Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1850-07-24
PRESIDENT FILLMORE.


whole country, and natural desire is felt to become
better acquainted with his history and character
From sketch Of his life and public services, origin
aIy published in the American Review, in 1915, we
learn that WILLARD FILLMoRE was born at Summer
HILL Cayuga County, New York, January z, 1900.
The narrow circumstances Of his father, who was a
farmer, deprived Willard Of any advantages Of early
education beyond what were afforded by tho COM
mon schools Of the country. A, the age Of fifteen
he was bound out 10 learn the trade Of clothier,
fuller and dresser of cloth. While pursuing this bus
mess, he acquired fondness for books, and spent
every leisure moment in reading. When he was 10
years Of age, he formed the acquaintance of Judge
WooD, who advised him to study law and offered to
advance the necessary pecuniarv means. The offer
was accepted, aud the apprentice boy, having bought
his time, entered upon his professional studies
He studied, and taught school, and practised sur
veying, alternately, until the Spring Of 1923, when
he was admitted 10 the bar.
In 1926 he was married TO ABIGAIL PowERs,
daughter of the Rev. Lemuel Powers, by whom
he has two children, son and daughter. The
former is said to be member of the Bar Of
Buffalo; the latter, of the age Of eighteen, is teach
err in one Of the Public Schools of the same city.
| In 1929 Mr.. FILLMORE was admitted as coun-
sellor Of the Supreme Court, and from that time has
occupied high stand in the ranks of his profession
The next year he removed to Buffalo, which has
since been his permanent place of residence.
His first entrance into public life was in 1929,
/ nh 1,n in tbo T
as member from Erie county. He was reelected
the following year, and while member of the House
won the confidence Of his associates by his tai
ents and integrity 10 great extent that it was
a common remark among them off FILLMORE says
it is right, we will vote for it."
He was elected to Congress in 1932,again in 1886,
aud for third term in 1888 During the last term,
he was Chairman Of the Committee of Ways and
Means, in which capacity he rendered memorable
service TO the country He declined reelection to
the succeeding Congress, with view to final re-
trement from public life.
In 1914 he reluctantly consented 10 become the
Wing candidate for Governor of the State of New
York, and them for the only time in his life, suffered
defeat. In 1S47 he was elected Comptroller of
the State and held the Office at the time he was elect
ed Vice President Of the United States.
Such, briefly, is the history of the present Chief
! Magistrate Of our country. He has arisen from his
original obscurity in the humblest walks of liie to
the proud position he occupies, by the force of
merit alone. assisted in the last step by the Provi-
dence of God. His talents, though not dazzling are
of a high order, and emnenty practical. In point
of character and moral worth he commands univer-
sal respect and confidence. With such man at the
head of our goyernment-one having united in him.
self strong native intellect cultivated and improved
by study and intercourse with mankind large expe-
rence in the management of public affairs, Nnbend-
ing integrity, and mind deeply imbued with re-
gious prnciple-we cannot but anticipate an admin
stration honest, judcious and faithful TO the Con-
stitution
The following from the American Review of lS40,
the National ntegencer says does but bare justice the
ability fidelity, and success Of Mr. FILLMORE IS abors in
the 9th Congress- Chairman of the Committee Of Ways
and Means
The duties of that station always arduous and response
BILE, were at that time peculiarly Adminisra
ton had come into power, and found public affairs in
state of the greatest arrangement Accounts had been
wrongly kept population Of every kind abounded in almost
every department of the Government the in
adequate meet the ordinary expenses, the already large
existing debt rapidly swelling in magnitude commerce
and manufactures were depressed the currency deang
ed banks embarrassed and general distress AIDED
the community To bring order Of disorder, TO repen
sh the National Treasury, toprovde that would en-
able the Government TO meet the demands against It, and
to pay off the debt TO revive the Industry OF the country,
and restore its wonted prospeyhese the tasks de-
voved upon the Committee Of Ways and Means. To in
crease their difficulties, the minority, composed Ofthat par
y that had brought the country and Government into such
a condition. instead of aiding to repair the evil they had
DONE uniformly opposed almost every means brought for
ward for relief and often their unavaing efforts
successfully aided by treacheous Executive. But, with
energy and devotion the public veal worthy ofa ad
miraon, Mr. Fillmore applied himself 10 the task, and,
sustained by majority whose enlightened patriotism has
rarely been uaed and never surpassed succeeded in its
accomplishment
The measures he brought toward and sustained with
matchess ability, speedily relieved the Government from
its embarrassment, and have fully justified the most sangune
expectations of their benign influence upon the country
large. A new and moro accurate system of keeping
counts, rendering them clear and ntegible was intro
duced The voritesm and population, which had 50 long
dsgraced the Departments and pundered the Treasury
were checked by the requisitlon Of contracts The credit
of the Government restored ample means were pro-
vded for the exgences of the public service and the pay
ment the national debt incurred by the former Admnsta
ton Commerce and manufactures revived, and prospe
ty aud hope once smiled upon the land. The coun
try yet TOO keeny feels the suffering it then endured
and too justly appreciates the benilicent and wonderful
change that has been wrought render than auson
to these matters necessary. The labor ofdevising explain
ing and defending res RI9dsfHs o ct such happy re-
sustained by his patriotic fellow Wings but him,
ertheess, the main responsibility rested
After his long and severe abors in the committee
abors sufficiently arduous break down any but ofan
iron by spirit that nothnTGpuld
conquer, he was required 10 give his unremitting
10 the business of the House, to make any eXplanat
might be asked and be ready with complete and triuP
ant retaon of every cav objection that the ingenious
sophsry of factious minority could devise. All this, too
required TO be done with promptness cearuess, dgn
y and good temper For the proper performance of these
varied duties few men more happily qualified than Mr.
Fillmore. Al that fortunate age when the physical and