The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-05-19
IcoRREsposnEscE OF THE nEPuBLIc.l

''-N-
day.
IcoRREsPoSDEScE THE REPUBLIC.
DuNKIRK, May lG, 1861.
We left Elmira at seven this morning, with the
addition to our company of Senator Douglas, of
Illinois, and more local dignitaries, whose names
| were not announced; probably SO great a number
of official and ex-ofdcial worthless never before
whirled over a railroad in ono train. On arri-
val at Elmira, great confusion and amusement
we're caused by Jealous gentleman with huge
bouquet of artificial flowers in his hand, who rushed
along the line of gaping citizens who had come out
to welcome the President, exclaiming, " For gra-
cious sake, gentlemen, stand back, and let the
prominent men come forward" The difficulty
was, to know who the promnent-among 90
many prominences-wer But, in the receptions
along the road, it was curious to observe the sim
gular unanimity of feeling the part of the peo
pie in calling out the distinguished gentlemen who
accompanied US. First, of course, came the Pres-
dent of the United States, who had to be spoken of
with his full title, to distinguish him from his other
excelIency, the President of the Erie railroad
after the President, then came the eager inquiry
for Mr.. Webster; but, generally, before the whole
Of the Presidents constitutional advisers who at
tend him on this magnificent excursion which, az
a gentleman remarked. is out-of-sight finer than
Wordsworth's --thc memorable steam whistle would
the enthusiastic people and their distinguished
visitors asundcr, and off rushed, amid clouds of
smoke, dust, and steam, the booming Of can
non, the shouts Of the people, and the waving
Of ocket-handkerchicfs, to renew the same
ceremonies at other surprisingly new and
fourishing towns, twenty or thirty miles near
er the Lake. Ones feelings were kept in
AZ. -, n-~;to kxx H.
dous bridges, viaducts, and guches we rushed over
and passed; the grand and beautiful scenery, the
wide stretching views of mountains and Valleys Of
cultivated fields lonely log cabins, villages fiaunt
ing in the pride of white paint, primitive forests
groups Of Indians, belching furnaces, and process
sions with banners that were continually flying
past US like rapidly unrollcd panorama. The
weather is dclghtful-not cloud in the sky
an obstacle on the track has cast shadow across
our path, or interrupted our progress. The inhab
itants of Elmra-which we'll deserves its new cog
nomen of "Quecn City of the West, although it has
to share it in common with dozen or two other
new towns in that vague region known "the
West" turned out in astonishing force, our de-
parture we'll our arrival, and seemed as
much delighted, judging from the heartiness of
their cheers, TO of as they were to welcome
US to their beautiful town. Shortly after leaving
Elmlra an event occurred winch mas Deem Often
predicted by Washington letter.writers, but GER
tainly not anticipated occasion like this, nor
at this particular time. The event in question was
nothing less than a disruption of President Fill
more's Cabinet, which was accustomed in this wise
There two trains Of cars; the President of the
United States and his suite being in the first, of
course everybody was anxious to go in it, and a
variety Of expedicnts having been vainly tried
TO induce the guests to take places in the
second train, it was at last resolved to divide
and conquer So MIR. Webster and the Sec
rotary of the Navy, with batch Of Governors,
Judges, and Senators were placed in the second
train; while the President, Attorney General
Crttcnden, and Postmaster Hall remained In
the first This breaking up of the Cabinet pro-
duced the desired effect and further beneficial
inasmuch as it enabled the "prominent men" to
make longer speeches at the different stopping
places. But it is difficult undertaking to attempt
to satisfy King Public with speeches. for if there is
an unsuitable, inappeasabc passion in the breast
Of the great American public it 10 the craving for
speeches. At one Of the places where we stopped
the people having exhausted the President, at
once became clamorous for Crittcndcn. The At
torney General resisted long 40 no could
but finding that he must say something, at last
popped his head out Of the window of the car
and said Ladies' and gentlemen, would make
. speech 10 you with pleasure, If could; but am
too much exhausted by the continued excitements
of this great day. But let me tell you that there
are two boys behind US who want TO make a speech
the worst kind One Of them is named Webster
and the other il called Governor Graham, of North
Carolina The "two boys" when they came
along were Of course seized upon, and speech ex
trncted from both. All along route incidents
wore continually occurring to keep all in the
best conceivable humor, and scenes presented to
excite our wonder and admiration. Attached TO
each train restaurant, under the charge of the
party renowned Downing, which was constantly
open. and patronizcd TO astonishing degree,
considering the feasts prepared at the principal
stations by the hospitabe inhabitants for the re-
treatment Of their hurried visitors In passing
through the "Indian Reservation ;" tract of forty
square miles in Chautauque county, we were
charmed by the appearance of groups of Indians,
men, women, and children, dressed in most pictu.
rescue holiday attire, and presenting to many pic
tures Of genuine American life, such a. they never
| before saw, except canvas and in illuminated
volumes At the pretty and thriving village of
Cuba, which il built on Oil creek, tributary
Of the Allegheny, and where we got the first
glimpse Of the waters that flow into the Mississp-
pi, the President. in addressing the inhabitants.
made very happy and humorous allusioa TO the
name Of the town. He remarked that the Cuba
| annexationists had given him . good deal Of
trouble latsy; but This Cuba, he happy TO say.
| had given him almost ~ much pleasure - the