The daily Minnesota pioneer. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1854-1855, 1854-08-02

ken OF some OF the most prominent acts of my
administration. l claim no MERIT beyond that of
having faithfully discharged my duty according
to the best of my humble ability. You participa-
ted in that fearful struggle, and you can appreci-
ate the difficulties and embarrassmens with which
was surrounded. 1t called forth from both the
great parties of the country, the finest patriots,
and to them, and not to me exclusively, is due the
merits of quoting that fearful agitation
But Sir, you will pardon me, for | have said
more than intended OF myself l would say
word OF your beautiful country, and of The i'm
pressions which it has made upon my mind
had heard and read something of the Upper VAL
ley of the Mississippi, but must confess that
had no just conception OF its picturesque beauty
and luxuriant fertility. l think must have seen
1t under the most favorable auspices-for l know
it is wild and uncultvated, yet one would declare
who looked at the velvet carpet with which the
hills are covered to their SUBMITS, aud tie scatter
ing oaks and shrubbery, with which they are IN
ntersT orscd, that the whole country was in high
state of cultivation, and that what we saw along
the banks Of your noble river, were the green
pastures and meadows. orchards and parks of the
farms that lay back To me, Sir, the whole voy-
age has been one of surprise and delight but in
no Part OF my journey was more surprised or
delig ted l.an | was this morning when our steam
boat turned around yondcr point i'll the river and
brought into full view your charming city. | eX-
rcctcd much | knew that the famed fertility of
your country had operated like magnet upon the
population of the East, carrying hither its enter
prise and lis industry, but could not anticipate
meeting city here in the wilderness with hotels,
churches, school houses and public buildings that
would be an ornament to any OF our Eastern
Cities. This | was not prepared for, but here they
are-spung up i'll a ght and surrounded by some
of the most beautiful prairie farms which my eye
ever beheld-I congratulate you, Sir, and con-
graduate the citizens Yf st. Paul upon your good
fortunes Nav YOU continue to prosper.
Sir it has occurred to me that you occupy
snguurly fortunate position III a commercial point
of view. You are virtually at the head of river
pavigation of 1000 miles Where can the word
nresent another such spectacle? And it is only
necessary TO look at the map to perceive that a
rail road from here TO the west end of Lake Su-
perior, must make this the point of trans-shipnent
for the immense pleasure travel that will annually
pass up this river and to Fond du Lac, on the
Lake, and travel down through these great inland
seas, to the place where their gathered waters leap
the fall of Niagara. | hope at some future day to
enjoy the pleasures of that tour myself.
But Sir. look at the map of the United States
again. This mighty river with its branches APP
pears like large tree with lis roots III the gull OF
Mexico. You perceive one branch after another
gracefully leaving the main trunk, and spreading
rs s!iad wv ver distant States At lis base stands
large, beautiful and hospitabIc city. Pardon
me for speaking of its hospitality but some can
visit it without being impressed with this charm
ing trait in its character, and as l have recently
tasted lis magnificent bounty, must be permitted
TO make my acknowledgement here.
Sir, that city seems placed at the foot Of this
noble tree TO catch the ripe fruit OF its commerce
as it falls. But advise it to beware. perceive
that Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New
York, and finally all "Ia,heodont' have fixed
their greedy eyes upon some of the largest branch
es of this tree, laden with golden fruit, and even
upon the trunk itself, and are determined to reach
it by long ladders made Of railroads and canals,
and pluck it ere it falls Into the lap of New Or
leans and bear it off to the shores of the Atlantic
| say therefore, let New Orleans beware lest tie
golden fruit of her noble tree be stolen before she
is aware of it.
But, Sir, this competition can DO you no harm.
1t will give YOU choice of markets and add to
your wealth. But l have detained you longer
than intended, and it only remains flat repeat
my grateful Acknowledgements for this unexpected
but cordial welcome to yovr city.
During the delivery of these remarks the hail
was crowded with attentive listncrs. who frequent
~ greeted he e-olucnt speaker with rounds of ap-
plause. After Mr.. Fillmore had concluded Mr.
Bancroft was introduced to the audience by Mr.
Sibley. His speech which has never been report
ed was received with the warmcst applause by
The audience, and showed him to be equally as elo-
quent as an orator as his worldwide fame has
proved him as 4 writer.
But portion of the audience having been able
to gain admittancc to TIE hall during the delivery
of these speeches, Gov. German conducted the
Ex- President to the front of the Capitol and adj
dressed the citizens there assembled as follows
FELLOW CITIzENs:-I had no idea that you were
deprived the privilege of listening to the very in
tcresting speeches of President FILLMORE and Mr.
,pt fny civ I oil
that every one, old and young, rich and poor, were
present permitted to be. But | now have the
pleasure of Introducing President FILLMORE, who
will address you. beg leave to say, that it was
my privilege to serve in Congress during the whole
period of Mr.. FILLMoRE's Administration, and al
though differing with him on some questions here
tofore dividing political parties, am proud TO BIZ az
testimony to his firmncss. prudence, and patriot
ism. AS President of the United States upon the
great measures of compromise the agitation of
which shook the Union to its centre, and to him
and his administration on these questions, | gave
my hearty and cordial support have but few
moments since, in your name, bid him in most
cordial welcome to Minnesota, and now introduce
him to you in person.
Mr.. FILLMORE said,
| thank you most sincerely for this manifesto
ton of respect | am but private citizen,
travelling to the West for the purpose of seeing
your beautiful country. l have within the last
few months Travelled III a large portion OF the
SOutle States and seen their rivers, soil and
cities but | must confess, there is no part that |
have seen that equals your fair and beautiful
Northwest have been delighted from the ,av
left Chicago until I got here, with the grand
scenery-the rich and beautiful prairics, your
thriving cities, towns and villages-the farther
progressed the more interesting and beautiful it
seems to get When arrived at your CITY. was
surprised confess. / am astonished at the size
and thrift of st. Paul. l supposed before reach
ed here, that / would see few small log houses
and perhaps here and there farm horse, giving
evidence of prosperous little village but l am
amazed to Il city that would do honor to arv of
Il. L. - g, IL. Il