The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1849-03-08
From the Richmond Enquirer Of yesterday morning
Tho Sceno Yos(e rdaY.

From the Richmond Enquirer, oil yesterday morning
The Scene Yesterday.
We have barely time to state that the reception OF Ex
President Polk, yesterday his passage TO the South
was honorable to the Legislature OF Virginia and to the
Commonwealth. His devotion TO southern rights, If
nothing more, emnently justified the cordial greeting
given to HIM by the representatives OF the people OF vr
neces, and other ladies', and by r. Walker, esq, late
Secretary OF the Treasury Maj Graham, late Register OF
the treasury Mr. Thomas, M. c. from Mr. Folks dis,
other points on the railroad the people turned Out
to welcome him AT the Junction, he was met BY
Messrs r. G. Scott, A. Seldom, and j. s. Caske, OF
the committee of invitation, who escorted him to Rich
mond, where IN the midst OF great crowd ne was Ia
ken in charge by committee of the legislature and con,
Quoted to the hall OF the House OF Delegates wherein had
| council and a large number of citizens. We reached
the rotundo so late that we were unable to force our
way hrouEn the crowd we learn from onsr s now
Hopkins addressed the President in the following eo
quent language. His remarks were highly commended
Mr. PE # W the oo and hs of the
alons of the peoples here assembled and
to this ancient hall Believe ME, sir this is not the cold ex
preston of individual feelings OF good will and respect
Of formal courtesy distinguished stranger 1t is some
thing more real more imposing and OF far deeper and last
hbton prescribed ormaliy and idle ceremony 1t is,
sir the voice. the sentiment the approving Judgment OF our
people of Virginia, who assisted in eevating
you highest post of honor and distinction known to the
civilized world, and who cheered you on with their smiles
and appreciation through your most remarkable eventtu
successful administration of the federal government
would not be beng in this interesting occasion,
repre- senng do, sir gentlemen of all parties and every
variety Of political sentiments, review the various i'm
porta1t measures which distinguish and immortaize
your administration But may say, that, previous to
your administration, the setting of Heaven never
cast his last evening rays upon the confines OF our
liant orb of light when he emerges from the pillows
OF the Atlantic, darts his first morning rays upon the
sandy beach OF our eastern seashore; and after per-
forming his daily rounds through the heavens, when he
dips his broad disc no the placid bosom OF the calm Pa
chic his lingering beams still play upon american soil
in the gliterng gold dust Of California Again, sir, bid
you welcome and in conclusion allow me to assure you
fervent and ardent wishes of the people of Virginia,
for length days repee with health, happiness and pros
perity.
Mr. Polk in reply, spoke warmly and eloquently of
the very high compliment in being thus received by the
legislature of State for which he held the most pro-
found veneation and from whose apostles he had drawn
and gathered up his appreciation OF the principles OF con-
stituonal liberty He said he was taken by surprise in
the atterng reception extended to him by the represent
atives of Virginia. and he should regard it the very
highest honor of his life To be received having just
laid down power, and longer he'd with the patron
age of the government, filled him with gratitude. He
had been mos, aboriously engaged during his admins
aton and had endeavored, TO the best OF his ability to
discharge the duons duties that had devolved upon him
magnitude had been crowded into the four years OF
his administration than had fallen to any that had pre-
ceded and the benefit Of the country alone had guided
learned in the school of the lustrous statesmen OF Vr
GINA He was no longer servant Of the people, but had
become now sovereign. He spoke of the greatness OF
the country and connection with the extension OF our
territory, Of the value OF the Union. The Union would
be preserved by maintaining the compromises of the con-
stitution Preserve the Union, and the march of our
country in prosperity and greatness would be lmmeasura
be and surpass the glory OF ancient Rome, the mistress
OF the world. He referred to the vast commerce that
would flow from newly acquired possessions ma
king six hundred millions of people commercially tributa
ry He continued to respond at some length, In fne
taste and with much force We trust that who
present fortunate enough to preserve what was
well and so handsomely said.
Mr.. +. E. Rives of the Senate, then, in appropriate
terms, introduced Mr. r. j. Walker one Of President
Folks advisers. Mr.. Walker who seemed to feel deep
as folowsi
Mr.. Speaker and gentlemen Of the legislature.
Ii is with profound sensibty that acknowledge the
honor this day done certainly conceive it TO be at
least high any other that in the of my life
received. Who that is American be the
soil and in the Capitol of Virginia, the mother of heroes
and slatesmen whose fame is beyond Grecan Roman
parallel without deep emotions Virginia. whose great
staples intellect PATRIOTISM, courage, fidelity and
tue Permit again. with all my heart to thank you.
The ceremonies over, Mr. Polk and suite were escort
ed by the State Guard and many citizens TO the southern
depot, whence, at M they took their departure for
Petersburg and the south Previous to the ceremonies
at the Capitol, salute fired by the Fayette Arte
ry, by order of Governor Floyd Mrs. Polk and her
friends in the mean time, handsomely entertained
al the hospitable mansion of James A. Seddon, esq.
The notice was very Short yet the compliment to the
ex. President very marked, and the whole affair
passed off very honoraby to State and fellow citi
zens and no doubt most fatterngy to the distinguish
ed recipients of so high evidence of public respect.
Messrs. Polk and Walker were in good health and
fine spirits.
United States Senate.