The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1853-07-20
The President in Baltimore.

President PIERCE met with very enthu-
siastic reception in Baltimore. on his way
TO the Worlds Fair, in New York. The
Baltimore Sun estimates the number in
attendance at 100000, and says eve
never recollect gazing in this city upon
such an immense multitude" The pro-
cession having arrived at Barnum's Hotel.
the President was called for by the crowd.
Having made his appearance. he was
greeted with hearty cheers, and silence be-
ing restored, the Hon. John Smith Hollins
Mayor OF Baltimore, welcomed him to the
city in few pertinent remarks. The
President, in reply, said:
Mr. Mayor. and Fellow-citizens Of the
city of Baltimore: My heart is full. and it
would be difficult to express the depth OF
feeling with which this cordial welcome
has impressed me. [Applause.] Your
citizens. by their partial friendship. and
more than generous confidence, had pre-
vioasly imposed upon me debt of graft
tude which years devoted to their service.
and to the interests and honor of our COM
mon country can scarcely cancel. Zap
plause.1 To be thus surrounded by a
population not. less distinguished for its
chivalry than for its intelligence and tried
patriotism, is peculiarly gratifying. And
among the pleasant memories suggested
by the occasion, who can fail TO be remind.
ed where the banner OF unbridled. unquali-
fed religious toleration was first freely CIV
en- to the breeze. [Great applause.] You
cannot be in such an atmosphere without
feeling its vivifying influence. Every man
who has patriots lungs must feel it, be.
cause every man knows that religious tol-
GRAFTON lies at the foundation Of civil lib
erty. [Applause.]
No transient traveller can enter this city.
without being struck by the evidences OF
enterprise and honest thrift which every
where meet the eye. Baltimore has stood
prominently forth in that astonishing pro-
gress of our country which may be truly
said to have outmarched prophecy. Her
great advantages in commercial po;n, oi
view have of course always been marked
and apparent; but her commanding geo.
graphical position, so far as internal COM
merce is concerned, forcibly alluded to by
Washington as early as 1896, is only be.
ginning to be appreciated even by your
selves. as the great West pours in its
boundless resources at the bidding of your
enterprise, and the judicious application
Of your means to those internal improve
ments which leave the destiny of Baltimore
matter of doubt.
But, after all. is not the increase OF your
population and wealth-the augmentation
Of your shipping interest, your crowded
depots and marts, teeming with the pro-
ducts, agricultural and mineral. Of the
interior = the erection Of splendid edii-
ces, rising as it were by magic.-nor all
these combined, which chiefly engross the
thoughts of the patriotic citizen, and give
to his pulse a quicker and prouder throb,
as he enters your environs and sees these
monuments in the distance. They may
crumble-that is their destiny-nay, they
will moulder and mingle with the common
earth, but the inspiration of the deeds oi
valor which they commemorate, which
saved you from the shame of the presence
and tread of foreign soldiery, win per.
ish never. [Applause.
Who. shall say what has been the ex-
tent. the power Of the example of self.
sacrificing heroism which signalized the
defence Of North Point.and Fort McHen.
ry, in 1874 1t was dark and trying
hour in our history. sWs were perplexed
but not in despair; east down. but not des.
troyed-when your example and proves.
rs.snimated conrags and confidence eve.
rywhere. Twas felt that the shield o.
protection, always recognized by our fore