABOR COMMANDS THE GREATEST REWARD."-BLICHANAN
CITY OF LANCASTER, TUESDAY MORNING, DECEMI3ER 4, 1849.
dress to descant upon its measures. He
left, in lines of living light, the traces of
his ability, purity and patriotism in every
measure- which he adopted: and, in that
masterly farewell address, which should be
cherished in the memory of every Ameri
can devoted to freedom, and the perpetuity
of our institutions, he exhibited that solici
citude for the preservation of all the safe
guards of liberty and the Union, which was
offered as the counsel of an old and affec
tionate friend, who had dedicated forty-five
years of his life to the service of his coun
try. In the expression of deep regret,
which the Senate of the U- S. presented at
his decease, it was justly remarked: " that
ancient and modern names are diminished
before him: He has travelled on to the
end of his journey, and carried with him
an increasing weight of honor. He has
deposited it where misfortune cannot tar
nish it, where malice cannot blast it."
The next in order of the illustrious men
who have filled the executive chair of the
nation, and have passed to that bourne
which is the common lot of humanity, was
John Adams: Distinguished for his supe
rior intellect and literary attainments ; a de
voted advocate of the rights of the colonies
against English oppression ; a zealous ad
viser and supporter of the Declaration of
Independence; and after contributing by his
energy and eloquence to aid the great
cause of the revolution, he was one or the
illustrious men who completed the great
work of our emancipation by the conclusion
of the treaty with Great - Briiain in 1783.
Some of the leading acts of his administra
tion were justly obnoxious ; and met with
the decided disapprobation of the American
people; but the motives of patriotism and
high sense of duty, which governed his ca
reer, ought not to be impugned. His pa
triotic spirit gave as its last aspiration " in
dependence forever !"
The author of that great State paper,
which shed its gleams of light upon the op
pressed of all nations, was elevated to the
executive chair, and became the appropri
ate expositor of those great principles of
government, which had been so clearly
avowed and successfully maintained by his
surpassing energy and ability. His first
inaugural address presented an able and
lucid exposition of the elements which con
stitute the securities of our government;
and which have been recognized as the
fundamental doctrines of the great party of
which he was the admitted organ. His
administration of the government was dis
tinguished by an energetic determination
to preserve unimpaired, all the barriers
which a strict construction of the constitu
tion has interposed against the encroach
ments of either executive, legislative or ju
dicial power. The results of his wisdom,
energy and sagacity, both as to our do
mestic and foreign policy, have had the sal
utary effect of giving strength and symme
try to the great temple of our freedom ; and
of protecting our flag from foreign aggres
sion. The acquisition of the immense ter
ritory of Louisiana, exceeding a million of
square miles, of which, Napoleon remark
ed, that if he should regulate his terms, ac
cording to the value of these vast regions
to the U. S., the indemnity would have no
limits, will ever be regarded as one among
many evidences of his superior and far
seeing statesmanship. He and his compa
triot of the revolution, Mr. Adams, as is
well known, passed from the scenes.of their
laborious service on that day of Indepen
dence, which was associated with their
most glorious recollections.
James Madison, distinguished for his abi
lity, patriotism and purity' of character;
a prominent member of the Convention
which formed the Constitution of the United
States, and one of its most able advocates,
was the successor of Mr. Jefferson. The
constant and increasing aggressions of Eng,
land rendered the war of 1812 essential to
protect our commerce, and the personal
rights and liberties of our citizens from vio
lation : and, under this administration, it
was conducted and terminated in a manner
that vindicated the honor of our flag and
extended the fame and glory of our country.
The able, sagacious and experienced
Monroe succeeded Mr. Madison, and ad
ministered the government upon the salu
tary principles which had been avowed and
maintained by Mr. Jefferson and Ibis suc
cessor.
The executive chair was next occupied
by John Quincy Adams, who was elected
by the House of Representatives. His ex
traordinary literary abilities; his long course
of official service,.; his devotion to duty are
known to all his countrymen. The man
ner of his election and the measures of his
administration were disapproved by a large
body of his fellow citizens : but none can
fail to pay him the tribute, which his great
intellect, indomitable perseverance, and
high sense of duty so richly merit.
