The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-05-16

many minutes, had subsidized, Mr. Fillmore ex-
pressed his grateful thanks to those, his domestic
friends, as 1t were, who stood before him. The
most painful night of his life was that when, in
more trying period of the history of his country,
he felt that he about to be called upon to dis
charge the duties of Chief Magistrate of the ma
ton. When he stood by the deathbed of the illus
rious chief, whose spirit, almost without warning,
fled to the God who gave it, he was overwhelmed
with the responsibility which he heard was about
to be imposed upon him. 1t came, and he had la
bored to discharge his duties in a manner faithful
to his oath of office and to the obligations which he
owed to the whole country He looked about him
for councillors, rlted with the best higs in the
land for advice, and finally secured the services of
those whom ne was happy to believe represented
not only the Wing party, but the best interests Of
the entire Government. Unfortunately, when he
entered upon the discharge OF his duties, the
try was excited. II more. it in great
peril II was not a division upon party questions,
but the worst OF all divisions, division Of sections.
The Compromise measures were finally agreed
upon, and they met his appreciation, believing as
he did that they were necessary to the salvation of
the country. Good Wings. able men, bis advisers,
to whom he owed every thing, rallied around him
and gave him their hearty operation; and il was
due TO the eminent men of the Democratic party TO
say that they, too, came to the support OF the Adj
Innistration, and gave, in the settlement OF these
questions, an earnest and effectual support The
question was one which arose above party; and he
hoped in like crisis of all parties would al
ways be found true to the Constitution.
Mr.. Fillmore also said that he came to New York
with no intention Of making speeches to his Wing
friends or to any of his fellow citizens. He bad
come as the represent ative of the Government to
show the interest which he, and those operating
with him, felt in the completion Of a great public
and national work. He felt the deepest interest in
ii native of the Empire State, and in all those
works Of public improvement which bound the
Union more closely together. For this State he
felt the deepest affection, and it had caused him
the greatest anxiety and pain that he had been
called upon to differ from any portion of those who
had formerly ranked among his friends But he
claimed at least the merit OF acting from the best
of motives, If not wisely. Feelings Of patriotism
had governed his actions, and time would show
whether the Administration acted well or not.
The Presidents few remarks were listened to
with the deepest interest, and commanded the
hearty approval of all hearers.
MIR. Crittenden was honored with cheers for Ken
lucky, and her noblest sons Clay and Crittenden.
He replied with the greatest good humor, and in
manner which ELECTED smiles and cheers from
the crowd around him. Our reports crowded out.
The most lengthy, and in some respects the most
important speech Of the evening, was from Mr..
Graham, the Secretary Of the Navy,