The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-05-25

our own political preference, without presuming to
speak for, dictate to, our feilow-ctizens OF the
rest of this State. We owe Mr.. Fillmore debt of
gratitude, and we should not hesitate TO acknow-
ledge il and endeavor to pay 1t.
But again; whether MIR. Fillmore is available or
not who else can unite the Wing party in the APP
preaching contest? Ingrattude to him will not
strengthen the hands OF our party For we all
know that the Wing party is largely composed of
those who not working politicians or strong
party men, but laborious retiring citizens, who
only adhere to the party when they think it's acts
are right, and who will not iai to look with the
strongest feelings of dsapprobaton upon treat
Inent with dishonor Of one whose official career
hos been 80 honest 90 good, and so successful. 1t
cannot be denied, that whenever the party has
failed to the CO operation OF such persons, II
has failed Of suCcess.
Let others, then. take the course they may see
it, and let US, with equal rights and equal priv.
legcs, stand by the man Of our choice-Millard
Fillmore--ior nomination by the Wing Conyen-
ton as the next President Of the United States.
MIR. JOHN c. BuLLlrr was the next speaker, and
was received with storm of applause. He said
in effect for we did not pretend to follow his eo-
quent and rapid manner with closencss:
Mn CHAIRMAN AND FELLOW. CIrIsENs: My
warmest sympathies are enlisted in the movement
which has brought you together tonight.
An attempt has been made in certain quarters in
our city to create the impression that this is not
Wing movement, and that If Wings took any part
in it they would be acting in actious opposition to
their Wing brethren in the rest of the Slate.
This imputaton comes from the same parties who
opposed Air. Filimore's Administration when he
first came into oaice-from the parties who opposed
the Compromise so violently, and who are now
ready to reopen agitation whenever the opportu-
nifty lie offered.
The same parties have endeavored to stifle every
expression of popular sentiment favorable to Mr..
Fillmore, and by skilful management they have
given it out to the country that Pennsylvania had
repudiatcd him.
1t 10 appropriate, them that we should meet toge
Their and express our sentiments; that we should
place Philadelphia in her true light, and should
express preference for the man whom we know
Philadelphia does prefer over all the candidates
now named in connection with the nomination for
the Presidency.
would not make platform for any one else to
stand upon; but, according to my construction of
Wing principles, this is essentially Wing move
ment, and the expression of a preference for Mr..
Fillmore ia in strict accordance with the true, gen
uine spirit OF the Wing party have always I'M
dersood 1t as one OF their principles that they
would always hold on to that which had been tried
and found valuabe-that they would not abandon
a faithful officer and take new in his stead
for the mere sake of rotation in office
Wing President should administer the Govern.
ment with fidelity; he should execute the laws
without fear or favor he should protect people
abroad and at home; he should foster, encourage,
and develop all the great interests of our coun
try; he should appoint man TO office W no is not
honest and capable; he should uphold and main
tain the Constitution; and, to the utmost of his
ability, preserve peace and harmony among all
eur people. These some Of the requisites Of a
Wing President, and l would ask, in what one Of
them has Mr.. Fillmore fallen short? appeal with
confidence 10 his Administration to sustain the
sertion which make that he possesses every ele-
ment required in Wing President, and, in
taining him. we but simply promoting the best
interests OF our country
Ii 10 alleged. fellow citizens, that he ia not avail
able as others are, and hence he should not be
l.nl tod fhaz AAfth ~
Has this principle of availability swallowed up
and ahsorbed every other principle of the party?
Are we To choose candidate first, and then look
for his principles afterwards? Or we. like men.
to select one whose principles are known, and
trust to the justice and right of cause for is
strength
But believe he is more available than any can
didate whom We can select. He possesses every
element of availability which any other candidate
does except that he is nota military hero.
But have misread the political history of this
country during the last few years, if military glory
is now the only essential principle of availability.
Allow me TO call your attention for moment 10
an instance in that history in illustration Of what
say. You remember the course pursued by Senator
Footc, of Mississippi, on the Compromise resolu-
tions. Iou remember too, the bitterness and VIC
lence with which he was denounced The whole
artillery Of southern disunionism was opened upon
his devoted head, and il was announced that he
would be overwhelmed by the tornado that was
sweeping over his State.
then returned TO his constituents 10 account to
them for the manner in which he had discharged
his trust. Shortly afterwards he became n candi-
date for the office Of Governor Of he State. His
competitor was General q uitman-a military hero,
fresh from the battlefield, with his honors thick
upon him. Supporting and sustaining General
Quitman was General Jefferson Davis, who still
bore about his pcrson the wounds he had received
while leading his gallant Mississippi regiment TO
the field OF victory. Here. then, was military fame
fairly arraycd against the claims OF civilian who
had done HE duty in the councils Of the nation.
The people of Mississippi are ardent, generous,
and chivalrous in their temperaments; appreciate
most highly gallant deeds, and delight 10 honor
those who do them. But the result Of that contest
proved that military glory was of no avail there
when il came in conflict with the safety and pre-.
servation of the Union. The gallant Foote bore
above him the broad banner oil the Constitution,
the Union and the Compromise, and h. victo-
rous.
This illustrates wha, have said, that military
glory is no. tho only essential principle Of nyaila
bility ~ this time.
BY bic integrity and fidelity, Mr.. Fillmore has
gained the confidence Of all parties and Of all
tions, and he y the known and openly syowed sup
porter OF the Compromisc; and In this he has n
tower Of strength know there are persons who
try TO make the impression upon tho minds Of the
Wings in the North that these measures will not
be made part Of tho political contest in the com.
ing campaign. Bot this Is miserable deception.
These measures were adopted under circumstances
that render them OF the FRS, Importance in po-
litcal organization.
The Wings cf the southern Stairs will support
no man who ia not known 10 hold them a final
settlement and atj Istncnt 81 the dangerous qucs-
tiOns involved "a Dcm. And they will look with
doubt and Suspicion upon one who CONES before
them with suci connexions or attachments rs
would allow the possibility Of his election being
uscd as the signal for rcviving agitation.
Thy do not ask frr southern Wing AZ the can
didatc. They arc willing 10 take northern man;
but they want tho who has been tried and
found 10 be a true national American PRECEDENT
Select sUch man-apd you have him in Mr.
Fiilmore-and they will come up TO the contcst
with hearts eager and painting to do service in the
csnse, and they will stick TO you they have done
through 81 the yicisstudcs Of political fortune. n
successful, they will join you In supporting and
sustaining the administration OF n Northern Wing
President, under which both you aud they can DC
prosperous; bot II defeated, they will rice again
for the next contest, only made stronger aud more
determined by the consciousness that upon this &C
casion they had found you ne true to yourselves
to them, and that they could rely upon you to aid
them in preserving the peace, and hnrmony, and
safety Of the Union. tGrest applause
DR.. ELKISTos followed. lie said tic exercises
OF the evening, according 70 the programme, were
over; but there was gentleman on the stand, from
New York, who be wished TO Introduce Co the meet
ing Though late, it vas saturday night. ten
or fifteen minutes later in getting 70 bed could be
made Up by little indulgence Sunday morn