The power of the people then placed
ANDREW JACKSON in this - high office. His
name is associated with the richest recol
lections of our country's triumphs and its
onward prosperity. In his boyhood and
in his matured age he was distinguished by
that well-disciplined and superior intellect,
which, in the field of battle, in the Senate
chamber, and, in the Cabinet, were equally
distinguished. His administration, as it
has been well expressed, gave " a new lease
to the life of the constitution ;" and infused
into every department of the government
that vigilance and energy of purpose, so es
sential to the security of the public interests.
The great principles, upon which he based
his administration, were, that the general
government should exercise only those
powers that are clearly designated ; that
simplicity and economy should be encour
aged in its expenditures; that no more mo
ney should be raised-from the people than
may be requisite for these objects ; and, in
a manner that will best promote the inter
ests of all classes of the community and of
all portions of the Union. He constantly
inculcated the necessity of fostering with
our brethren, in all parts of the country, a
spirit of liberal concession and compromise:
and, by reconciling our fellow citizens to
those partial sacrifices, which they must
unavoidably make for the:preservation of a
greater good, to secure our valuable gov
ernment and Union in the confidence and
affections of the American people. His
whole life, as it has been remarked, was a
rich bounty of public service to his coup•
try ; and he has left his countrymen " a
deathless lesson,"
" A name, which is a virtue and a scut,
Which will multiply itself throughout all time."
The next of that illustrious line of those
who have passed from the scenes of their
public labors was Gen. William H. Harri
son. In his youth he was honored with
the confidence of Washington; and by his
bravery, energy and intelligence, rendered
the most distinguished services in the then
unsettled regions of the West: and by the
patriotic and able manner in which he dis
charged the duties of the varied civil and
military stations which had been awarded
toldm foi faithful and devoted service, he
obtained the confidence and received a ma
jority of the votes of the American people
for the highest office in their gift.
In one short month, he was removed
from the exalted position, to which the peo
ple had just elevated him, by the hand of
death ; and the whole nation, with one ac
cord, and as one family, bowed their heads
in 'grief, at this mysterious dispensation of
Providence.
In this hurried pilgrimage to the tombs
of . the illustrious dead, my duty has been
merely to gather their names without any
particular delineation of their character and
services; so as to array them with the
name of our late distinguished President,
who has just joined this great equality.—
Fiom the shadows of their tombs, the light
of their patriotism and services irradiates
the country to which they were so devoted.
Their commanding abilities and purity of
character, and the results of their labors,
point to our own favored soil for the satis
factory demonstration of the secure enjoy
ment of the salutary principles of free gov
ernment ; and their corresponding advan
tages. In contrasting their names and
services with the imbecilities and .oppres
skins of the royal line of any country in
Europe, we cannot fail to express, with
just pride, that the true titles of nobility re
sult from the equality and privileges of MI
American citizen.
Our country has thus completely falsified
in .the eminent men who have directed the
administration of her affairs, that vile ,sen
timent of despotic power, which was equal
ly i a libel on human nature, and a reflection
on the justice and benevolence of Deity,
that man is wanting in the ability for self
government.
I shall refer with great brevity to the an
cestry of James K. Polk. The spirit and
influence of our institutions peculiarly de
mand, that the personal merits of the in
diVidual, independent of birth or-other ad
ventitious circumstances must be the only
test of title to the favor of his country.—
It .was the remark of Napoleon, who, with
all his propensities to despotic power re
cognized' so fully, capacity and service,
as the only and just means of advance
ment; when one of his ambassadors was
searching through some musty records in
Italy, to trace out his title to noble descent,
that he neither claimed nor desired any
such distinction; that he had no such an
cestry ; that he was the first of his family.
It , cannot be concealed, however, that there
is; a beneficial influence in the recollection
and association of patriotic and meritorious
service, which may operate upon a well
directed mind to stimulate him to the imi
tation of. he deeds of his ancestry. The
ancestors of James K. Polk, who emigrated
to. this country, were from the green isle of
Erin ; the land of warm hearts and gallant
and chivalrous spirits; who have been
equally distinguished for their patriotism,
eloquence and literary attainments : and
amidst all their oppressions, they have re
tained. that devotion to freedom, which in
duced Randolph to make the remark, That
' he had met, in his day, with a black swan,
but that he had never met with an Irish
tory.
Their descendants were amongst the fore
most and most gallant spirits in our revo
lutionary struggle : and were always found
unflinching in the path of duty to their
country.
