The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-02-13
From the Raleigh (N. ca Register.
presiIent FiIlmOre.

We cannot ina CINE how any-we will not say
southern man, but-AMERIcAN can withhold from
the President of the United States that admiration
and approval which ever due to a true patriot,
who has struggled successfully against the most
appalling difficulties. 1t will be remembered that
during the campaign of lS4S he was denounced by
the Democratic presses and orators at the South as
"A man not to be trusted, owing to his opinions on
the subject Of slavery. Every act of his political
life was scrutinized and perverted He was charged
with being an Abolitionist, fraternizng with Gar
Tis0n and Others, whose principles and preludices
were deadly hostile to the South. No man was
more unscrupulously assaied and misrepresented
by his enemies His friends defended him-dcfend.
ed him boldly, and with signal success. They told
the people that he was a true man-that he was
pafriOt-that he Annerican in heart and prln-
ciple; and although no one could foresee the mel
ancholy death OF the illustrlous hero who was des
tined to assume the helm Of the ship OF State, and
no one perhaps expected it, yet the friends OF
Mr.. Fillmore told the people, with confidence
which they were proud OF, If ever called to the
Presidential chair he could be trusted-trusted in
all things; in every crisis; amidst the raging Storm
as in fair weather; under misfortune, as in pros
perity. That he would do right, cevating him
self above section and above party when the inter
ests of the country required it, they had his pledge
not only given during that campaign In his pub
lie letters, butin his whole political lfe And how
nobly has he redeemed those pledges; or, rather,
how scrupulously and successfully has he performed
the promises which his friends, all the Union,
made for him during that campaign! We may be
mistaken, but do not believe that the country ever
had President who was entitled to more credit
than Mr.. f. for his frmncss, prudence, patriotism
and moral courage. He came into office under the
most embarrassing circumstances, well calculated
10 appal the sternest nature but saw no flutter
ing, no tampering with petty factions, here and
there, no time serving to patch up broken or
doubtful popularity, no reckoning to bad men to
hold stay for while their revenge or curses but
manly, bold, gallant, independent ,oak,ng right up
to responsibility and boarding it, standing right by
its side shaking it, sitting it of its errors talking
familiarly with it, and writing high upon the arch
of his counry's glory and prosperity" DUTY PER
FORMED"
We ali remember the condition of the country
on the eve of General Taylors dissolution. Texas
was threatening TO invade New Mexico. Civil
war was expected. The old hero had marked out
his course Of action. The public territory was to
be defended at all hazards. The laws to be
erecutsd. But before this policy was made known
to his countrymen, his mighty spirit was called TO
a nober scene of action. With modcsty, mark
ing the gentleman and patriot, Fillmore assumed
the responsibilities of the Presidential office. He
hesitatcd not when his duty seen, but de-
clared to ALL, "Me la,cs must be o6eyed," and at
once the maddened politicians of the South open
ed their fiendish cry against him. Nor was their
wrath appcascd until it had spent itself in useless
efforts to arouse the patriotic PEOPLE against their
oton Government. Well, the Compromise passed
Congress. Both sections North and South. ap-
pcarcd to be dissatisfied. II was the law of the
land, and the President resolved TO EXECUTE IT.
At the North, amongst his own friends the dis
satisfaction highest, and, apparently, most
ungoycrnable Denunciation, ridiculc, vitupera-
ton, threats, were most unsparingy heaped upon
him. He bore them all, calm and unrufied.
Then came demonstrations OF resistance to the
laws al am s,corn to execute the latcs, and 1t shall
be DONE" was the reply. Good and conservative
men rallied to his support; and where now is the
storm which few weeks since threatened to eeycr
the Union and drench the country in blood! The
law-Fugifire Slare latc-has been executed as
faithfully as could thus far have been expected;
the Compromise far has acted like charm upon
the whole nations its entire provisions nave peeh
performed, and to no cause arc we more lndeoted
for this than to the prudence patriotism, and hrm
ness of Willard Fillmore and his Cabinet! So say
not only Vhig journals at Washington city, but
journals politically hostile to the President so
says every true Wing throughout the country who
has watched the current of events; and 80 trouid
soy every Democrat, here and elsewhere, were he
to rise for one moment oboce party and it's damnng
influences, and give vent to the generous and no
ble impulses of his heart, directed by the honest
convictions Of his judgment! Such a man Mil
lard Fillmore deserves the full and overlooking
gratitude of his country. She has no honors to
give which add to his fame. She may have
many perils to encounter which may require his
6rmness and patriotism.