The Yazoo Democrat., 1854-05-24
The Ex.Presidents--A Confirms.


abilities and commonplace character. Dis
tinction has been thrust upon him by the ac-
cidents of fortune, but neither in the Obscu-
rity Of his original position, nor under the
pressure Of great political. responsibility, did
he ever display any energy of will or quality
Of intellect above the ordinary run of mortals
who noiselessly vegetate through their three
score years and ten. Without the cap1icious
favor of 6ckle fortune, plodding industry
and decorous demeanor might have ulti-
mately raised him to the position of Bank
president and a man of influence in a country
village. Beyond that point Of moderate sue
cess the force Of his own abilities could never
carry him.
Attached to the Wing ticket, like the tail Of
kite to balance and make it 90, he was cleo
ted to the Vice-Presidency in consequence Of
detection in the Democratic party; and
while quietly doing in his velvet chair, an
impudent meal and sudden collie transferred
him to the White House. His sojourn in
this establishment is memorable only for dis
NAL levees and thrifty housekeeping and he
left with competency for life and the char
acter of a very proper, good sort of person.
So far so good; but Mr.. Fillmore is not
content with the position towards which his
native dulness gravitates. He aspires to a
second term" and, partly with a view to
political effect, and partly to crafty that sort
of personal vanity which delights in playing
the lion, he has undertaken tour through
the Southern and Western States. The man
ner of his reception, however gratifying to
his own feelings, has such as to awaken
equal surprise and disgust in the breast of
the beholder. Mr.. Fillmore is a very respec-
table gentleman, but he hardly deserves an
apotheosis. What are his exploits He has
made no mark. He was In Congress, but he
left behind him no speech or measure of pub
lie policy to attest his influence in that sphere.
Accident made him President, and he did
nothing to justify the favor of fortune, for all
the opportunities in his grasp. His Admins
tration is blank, or rather blot, IN the his
tory Of the country. BE suffered our flag to
be insulted, and he let peculators prey upon
the treasury nor did he compensate for this
criminal delinquency by a single instance of
energy or capacity in administration. He
suggested no salutary reform; he originated
no wise measure of policy. For what service
to the State then does he claim popular
ovationR He derives from the Office which
he held, title to consideration and respect,
and we would freely render this tribute to
his high position. But the personal adula-
ton and homage which have characterized
his reception in certain places, are ludirous-
ly misplaced and unspeakably disgusting.
Like Millard Fillmore, John Tyler was the
President of chance; but the parallel runs 10
farther. He had already displayed high
qualities of character, and had achieved a |
name in history before his extraordinary ele-
yation. and nobody distrusted his capacity for |
the difficult duties and grave responsibilities |
of the Presidency. Surrounded, embarrassed
and opposed by complications, annoyances
and antagonisms, such as were never accu-
mlllated IN the path of any President, he yet
conducted his Administration to a glorious
end. and filed one of the brightest pages in
the history of the country, with the record of
his craftsmanship and his illustrious services
Resigning the rein Of power with the dignity
of Washington, he sought in pure and ro-
bust pursuits of agriculture, In the society Of
friends, and in the dispensation Of generous
but nnostentations hospitality, the gratifca-
ton of the impulses of a noble nature. He
makes no tour through the country in quest
of popularity; he does not set himself up as
the idol of vulgar applause; he mingles
not In the intrigues OF political ambition.
Like the Theban statesman he disdains no
service which may contribute to the good of
his country, however below his capacity or
unworthy his position Whether instructing
an Agricultural Club by his practical knowl-
edge, or Commercial Association by his sa-
gacity and large intelligence, he exhibits
equal benignity of character and absence of
selfish exclusiveness. Long may the venera-
bic statesman survive, in the possession of the
health which happy constitution secures,
and of the respect and esteem which he so
abundantly and deserved enjoys.-l2ichnoss
E1zoa1irer