James K. Polk passed through his colle
giate course and received the highest ho
nors at the University of North Carolina
where he graduated. Having studied the
profession of the law under 'a distinguished
legal adviser., he was admitted to practice,
with a high reputation for learning, ability
and industry.
It is not detracting from the merit and
labor of other professions to say, that there
is no position in society which requires
larger contributions from every science and
'art, and the whole range of literature,
than the profession of the Law : In our
country the legal mind ought necessarily to
be schooled and disciplined in a knowledge
of all our political institutions: in the va
ried systems which prevail under the con
stitutions and legislation of the several
States : and with a thorough knowledge of
the adjudications of the national and State
tribunals ; combined with the high moral
pUrposes which should govern the discharge
of the duties of the profession: there is re
quired in addition to the proper mental qual
ifications, untiring assiduity, energy and
integrity to accomplish the high responsi
bilities which devolve upon the station.—
His intellectual attainments and thorough
knowledge of legal principles, joined with
a courteous demeanor which recommended
him to all with whom he had intercourse,
soon enabled him to attain a very high rank
in his profession. He was elected in 1823
a representative of the Legislature of Ten
nessee ; and in the two successive years
that he remained in that body, he acquired
a distinguished reputation for his ability
and eloquence, and for the integrity and
energy With which he had adhered to his
political principles.
In 1825, at 30 years of age, ho was
elected to Congress to represent the district
in which he resided, and took his seat at
•theTneeting of the House of Representatives
in December of the same year. Having
been from his youth a member of the Dem
ocratic party, and a warm adherent and
steady supporter of the principles avowed
and maintained by Thomas Jefferson; he
did not fail to adhere firmly to that restric
tive construction of the constitution, which
guarded its provisions from the loose and.
uncertain discretion, which Would be the
necessary result of an opposite policy. At
the time he took his seat,, he was one of the
youngest members of COngress. One of
his first efforts was in favor of a resolution
which he offered proposing an amendment
of the Constitution of the United States, so
as la give directly to the popular vote the
power of electing the President, without, in
any event, the election devolving on Con
gress. This able and spirited speech main
taining such just and patriotic views as to
the beneficial results from the greatest ex
tension of the popular sovereignty, became
a subject of general observation and ap
plause. He took decided ground, at the
same session, against the projected, embas
sy of Mr. Adams to Panama, in which he
advocated and eulogized the doctrine of
Washington, and opposed the policy of
meeting a Congress or representation of
other powers, by which we might be in
veigled into those entangling alliances,
which that great and pare patriot so much
deprecated. He contended ably for the
true republican doctrine, that the House of
Representatives has that control over the
appropriations of the government, so as to
enable them to refuse their sanction to ex
penditures for projects, arising either from
treaties or embassies, which had not pre
viously received their approval. During
the whole of Mr. Adams' administration,
he was one of the most prominent and able
members of the of Representatives ;
decidedly opposed to the measures of that
administration, and a warm and devoted
supporter of Andrew Jackson. In 1827,
as Chairman of a Select Committee, he
early avowed his views in favor of such
modification of the revenue laws, laying
duties upon ,our imparts, as would reduce
the receipts to the exigencies of the public
service: and he protested against the power
of Congress to collect from the people mo
neys for distribution as surplus revenue.
In the important veto, which Gen. Jack
son sent to the House of Representatives in
1830, on the celebrated Maysville road bill,
in which he laid down the salutary doc
trine, that Congress had not the general
power to expend the moneys of the public
treasury for the general purposes of inter
nal improvement, except, as'connected with
our national defences; and the improvement
of such harbors as was necessary for the
protection of our commerce; Mr. Polk was
a prominent and able advocate of the prin
ciples and policy which should direct the
government as thus presented by Andrew
Jackson.
In the political collisions which were pro
duced by .Gen. Jackson's opposition to the
Bank of the U. S., he took a bold and de
cided part in endeavoring to expose, what
he alleged to be, the attempts of that bank
to overshadow and overawe the govern
ment : and, in 1832, as a member of the
committee of ways and means, he presented
the report of the minority of that committee,
ably vindicating the course of the executive,
and presenting a bold and masterly delinea
tion of the various charges which had been
urged against the management of the bank.
It required, at that day, with the immense
influence of that institution, and with the va
ried interests connected with it, which
were so necessarily entwined into every
department of business gnd society, a bold
and determined spirit, to resist its efforts
to obtain mastery over the government.—
One of the friends of the bank subse
quently admitted, that the history of the last
few years should con Vince all who were
open to conviction, that any evils which
may be anticipated from the want of such
an institution, however great, are more tol-
erable; than the certain, positive and im
measureable injuries which we know have
flowed from one that was instituted under
the most favorable auspices.
