The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-03-13
from the Rochester (N. W american.
The ADMINISTERS ton.

~" "e NoeneSIrT w. ~ dMStcGn.
The Administration.
Mr. FILLMORE was called TO the Presidency sud
denly and unexpectedly by the lamented death Of
General TAYLOR on the 9th of July 1850. The en-
barrassments growing out of the territorial and
slavery questions were then at their height Never
before were such serious approximations felt respect
ing the stability of the Union, by thoughtful men
both IN private and public life. The Compromise
measures, upheld by the efforts of CLAY and WEn-
srER were yet opposed by the influence of the Cab
snet, and, although from very different motives,
by sectional men OF every hue, in and out Of Con-
gress, so that their defeat, involving, many be-
heved, intestine war, was generally LOGGED upon
MS certain.
At this crisis Mr.. FILLMORE received AN instant
summons to guide the ship of State in place of the
noble old patriot who fell at she helm II is diff.
cult to conceive situation more calculated to try
the nerve and tax the character of "a statesman.
Congress, which for many months had resembled
tempestuous sea, but too faithfully reflected the
condition OF the country at large, and there were
few patriotic hearts which did not sink in view of
the gcperal danger. But there one considcra-
ton IN which all trusted to find common curitv.
Tic. who by the Constitution called to the head
OF affairs, was man Of tried fidelity. of approved
prudence, of conceded ability, and of patriotism
or believed, that MlLLARD FILLMoRx would shrink
from any duty, or Intentionally do any wrong
Confidence in his purity boundiess; and, when
he assumed the powers and duties Of the Execu-
tive, the most angry partsnnship, the iercest Sec
uonalism nay, even treason itself, were quelled
into respectful silence in his presence. Nor has
he disappointed the general expectation. His Ad-
ministration thus far is matter of history. Its sue
is no less remarkable than the difficulties
which surrounded 1t were formidable: and il NAV
truly be said that no President has ever won to a
greater degree the approval and applause OF the
whole people of the United States
We need not advert to his choice of Cabinet, to
the passage OF the Compromise, to the wisdom
which has regarded that measure as a final settle
men, or to the general acquiescence in its ncces.
sy for all this is fresh in the minds of the people
Scarcely more needfu is it to refer to the splendid
success OF the Government in conducting our for
eign relations under the immediate direction of
Mr. WEBSTER, to whose masterly ability the Pres
ident go wisely confded them But one fact may
be mentioned as extraordinary, if not une xampled
At the present moment, although there is an over
whelming Democratic majority in each House of
Congress- it is tacitly confessed that no resolution
dlsapprovlng OF rny measure of the Administra
ton can be pasIed in either branch, while it is uni
stance departed from the policy of his own politi
cal party. Could more striking testimonial OF
wisdom, ability, and patriotism be possible?
MIR. FILLMORE occupies enviable position be
fore his country and the world Succeeding to
the Presidency, not by election but by constitu
tional provision. at period of unparalleled dam
ger, he has administered the Government with I'M
surpassed acceptance and success
That deliberate appreciation of merit which inevi-
tably follows the performance of high and difficult
duty, has taken deep root in the hearts of the peo
pie in every section of the Union. They see in Mr..
FILLMORE man who has proved his capacity by
his acts about whom there be no doubt; who has
given the only nallible evidence of fitness by prac-
tcally manifesting his qualifications, whose every
official deed has been characterized by consummate
wisdom and crowned with complete SUCCESS
We seek to award him no more than WE'LL merited
praise. What we have said, all will concede; and
we ask if higher or more enviable eulogy can be
true Of any public servant? Could any man hope
or desire to write luminous page in the his
tory of his country, to leave n better record to
his posterity?
faithful, upright, and successful Chief Magis-
trate deserves well Of his country. The Presi-
dency is difficult post to fill, and he who has
well and acccptably discharged its duties especial
ly IN the midst of overwhelming embarrassments,
is eminsntly worthy of public respect and graft
tudc.