The contest, though local in its essential character, attracted observation and interest far beyond the borders of the State.
The political importance of Mr.Polk was enhanced by the proscriptive course of his opponents in the House of Representatives.

The refusal to join in the resolution of thanks operated in a manner quite contrary to the expectations of the Whigs, and was indeed effectively turned against them.

The generous instincts of the people condemned an attempt to destroy the honorable fame of a public man by what they considered to be an act of spiteful persecution.

It was the opinion of John Bell, who of all men had the best opportunity for impartial judgment in the premises, that the vote of himself and his fellow Whigs on the resolution was an indirect but potential cause of Mr.Polk's nomination and election to the Presidency.

It gave him prominence as a friend of Jackson, and made him available as a candidate against Van Buren for the Democratic nomination.