In the exciting discitssions, which follow
ed the removal of the deposits of the Gov
ernment from the Bank of the U. States, in
1833, Mr. Polk, as
. chairman of the com
mittee of ways and means, reported certain
resolutions to the House fully sustaining
the views of the President ; and by his able
and clear exposition 'of the reasons and mo
tives which induced the removal, he ren
dered most effectual service, in obtaining
the vote of the House of Representatives
adopting the resolutions ; and this measure
had necessarily the effect of giving a vital
and fatal blow to the further efforts of this
institution for existence.
In December, 1835, Mr. Polk was elected
Speaker of the House of Representatives,
and during the extraordinary political ex
citement which prevailed for five sessions ;
he presided over their deliberations with
distinguished ability, promptitude and im
partiality. It seemed to be admitted, that
no individual except Mr. Clay, had ever oc
cupied the chair as Speaker, more admira
bly calculated to discharge its high and re
sponsible duties. I was a personal witness,
during several very exciting debates, to the
courteous manner, promptitude and energy
of character, which characterized his con
duct in that exalted and difficult station.—
In the various and numerous appeals, which
were taken from his decisions, he was in
variably sustained by the vote of the house;
and frequently without reference to political
differences. At the close of the session of
1837, he received, on the motion of a dis
tinguished political opponent from this State,
the unanimous approbation of the House for
the fidelity and dignity with which he had
discharged the onerous and responsible du
ties of the chair.
He retired from the office of Speaker,
and from the House of Representatives, in
1839, and, upon receiving the thanks of
the House at the close of their deliberations,
he responded in terms which were charac
terized by that ability and devotion to duty,
which were consistent with all the acts and
declarations of his public life. He remark
ed that the high office from which he was
retiring might in future times be filled, as
doubtless it would be, by abler men, but
that it could not be filled by any one who
would devote himself with more zeal to do
his whole duty than he had done. Mr.
Polk thus retired into a private life, after a
devoted and able service of - fourteen years
in Congress ; and during that time he main
tained an able and prominent position upon
every great question of policy which was
the subject of debate ; although he was
necessarily in constant conflict with the
many able and distinguished men of his po
litical opponents, who were members during
his,period of service.
The same year that he retired from the
Halle of Congreaa, be became a candidate
for Governor of Tennessed, and was elected
by a large majority; and he performed all
his duties during his gubernatorial term
with distinguished ability. He supported
the nomination and urged the election of
Martin Van Buren in 1840 ; and the result
of the overwhelming defeat which that can
didate suffered in Tennessee and throughout
the Union, prevented the possibility; of Mr.
Polk's re-election ; and he was therefore
defeated in the fall of 1841 by the election
of his opponent. From 1841 when he left
the executive chair of Tennessee,he remain
ed in private life until his nomination by the
Baltimore convention. During this period
he was surrounded by a circle of devoted
friends, in the enjoyment of their confidence'
and with the universal attachment of his
neighbors ; and at this time, and during
the whole period of his political career, no
man was more firmly seated in the affec
tions of Andrew Jackson than James K:
Polk. The great and essential qualifica
tions of a statesman, the sagacity to per
ceive, and the decision to act, were the con
stituent traits of his political character. He.
never failed to avow and maintain his opin
ion upon any question of foreign and do
mestic policy, which involved the interests
of the country, He took a decided stand
with the hero of New Orleans in fa
vor of the annexation of Texas. In reply
to a letter from the opponents of annexation
early in 1844 he said : " Let Texas be an
nexed, and the authority and laws of the
United States be established and maintained
within her limits, as also in the Oregon
Territory, and let the fixed policy of our
government be, not to permit Great Bri
tain to plant a colony or hold dominion over
any portion of the people or territory of
either. These are my opinions ; and with
out deeming it necessary to extend this let
ter, by assigning the many reasons which
influence me in the conclusions to which I
come, I regret to be compelled to differ so
widely from the views expressed by your
selves,
and the meeting of citizens of Cin
cinnati, whom you represent."
