the executive; and thus the whole power of the government would be merged in a single department. Whenever, if ever, this shall occur, our glorious system of well-regulated selfgovernment will crumble into ruins - to be succeeded first by anarchy, and finally by monarchy or despotism. I am far from believing that this doctrine is the sentiment of the American people; and during the short period which remains in which it will be my duty to administer the executive department, it will be my aim to maintain its independence, and discharge its duties, without infringing upon the powers or duties of either of the other departments of the government.

The power of the executive veto was exercised by the first and most illustrious of my predecessors, and by four of his successors who preceded me in the administration of the government, and, it is believed, in no instance prejudicially to the public interests. It has never been, and there is but little danger that it ever can be abused. No President will ever desire, unnecessarily, to place his opinion in opposition to that of Congress. He must always exercise the power reluctantly, and only in cases where his convictions make it a matter of stern duty, which he cannot escape. Indeed, there is more danger that the President, from the repugnance he must always feel to come in collision with Congress, may fail to exercise it in cases where the preservation of the constitution from infraction, or the public good may demand it, than that he will ever exercise it unnecessarily or wantonly.

During the period I have administered the executive department of the government, great and important questions of public policy, foreign and domestic, have arisen, upon which it was my duty to act. It may indeed be truly said that my administration has fallen upon eventful times. I have felt most sensibly the weight of the high responsibilities devolved upon me. With no other object than the public good, the enduring fame, and permanent prosperity of my country, I have pursued the convictions of my own best

judgment. The impartial arbitrament of enlightened public opinion, present and future, will determine how far the public policy I have maintained, and the measures I have from time to time recommended, may have intended to advance or retard the public prosperity at home, and to elevate or depress the estimate of our national character abroad.

Invoking the blessings of the Almighty upon your deliberations at your present important session, my ardent hope is, that, in a spirit of harmony and concord, you may be guided to wise results, and such as may redound to the happiness, the honor, and the glory of our beloved country."

No matters of legislation of general and permanent importance were definitely acted on at this session. The discussion of various territorial bills for New Mexico and California occupied nearly the whole time, but in consequence of the continued agitation of the slavery question, none were passed. The adjournment took place on the third day of March, 1849, and on the 5th instant-the 4th happening on Sunday-General Taylor was duly inaugurated as the successor of Mr. Polk. The latter took part in the ceremonies, and rode beside General Taylor in the carriage that conveyed them to the capitol. He was, also, one of the first to congratulate him at the close of his inaugural address, rejoicing, meanwhile, that he was himself relieved from the cares and anxieties of public life. In the afternoon of the 5th inst, Mr. and Mrs. Polk took leave of their friends-many words of mingled regret and endearment being uttered on both sides-and in the evening commenced their return journey to their home in Tennessee, by way of Richmond, Charleston, and New Orleans.

Thus ended the administration of Mr. Polk. To say that it was an able one, would be but feeble praise. It was more important than any which had intervened between it and the administration of Mr. Madison. It was

full of great events. The settlement of the Oregon Question, the war with Mexico, and the acquisition of California, will cause it to be long remembered. Ages hence, if the God of nations shall continue to smile upon. our favored land, the dweller on the banks of the Mississippi, as he gazes on the mighty current that laves his feet, and beholds it reaching forth, like a giant, its hundred arms, and gathering the produce of that noble valley into its bosom, will bless the name of THOMAS JEFFERSON. So, too, the citizen of California or Oregon, when he sees their harbors filled with stately argosies, richly-freighted with golden sands, or with the silks and spices of the Old World, will offer his tribute, dictated by a grateful heart, to the memory of JAMES K. POLK.

At home, his administration was well conducted. Though the war with Mexico was actively prosecuted for a period of nearly two years, the national debt was not largely or oppressively increased, and the pecuniary credit of the government was at all times maintained; more than double the premiums realized in the war of 1812, being procured for stock and treasury notes. Commerce, agriculture, and every art and occupation of industry, flourished during this period; happiness and prosperity dwelt in every habitation. In the management of our foreign relations, ability, skill, and prudence, were displayed. Our rights were respected; our honor defended; and our national character elevated still higher in the estimation of foreign governments and their people.

CHAPTER XI.

Return to Tennessee-Speech at Richmond-Arrival Home-Prospects for the Future-Vanity of Human Hopes and Expectations-His DeathFuneral Honors-Personal Appearance and Character-Conclusion.

Ir Mr. Polk was gratified with the enthusiastic demonstrations of regard that attended him on his journey to Washington in the spring of 1845, to enter upon the duties of his administration, he was far more sincerely pleased, with the kindly greetings that everywhere welcomed him as he returned to his home in Tennessee. The one might have been selfish, for he had then office and patronage to bestow; but the other was the genuine homage of the heart; a voluntary offering to the man, and not to the President.

At Richmond, he was complimented with a public reception by the citizens, and the Legislature of Virginia, which was then in session. In reply to an eloquent address from the Speaker of the House of Delegates, the ex-President returned his hearty thanks for the high honor accorded to him by the legislature of a State for which he cherished the most profound veneration, and from whose political apostles he had imbibed his appreciation of the great principles of constitutional liberty. He was, he said, taken by surprise at the manner of his reception; and to be thus received, when he had just laid

down power, and was no longer clothed with the patronage of the government, filled him with gratitude. He felt proud, too, that he was "no more a servant of the people, but had become a sovereign." He spoke, also, of the greatness of the country, and of the value and importance of the Union. "Preserve this union," he declared, "and the march of our country in prosperity and greatness will be rapid beyond comparison, and her ripened glory will surpass that of ancient Rome, the mistress of the world."

At Wilmington, North Carolina, the people of his native state came together in crowds, to welcome him. Extensive preparations had been made for his reception, and in replying to the orator who addressed him, he said: "You remark truly, sir, that I still cherish affection for my native state. I receive its welcome as the blessing of an honored parent. North Carolina can boast of glorious reminiscences, and is entitled to rank with, or far above, many who make greater pretensions. It was from her-her counties of Mecklenburg, New Hanover, and Bladen, that the news of treason in the colonies first went to the ears of the British monarch, and here was the spirit of independence first aroused."

At Charleston, Savannah, and New Orleans—at every place where he paused upon his route-welcomes and congratulations were liberally showered upon his head; and prayers and blessings innumerable attended him, like ministering angels, to the home from which he had gone forth in early manhood to carve out his destiny, and to which he now returned, with the harvest of fame he had gathered.