The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-05-23


the recorded annals of our country. Sir, greet
you, and again assure you, and the highly distin-
guished gentlemen who are with you. of geno-
rous, cordial, and sincere welcome TO the city Of
Rochester-a city the ambition of whose citizens
has been, and will, trust, continue TO be, ON
occasions like the present. to lay aside all political
feeling, and welcome to its inequalities all those
whose talents, virtues. patriotism, and high moral
and political standing 'entitle them to universal
respect and esteem.
The conclusion Of this address was followed
by enthusiastic cheers.
THE PRESIDENTS REPLY.
President FILLMORE then said
Ma. Mayor AND FELLOW CITIZENS Who.
ever could look at spectacle like this with
out the deepest emotions, must be or
less than human. thank you cordially. from
the bottom Of my heart for the very fine re-
reception you have given me, and the gentlemen
who form part of my administration. have not
the vanity to appropriate TO myself these attering
compliments. regard them many proofs of
your devotion to the Union and the Constitution of
the country, [great applause;l and that feeling,
think. speaks tho sentiments of millions all
the land II is not confined to western New York,
or to those who reside north Of Mason and Dixon's
North; it pervades the whole country. [Chcers. ]
feel that the honor done me this day by my
neighbors and those with whom ! have been brought
up and associated, is honor above all that ever
was or can be conferred upon me. [The President
spoke with deep feeling, and placed his hand upon
his hearth He alluded to very important public
work, and said believe it the most important ever
accomplished by any nation. The progress of
every nation consists in internal improvements,
the advancement of trade and commerce, and the
institutions of education and religion. II may be
laid down general rule, that all public i'm
provements intended to connect the different parts
of the country are either conducted by the State
or by such combinations of both legal.
II has been hitherto supposed that it is only
by one or the other of these means that great works
of public ability can be performed; but the Erie
railroad which cost $26,O00,000, running from
the Atlantic to the great lakes. was achieved en-
tirey by private enterprise. II has distanccd a
similar work of the autocrat Of all the Russians,
which he intended to run through the entire extent
of his dominions. 1t was commenced after HE; it
is finished before it. ask whether such work
does not justify the Executive and his Cabinet at
tending the celebration of its final completion.
[Cheers.] You have spoken of another work in
which eastern and western New York must ever
feel an interest. have watched its progress since
De Witt Clinton first conceived and promulgated
to the country. II is far advanced, but it is not
yet finished. The money expended upon it is dead
capital and cannot be available till the whole is
completed-whie one lock remains to be built it ia
valueless work. The only way to make it valuable
is to complete it. ! can assure you that am ex-
tremely gratihed to learn that another Presidential
term will not pass away till the work is brought to
a completion; and trust that the next President
will mingle with you in your congratulations upon
that event. as have done in reference to kindred
work. IA voice in the crowd-"The next Presi-
dent will be yourself" The President shook his
head.l With regard to the unfolding of the con-
stitution and the carrying out the laws OF the coun
try during my term of Office, the credit is chiefly
due to the distinguished men who are associated
with me. If can claim any thing for myself, it
is that have risen above all party consideration in
view of the great issue before me. Immense ap-
pause.] have been fortunate in choosing Cab
met that has not only answered my expectations,
but the expectations Of the country Give them
the honor that you ascribe to me. The reception
we have met with this day is the more gratifying,
as ii has not proceeded merely from one party, but
from all classes of the people. [Cheers.l Men
who, in late crisis, saved the Constitution by rail-
lying around it, in Congress and out of it, to
strengthen the arm Of the Government and main
tain the supremacy of the laws--t is to them your
thanks due. Loud applausel am hoarse; l
can say no more; but one word before conclude.
One of the distinguished men of my Cabinet is de-
tanned at Buffalo. Iregret very much that he is
not here. You will, however, see him soon. You
may hear him too. and congratulate you on the
prospect.
The President then sat down amidst the most
enthusiastic applause. There were loud calls
for the Kentucky patriot, when the Mayor in
troduced the Attorney General to the people.
MIR. Crittenden said:
MR.. CRITTENDEN's SPEECH.
FELLOW. CITIZENS: l have risen in obedience to
what seemed to be your wishes onthis occasion. but
in all sincerity, l cay that unable to address
you; and in the tones of my voice you have already
discovered the truth Of what tell you dislike to
appear before any body of my countrymen and
make an excuse; but with every infirmity you will
indulge me while occupy your attention very
few minutes, in paying my respectful acknowledge
ments for your kindness and hospitality to the
Chief Magistrate of the Union, and those who have
the honor of being associated with him. find, in
this distant land, the honor ed name Kentucky on
your banners. II is that is dear to every
where but to behold respected here, far from home
fills my heart greater gratitude than all the per-
sonalcomplimcnts you could pay me. [Three cheers
for Kentucky She deserves the honor you have done
her. for she has always been true to the motto in
scribed upon that flag, "The Union forever" Zap
plause. There never yet was contest, in peace OF
war, that she not up to the work. The crisis
has blown over, like storm, spreading terror
But when it was highest she was true and united
like one man. The people were divided into Wings
and Democrats you are, but they threw aside
their party flags, and they went to the field uAdel
the stripes and stars-the Union banner. Grea
oheers.l She true in the hour of danger, ane
she is now the sacred institutions upon which
we rely for our own liberty, and for the liberty o
posterity. The works to which allusion has been
made are like so many bonds that fastcn together
with hooks of iron. The waters of your canal, ir
which Lake Erie and the Hudson are mingled toge
Their, and the latter mingled with the Atlantic ocean
are like the mngling of the feelings. affections
patriotism Of the people in all parts of the country
in common brotherhood. rejoice, in passing
through this State and, other States. to find ont