The long course of public service of this
distinguished man to the State and Nation;
his consistency and devotedness to the peo
ple whose confidence had elevated him ; his
boldness and fidelity in advocating what he '
considered to be the true interests of the
country, rendered him peculiarly qualified
for the high office which was subsequently
bestowed by the approving voice of his
countrymen. I was present at the delibera
tions
of the Democratic Convention, at Bel
timore in May, 1844 ; and without depart
ing from the proper purpose of this address;
by adverting to the details of their pro
ceedings, or the candidates that were in
nomination, I will merely remark, that I
never witnessed a more enthusiastic or uni
ted demonstration of feeling, than was ex
hibited when James K. Polk was nomina
ted. It was hailed as a precursor of vic
tory, by the great party which nominated
him ; as he was presented as a candidate,
upon the principles avowed by that Con
vention, uninfluenced by past defeats or
any prejudices resulting from past dissen
sions.
Amongst the able gentlemen who advo
cated his nomination, it is due to one of
our own distinguished citizens, to say, that
no member of the Convention was more
prominent and enthusiastic in presenting
and urging the propriety and justice of
nominating Mr. Polk than himself.
The national convention at Baltimore, em
bodied in resolutionsunanimously adopted,
the principles which were to govern the ap
proaching political contest. These resolu-1
tions presented, with other sentiments, that
the federal government derives its powers,
solely from the constitution ; and that these
powers ought to be strictly construed by all 1
the departments of the government: and that
the federal government has not the power
to commence and carry on a general sys
tem of internal improvements: That the
constitution does not confer the power to
assume the State debts ; nor 'to charter a
national bank: That the liberal policy of
the government requires entire equality of
rights and privileges ; so that one branch of
industry should not be fostered to the de
triment of another ; but that the government
should equally extend its protection of per
sons and property to every portion of our
common country. That Congress has no
power to interfere with or control the do
mestic institutions of the several States:—
that such States are the sole judges of
every matter pertaining to their affairs, not
prohibited by the constitution. That every
effort to induce Congress to interfere with
these institutions, are calculated to dimin
ish the general security of the people ; and
endanger the principles of our national gov
ernment, which were thus promulged as
being closely associated with the unaltera
ble interests of the people : These princi
ples were fully acceded to by Mr. Polk in
his acceptance of the nomination.
' The Whig party presented as their can
didate, the most distinguished and able ad
vocate of their views of public policy, in
the person of Henry Clay ; and the exci
ting political contest which ensued, was a
fair encounter of the antagonist principles
of the two great parties, which have so long
divided the republic. The result was, that
Mr. Polk was elected to the distinguished
station, for which he was nominated; by a
majority over Mr. Clay of 65 electoral
votes; and Mr. Dallas, the able and distin
guished candidate for the vice presidency,
was elected by the same majority over his
opponent Mr. Frelinghuysen.
The Committee of Congress who an
nounced to him officially at 'Washington
his election, received a reply expressing his
deep sense of gratitude for the confidence
reposed in him by the people; and request
ed the committee to convey to Congress his
assurance, that in executing the responsible
duties which would dAvolve on him, it
would be his anxious desire to maintain
the honor and promote the welfare .of the
country. His inaugural, delivered on the
4th of March, 1845, was a clear and master
ly exposition of the principles and policy
which should control the administration of
the goVernment He avowed, thatit should
be his first care, to administer the govern:
ment in the true spirit of the constitution ;
and to assume no powers not expressly
granted, or clearly implied in its terms :
that the government of the United States ;
is one of delegated and limited posstera ; and
by a strict adherence to the authority that
clearly granted ; we have a sure guarana
tee against the recurrence of those unfortu
nate collisions which have occasionally so
much disturbed the harmony of our s sys
tem ; and eventhreatened .. the'perpetuity of
our glorious Union. In speaking of the
beneficial results of ourinational govern
ment, under our free institutions, he just
ly and eloquently remarks i" It is a com
mon protector of each and all the States ;
of every man who lives; upon our soil,
whether of native or foreign birth ; of every
, religious sect in the worship of the Al
mighty, according to the dictates Of their
own conscience; of every shade of opinion
and the most free inquiry ; of every art,
trade and occupation consistent with the
laWs of the States ; and we rejoice in the
general happiness and prosperity of our
country which have been the offspring of
freedom and not of power."
