Hannibal journal and western union. (Hannibal, Mo.) 1851-1852, 1851-10-02
VOL. ONO. 5.

the foundation Of our well being aud Of our safe
ty. You know of the existence of our charita-
bic Institutions, where the care-worn and wsa-
ry sons and daughters Of men find repose and
comfort which should attend old age.
We bid you welcome to our State, and trust
that in your fist, you win feceiss, as you will
give, the highest satisfaction. Your visit Is pc
ctIiarly pleasant tous at this time, becase as you
are aware, we celebrate the completion of sys-
TEN Of railroads, which connects our State and
princip4 ~cTey With -shs imperial Vest as.d
which will serve TO bind us together in RrheE
Union. This system also connects us with thee
Canadas and it is gratifying to us that strangers
from the provinces will be present on this occa-
sion 10 witness the reception which we rejoice
to give yoii--the peace and harmony which pre-
walls, and toobe enabled, by what they shall see
and hear, to enjoy our institutions, shSdld they
ever cast their lots with us.
Permit me, in conclusion, 10 offer you res
pectful and cordial welcome the State Of Mas.
sachusetts, and to assure you Of the personal re-
gard and good wishes which each one of the
Committee entertain towards you.
To which the President replied as followsaT-
THE PREsIDEsg's SPEECH.
Mr. Chairman and gentlemen Of the Commit
tee--this unexpected and cordial expression Of
your kind feelings towards me is deeply apprer
cated by me. know that this enthusiastic well
come is not intended for me, but 10 do honor to
the office fill, and as such receive Il. | REQ
gret, gentlemen, that this is the first time have
ever visited this place. All this is new to me,
and THIS beautiful ciay befone me is the product
of the intelligence of its acitizens. Their patri-
otism and faithful observance Of law and order
| know well gentlemen, and 1 appreciate the
character of the people of MASSACHUSETTS. !
know what they have done for the country, for
llibertyo and for civilization; and no where is
there deeper conviction that the blessings we
enjoy are owing mainly to the Constitution under
which we live; and no where is there" deeper
determination to be faithful to the Constitution.
lit was with great reluctance that at first declin-
led the invitation TO visit BosteIeon this OCCASION
but having now accepted determination, and
feeling grateful to you, gentlemen, for the wei.
come extended to me on behalf af the State, !
now proceed with greappleasure to accept the
lhospitalties Of the citpoof Boston. Permit me
again, gentlemen, ON behalf of myself and these
ASSOCIATED with me in the Government, 10 thank
you for the cordial and courteous greeting YOU
IhaVe given me.
As soon as thecavalcade afrivedeat the city
Ilimits ,ethe President was welcomed to Boston by
Mayor Bigelow, who addressed him in the fol-
lowing words;
MAyoR, BIGELow's SPEECH.
! SIR-The people of Boston now crowd her
gates, TO receive with tokens Of honor, the great
head of the Republic, and in theiro name / bid
Won welcome to this metropolis. We regard it
as happy omen, that we receive you on the
spot where our fathers gathered to hail the COM
ing Of Washington, in the first year of his Presz
Iidency. The contrast exhibited between that
period andahis, is striking and instructive. The
lsalutations extended 10 the first President Wera
the offering of only 1900 inhabitants, while
THE welcome proifered TO his SUCCESSOR, thus day.
lis the voice Of population of 10000. The
ruler who was then received, administered the
affairs OF Tess than four millions Of people, who
Ihad lately emerged from the smoke of battle,
and were but beginning under the influences Of
liberty and union, to take rank amoSg the ma
tions q the earth. You, sir, we receive asathe
Executive Chief of population of twenty -four
millions, living in tbs enjoyment of an amount
of prosperity and happiness, almost unparalleled
in the history of the world. BY a remarkable
coincidence, Which doubtless has occurred to
yourself, YOU visit us on the anniversary of the
completion of the Federal Constitution. II is u
ttlay peculiarly fitting for or reception of him
whose authority, as thee Federal Chief Magis-
Itrate, is derived fron that great compact. The
day has also special interest for this city, foy
IL is the anniversary OF its settlement, which thG
occasion Just calls q lalin-the Phiadelphia con-
: clave and the Pilgrim colony. i trust that YOU
will recognize in the character Of our people, and
their institutions, the happily blended influences
4 OF the puritan and, the patriot. You have re
gently, sir, visited Virginia, aad now stand up
on the soil Of Massachusetts. The names 81 thos'
States recall the story of thee Revolution, ans
!. the noble part Sustained by each in that grea
drama.
Your reception in the Old Dominion indicates
her fealty to the Union, and her attachment {
the principles 81 other times. This day vii
furnish evidence of the regard of the Bay State
I, also for tl@t Union and thoSe principles, by tn
manner in which her people viii testify ihci
respect for the faithful administration Of tn
Constitution ana the, Laws. Il has been III
custom of war, sir, for he inhabitants Of cap
tured cities to bring fogth the keys SpJ lay theV
"a al the victor's feet-a noIler offer is tendere
If 10 you, than was ever rendered 70 the cOnqnero
m The hearts of our people are here, to greet yo
with gyateful and aflectionate salutations, an
re bid YOU welcome 10 our homes.
SF-7s--- --rHT. PRESIDENTS .sPEEcH..
). Mr.. Fillmore, in reply, made the fOllowir
response:
II receive frou. you, sir as the executive O
~ gan of THIS proud city, this welcome for me al
90 my associates with profound gratitude and en-
i lton. You have alluded TO the fact that this
bs the anniversary of the day on which the Co
~ stitution was completed, and YOU have also ali
NJ ded 10 the visit OF General Washiagson TO 4
I'm city. What change since the time when
mo- FIRST visited this city, nct for the purpose II
ss ceivine the cordial congratulations Of the esixe
the but for the purpose II deispding her against
on. tyranny and Sppres SON OF The mother count
"a lIf my memory serves me right, this son ot
'on glnia, who colneciea sile iate % glas e.a,s
nth yours, was appointed So'ea'lles ~
lI-lla