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

at Vsstehester.
The President at Philadelphia.
In anticipation of the arrival in Philadelphia
of President FILLMORE and several members of
the Cabinet, Eve learn from the North .anieri-
can, TO which we are entirely indebted for the
following sketch of the proceedings in Phila-
delphia, on their way to New York to attend
the celebration of the opening of the Erie rail-
road, the corporate authorities Of the city and
members Of Congress. together with party Of
invited guests, proceeded on board the steamer
Roger Williams" to Wilmington, Delaware.
The company reached that point at few
minutes after II o'clock a. M, and were re-
ceived at the landing by committee consisting
of the Mayor, C, P. EVANS, 2. B. GLAzIER,
III. GARRETT, and j. S. VALENrINE, who well
coined them TO the inequalities of the place.
Mayor GILPIN acknowledged the civility in a
few brief words of thanks, when procession
was formed, which, headed by the Philadelphia
Brass Band, marched to the Town Hail.. From
thence the company passed to the Indian Queen
hotel, where they paftook Of an elegant and
sumptuous repast, prepared for the occasion by
the Committee Of Arrangements acting on be-
half Of the citizens of Wilmington. At the con-
clusion Of the FEAST a number Of speeches,
appropriate to the occasion, were delivered by
the MAYOR of the city, Mr.. j. P. WETHERILL,
the Hon. j. R. CHANDLER, DIR. j. r. MITCH
ELL, Hon. THOMAS FLORENCE, and others. A
short time after o'clock, p. m, the PREsI-
DENT and suite reached Wilmington in charge
of committee of thirty citizens Of that place,
who had met him at Elkton, Maryland. From
the cars he was escorted to the Town Hall,
where he was received by the people with
loud and prolonged huzzas. Mayor c. p.
EVANS welcomed him and those with him in
the following terms:
Z" Mr. PRESIDENT In the name and in behalf Of
the citizens Of Wilmington, welcome the Chief
Magistrate Of the United States among US.
"The citizens of Delaware will yield to no part
Of the nation in their fidelity to the Constitution
their fathers put the first seal to the covenant bond
of the Union, and their descendants will never dis
honor their memories
:" Be assured, sir, that the citizens of Deaw are
will promptly and cheerfuly CO. operate with you
in maintaining and upholding the sovereignty of
the laws. Your administration has justly inspired
confidence at home and abroad.
eve are happy to receive you at our City Hail.
where fellow citizens may have an opportu-
nifty TO take by the hand and exchange civilites
with Chief Magistrate SO worthy of their conf
dence and respect.
Permit me, Mr.. President, to tender you, on
behalf Of the inhabitants of this city, their freest
hospitalities."
President FILLMORE replied in brief but
most eloquent manner, and was cheered again
and again.
Three cheers were then given for the Cabi-
net, and Mr.. CRIrrENDEN, the Attorney Gene
raj, being repeatedly called for, come forward,
and said
my friends: am sure there must be some mis-.
take in this matter. did not come here with any
expectation Of making you speech. / made my
speech to you in lS40. Nevertheless, cannot, since
am before you, refrain from expressing the infn-
ite satisfaction with which l have witnessed the
kindness and cordially manifested by you on this
occasion towards the President and those associated
with him. II cannot be attributed to mere respect
for the individual person who occupies the chair
of the Chief Magistracy, but to that devotion which
you feel towards the National Union and the prin-
ciples Of the Government under which we live.
There have been some few mad, foolish. inconsid-
crate men in certain quarters, who would dare 10
pull down noble fabric of free, popular Gov
eminent. But their efforts are utterly impotent
1T is the s,rongest and the best Government in
the world; and it is the strongest because it is the
best As to its perpetuity, cannot and do not en-
terrain lear. No candid traveller through the
country can fail to see, every step he takes, evil
dences Of loyalty and attachment to the Union
which ought to confirm his faith in its durability.
There IL power In public opinion--there is a
power in the sentiment of the people which ia a
tower of strength to the Government, and they
who could lift up their arms and handsito destroy
it would have them paralyzed in the very effort
Public opinion and feeling would become mirror
in which they would see their hideous design, anc
be instantly petrifed to stone. ! have done. lie
me conclude my speech by reiterating my warmes
thanks"
The cheers Of the crowd frequently inter
rupteo the remarks Of Mr. CRIrrENDEs, and
at the close those who were present were sep
arately introduced to the PRESIDENT. He was
then escorted to the steamer "Roger Will
liams," and, on entering the saloon Of the boat
his honor Mayor GILPIE, Of Philadelphia, re-
ceivsd him in the following brief and appro-
pirate words:
Mr.. PaEsrpKsr: have the honor, az Mayor o,
Philadelphia, and as, therefore, representing the
Select and Common Councils, AZ well as the citi.
Gems of Philadelphia, on this truly gratifying occs
sion, to welcome you not only to the State Of Penn.
sylvania, but to the City Of Brothery Love, while
on your way to the North. We hope, sir, that du.