In speaking of the constitutional power
vested in the executive,
of a qualified veto
'upon the acts of the Legislature, he re
marked : "it arrests, for the time, hasty and
inconsiderate or unconstitutional legisla
tion ; and, when judiciously and properly .
exercised, the constitution itself may be
saved from infraction and the rights of all
preserved and protected."
hi s reference to the attempts made to in
terfere with domestic institutions peculiar
to some- sections of the Union ; he says,
that the compromises of the constitution
must not only be preserved, but sectional
jealousies and heartburnings must be dis
countehanced ; and all should remem
ber; that they are members of the same
political family ; having a common destiny.
He. congratulated the country upon tho en
tire extinguishment of the national debt,
created by the war of 1812 ; and uleemeti
it to be the just and obvious policy of every
government ; by strict economy in the
management of its affairs, to keep its ex
penditures strictly within the means of the
treasury ; and never create a national debt,
except, when the public exigencies imper
atively demand it.
Upon the agitating subject of a propor
adjustment of the tariff, in reference to
which so many conflicting views have ex
isted, he frankly expressed the liberal prin
ciples by which his executive action would
be guided, in the recommendation of reve
nue laws to supply the wants of the Gov
ernment.
"In levying duties," said he, "it is, doubt
less, proper to make such discriminations,
within the revenue principle, as will afford
incidental protection to our home interests.
Within the revenue limit, there is a discre
cretion to discriminate; beyond that limit
the rightful exercise of that power is not ad
mitted. The incidental protection afforded
to our home interests, by discrimination,
within the revenue range, it is believed, will
be ample. In' making discriminations, all
our home interests should, as fir as prac
tical, be equally protected. The largest
portion of lour people are agriculturalists:
others are employed in manufactures, corn,-
merre, navigation, and the mechanical arts.
They are alk engaged in their respective
pursuits, and their joint labors constitute th•
national or home industry. All are equal
ly entitled to the fostering care and protec
tion of the Government. It is a subject
upon which conflicting interests of sections
or occupations are supposed to exist: and
a spirit of mutual concession and comprom
ise in adjusting its details,, should be cher
ished in every part of our wide spread
country, as the only means of preserving
harmony, and a cheerful acquiescence of
all in the operation of our revenue laws."
Ho congratulated the country, that the
Republic of Texas was about to form a part
of our confederacy, and enjoy, with us, the
blessings of liberty, secured and guarantied
by our constitution : " To Texas," he re
marked, "the re-Union is important, because
the strong, protecting arm of our Govern
ment, would be extended over her; and the
vast resources of her fertile soil and genial
climate would soon be developed ; while the
safety of New Orleaus and our whole south
western frontier against hostile oppression,
as well as the interests of the whole Union
would be promoted by it. •
He also adverted to the clear and unques
tionable title, which had so long been con
tested by England to the country of the
Oregon ; and declared his determination, to
assert and maintain, by all constitutional
means, the right of the United States to this
portion of our territory, which lies beyond
the Rocky mountains.
In the direction of our foreign relations,
he avowed, that it would be his aim to ob
serve a careful respect for the rights of otli
er nations; while our own would be the
subject of constant watchfulness. Sc eon
'eluded this address, by supplicating the
blessing of the divinity upon our beloved
country ; to continue his gracious benedic
tions upon us, that we may be preserved as
a prosperous and happy people.
I have thus presented, with great brevity,
the leading principles avowed by President
Polk ; by which, he prescribed in plain
terms the path of executive duty, which ho
intended fearlessly to pursue.
The members of his cabinet were selected
from the most experienced, able and distin
guished statesmen of the country ; and,
with the aid derived from the well tried
ability, and patriotic devotion to duty, which
characterized the Vice President, there was
thus concentrated, about the President, es
his constitutional advisers, a body of men,
whose intellectual superiority and integrity
of character, ensured, that they would be
equal to any emergency, which either the
honcir or the interests of the country might
require from their services.:
The first annual
,message of President
Polk presented a reiteration, of the great,
principles so clearly expressed in his inau
gural; by which he intended' to regulat
the administrative policy of the government.
The messages of our Presidents are a strik
ing contrast to the brief, and mysterious
generalities of the English crown. The
representatiVe of the popular power has
nothing to conceal ; and he discloses ironic
ly to the people, his entire knowledge as
to the corittition and relations of the gov
ernmenl;''The policy of our government
is essentially'pacific, but the conditioit of
the world; 'atid the disposition of nations
must be very much changed before Wrongs
[Conclusion on fourth page.]
NO. 45.