The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-02-26
From the Richmond Republican.
MUgll..r.xl kNt Ian sNyn

Willard Fillmore.
The Democratic press, and portion of the Wing
press, are exceedingly ANXIOUS to make it appear
that Mr. FILLMORE is MOTTO be the Wing candidate
for the Presidency. 'Thc wsh," in both these
cases, ''is father to the thought" We can easily
understand why Wing sectionnlism desires to get
rid of national President, and why sagacious De-
mocracy Is anxious to Get aside candidate whose
name is identified with the preservation of the
Union, and whose patriotism and talents have been
demonstrated by actual trial in most triumphant
and successful administration of the foreign and
domestic affairs of this Government. We are by
no means prepared to say that the wishes of the
Democracy and Of the sectional Wings may not be
fulfilled. 1t is quite possible, for aught we know
to the contrary, that Mr.. Fillmore may decline to
permit the of his name in connexion with the
next Presidency But we say without fear OF con-
tradicion that it is the universal wish Of the South
that he should be the next Wing candidate for the
Presidency, and that his withdrawal from the lists
would be regarded with profound regret by all
Wings who have at heart the welfare, the dignity,
and perpetuity OF the Republic.
We venture to say that man since the days
of the first President has filled the Executive chair
more to the satisfaction of the conservative masses
of both parties in the United States than Willard
Fillmore. Political opposition has been at a loss
to find acts in his Administration which could af-
ford handle Of attack upon him. The pure and
unsullied private character of Mr.. Fillmore; his
evident sincerity, frankness, and directness; the
blended dignity and courtesy OF his demeanor,
have long ago attracted general esteem and re-
spect to the man, and disarmed political hostility
in his case of all personal feeling. The sterling
qualities of his heart, allied with strong common
sense and remarkable self possession and self.
control, have enabled him not only to pass un-
scathed through the fiery ordeal OF most trying
Administration, but to bring out unhurt and
touched all the great interests of the country
which have been committed to his care The
gans of fanaticsm and ofparty may endeavor to de-
cry MIR. Fillmore man OF ordinary merit, but
history will pronounce different verdict. He is
orator; he is soldier; but his acts have given his
countrya strength and permanency which all the
eloquence Of Congress was unable to accomplish,
and crowned her with blessings of Union and peace
such as the sword never achieved. We know of
no better mode of testing the competency and the
patriotism of a statesman than by placing him in
the position which MIR. Fillmore has occupied since
the death of Gen. Taylor. Both parties are vieing
with each other to stand upon the Compromise
which he gave to the country and both, with the
exception of the ultrasts Of the two extremes,
cede that no man of any party or of any section
ecutive with greater patriotism, judgment, impair
TALLY, moderation, and hrmness, than Mr.. Fill
more. The same wise yet vigorous hand has been
telt in all our foreign relations, preserving
faith with the weakest nation of the old world COM
pellipg the most powerful to redress insult TO
our flag, and holding back country from
mad and ruinous plunge into the destructive
tex of foreign war. We may judge Of the future
by the past, and, thus judging, what American,
not besotted with fanaticism party hate,
doubt that the most certain mode Of preserving the
quiet, safety, and honor of the country is by
tinuing the administration in hands which have
proved beyond all eav their competency and trust
worthinessl
IL is not on Mr.. Filmore's account personally
that his withdrawal ia TO be regretted, much
wish all the distinction and happiness to a man OF
his noble Qualities which office station give.
We doubt, however, whether 10 n mind properly
constituted there can be any great satisfaction in
a position which involves such incessant care and
painful responsibility the American Presidency
at this time. nor much pleasure in the purgatoral
path of caumny and abuse which must be trod by
every candidate before he can zach the summit of
power. We do not doubt for a moment that
should Mr.. Fillmore DC the Wing candidate. he
will be 30 blackcned and bedaubed by party abuse
Tint he would scarcely know his own face Mt the
end OF the campaign. The barbed arrows reel lessy
hurled at that pure and upright patriot, Mr.. Sum
mere, and against Mr.. Fillmore himself in the last
campaign would be dipped in fresh poison, and cast
with increased vengeance. Whilst, however, there
s little reason 10 regret that Mr.. Fillmore should be
spared the tide Of abuse and defamation which lie
to assail the Wing candidate, it il a most ominous
"sign of the tmcs IL the people will not sustain such
nm Administration az the present. When Presi.
dent loses the confidence Of his country because he
10 true TO her Constitution; because he knows no
section in the administration OF the Government
because he rigidly preserves the national faith; be-
cause he resolutey susains the policy Of non in
PREVENTION in foreign ware, which is essential to
our prosperity, peace, and power; because he will
not stoop TO play the dcmagogue for popular favor
when for such causes n President is 10 be sacri-
feed. then it lie evil day for his country rather
than for bimself II is a solemn omen that section
has triumpbed over patriotism; national dishonesty
national integrity; madness over reason, and
falsebood truth. How long n republic itself
can last in which the most vrtuous citizens are
tracised, and the most scrupulousy ambitious
alone succeed, u question which VIC do not dosre
to answer. We will hope, however, till there is
no longer ground OF hope, that the United States
have not reached that fearful step in the descent to
perdtion.