The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-05-13

that it can say that General TAYLOR was
elected by the Aboltionists
From the Philadelphia Sun, Mayl2.
PRESIDENT FILLMoRs's vIslr. Tho Chief MAgis-
trate Of the Republic will, If unforeseen delays
should not prevent his arrival be in midst this
afternoon. The occasion il on which panegy
rio might readily be pardoned. But we shall not
indulge it. Neither the man nor the magistrate
requires, from the press, an eulogium upon
rccapitulation of his claims to popular favor. to
ensure generous and heartfelt reception from his
fellow citizens of Philadelphia. Our people are
too intimately identified with the Union AZ it 10,
and their sympathes are too closely interviewer
with the sentiments and measures of President
Fillmore for its pcrpetuity, its harmony, and its
glory, to call for any other appeal than the simple
announcement Of his first official visit, to render
this visit every way agreeable to him and credita-
BILE to themselves. Thus much, we are quite
sure, may be said without distinction Of party.
Such distinction indeed, it would, under the cir
cumstunces of the case, be difficult to draw. There
ia no community in this broad land more wholly
and periodically united in regard to the supremacy
of the national law which it has Of late become the
Presidents duty, under peculiarly embarrassing
circumstances, to enforce than the city and county
of Philadelphia. To honor him for the promptncss
and singleness of purpose with which he has met
this responsibility will be the free and pleasing
duty of every class of citizens The reception,
without much time for preparation extraordi-
nary display, will be every way appropriate to
Republican. President He will rest to. night amid
population of half million of his countrymen,
all of whom, old and young, Wing and Democrat,
native and naturalized, bid him welcome; all of
whom, in heart, cordially cheer him in the faithful
administration of this great Government; all of
whom unite in sentiment, if not in person, with
the municipal authorities in greeting him as the
city's guest.
There is something Of moral grandeur in this
visit ofPresident Fillmore to the North It affords,
under the circumstances that attend il, a common
tary on the progress of our free institutions, so
striking and SO gratifying that language may not
add to its force, describe the heights
depths ofits generous and happy influence. He re-
turns for brief season to his old home in western
New York, to share with his fellow-citzens one
of those great triumphs of internal improvement
the completion of the Erie railroad-which, since
the days of De Witt Clinton, have placed the En-
pire State in the front rank Of progress and pros
perity. He returns crowned with the first hon
ors of the Republic; not unmindful, but with
grateful sense Of obligation to his ever partial
neghbors, who transferred him from the humblest
walks Of private life, frat to subatern station, and
then, step by step. to those higher positions of
State that introduced his name and fame to nation
al promotion. Mr.. Fillmore from the ranks.
Through all the gradations of political service he
has acquitted himself with high credit and without
ostentation. He is both able and conservative
statesman; at time. perhaps, wholly Indifferent
to public honors, but ambitious of place
and patronage. The Vice Presidency was not of
his seeking. 1t was to him unexpected nomi-
nation. His political friends proposed, and the
people ratified it, from conviction of his integrity
and ability to discharge the highest duties of the Co.
vernment, it, under Providence, he should be called
to their administration. Il is not too much to say,
in view Of the events of the past year. that neither
have been disappointed. 4
From the Philadelphia North american, May IL.
by several members Of his Cabinet, will reach this
city to. day, and will doubtless be welcomed with a
demonstration ofpublic respect creditable to the
high and hospitabe character of this great city,
it will be worthy of the interesting occasion and
the distinguished individuals whom it is intended
to honor. The municipal authorities, the military,
and other organized bodies, have made such ar
rangements as the limited notice would admit to
receive the Chief Magistrate with becoming dig
nifty; but there is another sort Of reception,
which, in view, is far preferable to all official
parade, and which we expect TO see offered
cordially. because it is 80 well merited. We
mean the honest and hearty welcome Of the peo-
pie at large to one who has stecred the ship of
State safety when bcset with perils. and who
was calm and courageous when the storm roared
loudcst and ragged most fercely. There are many
impressive reflections connected with this event
which we should delight to dwell upon, but for the
pressure upon our columns. Willard Fillmore will
stand upon the eonsecratcd spot where the Consti-
tuition was graded, and, standing there, he may
with proud and conscious integrity claim to have
discharged his duty with fidelity under its injunc
tions, and to have known no other feeling and no
other interest but the glory of his country, and the
perpctuity of the Union. And what are the "pride,
pomp and circumstances" of place. compared
with satisfaction like ths-thc gratifying con-
vcton which the patriot feels that, in acting upon
pure and elevated motives, he has also acted for
the good of the country?
And how much in favorable contrast will be the
scene presented this day to the pageants Of mo-
narchy and despotism abroad. The Chief Execu-
tive of twenty three millions Of freementhe head
of the most progressive and the most powerful Gov
eminent on the face Of the earth, comes attended
by mercenary bands gttering in the tinsel which
is the emblem of their bondage; he comes guarded
by no military escorts; he comes with no bedizened
court; he followed by retinus ofretainers.
but as a plain American citizen, representing the
sovereignty of the people and impersonatns the
majesty of the laws The world can furnish SUBJ
Inner spectacle when properly considered Tens
OF thousands will be collected along the route of
the procession and in that immense gathering there
will not be found one voice for revolution; nay.
there will not be found one man who would not
shoulder his musket to crush such reasonable
design. And where else in the civilized world
could similar spectacle be Witnessed This plain
but striking fact is the best evidence Of the simp
city and strength Of republican government. How
too. is this simplicity illustrated in the
person Of the President. He who now presides
over the desnies Of this country by popular choice,
under constitutional provision, like thousands
who will greet him to-day with "well done, thou