The Arkansas Banner

JAMES K. POLK.

We have already expressed our estimate of Mr. POLK, and the feeling with which we give our whole heart to his support. It is truly gratifying to find that others estimate him as we do, and hail him with the same feeling of enthusiasm. We subjoin the following just and eloquent tribute to his worth, from the Savannah Georgian.

In the recent action of the National Democratic Convention at Baltimore, it really seems as if there was "a Providence which shapes our ends, rough hew them how we may," directing their deliberations, controlling their emotions, and shaping their results. Many an anxious eye has been turned, now in hope, half in dread, to the proceedings of that convention. Many a republican bosom, all over the land, has beat high with anxious anticipation, as the tidings have been brought, day to day, of the course of its deliberations. The candidate of our opponents for the Presidency was already in the field. A desperate party, that regards principle as nothing, consistency as nothing, the tastes of the country as nothing, in comparison to his election, had rallied confidently around him. Already had they summoned to their assistance those disgraceful means of deception, falsehood, and slander, with which, and upon which alone, they had founded their hopes of success. Our party was divided by preferences for men. The differences were broad and deeply drawn. Republicans who are bound together by principles that are eternal, were apparently rent forever asunder by these individual animosities. It was evident to all, that upon the harmonious action of the convention at Baltimore, depended the salvation of the Democratic party, and with it, all of those great republican measures which have hitherto formed the basis of our national policy. The crisis is past. The country is saved. The Democratic party, which, when firmly and zealously united, never has been and never can be defeated, is, indeed, united once more to a man. The nomination of this convention has acted like a charm. Such union as we have never seen before, ready in the party, as has not existed since it was led by that glorious old hero, Jackson. The Democratic party presents now one solid, unbroken front, and victory is certain.

Numerous as were the names before the convention, and worthy as many of the distinguished leaders of the Democratic party undoubtedly are of honor and distinction, that convention could not have selected a candidate combining in himself so many elements of worth and success as James K. Polk.

First and foremost, he represents completely, to an iota, OUR PRINCIPLES. The history of his life may be read from title page to the end, and every chapter, every line, every word, contains conclusive proof of the fact that James K. Polk is a REPUBLICAN DEMOCRAT. From the year 1823, when, as a prominent member of the Legislature of Tennessee, he called the hero of New Orleans, Andrew Jackson, forth from retirement to take a seat in the United States Senate, down to the present moment, his principles have never wavered; not a breath of suspicion has left even a momentary cloud upon their pure, bright surface. In 1825, he took his seat in Congress—a strict constructionist of the Federal Constitution. This fundamental principle of republican policy has ever controlled his action. In 1829 he took his stand firmly and boldly against a United States Bank. The same year he opposed, in Congress, that notorious Federal measure, the Panama mission. In 1830, he was the standard bearer in Congress of opposition to that most unjust, onerous, and unconstitutional policy—a system of internal improvements. He has ever been opposed to the tariff, and never has wearied in his opposition to a national bank. The distribution of the proceeds of the public lands, the restriction of Executive power, and the entire system of Whig measures, based upon a loose construction of the Constitution, have ever found in him an unyielding foe; and last, but not least, he is in favor of the immediate annexation of Texas.

SUPPORTING JAMES K. POLK, The DEMOCRATIC PARTY SUPPORT EACH AND ALL OF THEIR CHERISHED PRINCIPLES.

Secondly—James K. Polk is a MAN OF THE PEOPLE. His has never been the ambition which has aspired to selfish distinction at the expense of the people. The high honor conferred on him by this nomination will be as surprising to him as it is gratifying. He has indeed been called, again and again, by the voice of his country, to serve her in various stations of trust and honor. The son of a plain farmer, brought up with plain and simple manners of the country, his has been that patriotism which seems to flourish best among such associations.

Thirdly—He is not only worthy of the high office which his countrymen will confer upon him, but he is capable of filling it with distinguished honor to the nation. Firm and unyielding in all his principles—calm, temperate, and energetic, in his temperament—and dignified, though unostentatious, in deportment, he resembles Mr. Madison in mind and character; and his administration of the Government will be such as to secure the respect of the world, and the admiration of posterity. Nature has bestowed upon him those high qualities of intellect and of heart which have enabled him, at one and the same time, to hold a distinguished position before the country, to secure the friendship and esteem of all who know him.

Fourthly—He has been the intimate friend and associate of the sages of the party. Of Andrew Jackson, descended from an ancestry, he has ever been the bosom friend of the old hero. With Martin Van Buren, with our own lamented Forsyth, his relations have been of the most endearing character.

In a word—we doubt not but that one unanimous response has already been returned by the whole Democratic party to the Baltimore Convention: "You have nominated our man, and the next President of the country."