The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-04-22
Reception ofEx-Presidcnt Fillmore I'm Mont
gOmery. Ala.

From the Montgomery Journal, April III
The steamer Magnolia, with Mr. Fillmore and the Hon.
John r Kennedy board did not arrive our wharf
until about IL O'Clock NJ As she approached the land
ing the wo military companies OF the city, the Blues,
commanded by Captain Owen and the Rides, commanded
by Capt Thom were formed into line the bluff, and
the firing of minute guns gave guests
an assurance of the cordial welcome they about TO
receNe-the bank Of the river being lined in the mean
time by an immense Of citizens who had
assembled to welcome them into our midst. committee
Oh gentlemen waited upon the distinguished guests anu
escorted them TO open carriage drawn by four beau
full gray horses which they entered 6y he
Mayor, Mr. G. r. Hanstord, and the Hon H. W hillara
procession was then formed by Marshal of the day.
Col joel Riggs assisted by Mr. John \. fersns ana
capitol the procession formed foot and in proceeding
from the entrance to the capitol passed through line
OF Mr. Fillmore beautiful bouquets in rich profusion,
thus checualy and literally strewng his path with
flowers prepared for the occasion.
On arriving at the stand prepared for the occasion in
front of tie capitol the vast assembage called to
order by the marshal of the day when Mr. Moss in an
eloquent and mastery speech, extended to Mr. Fillmore
and his distinguished companion Mr.. Kennedy, in the
and by the authority of the citizens the hospitality
MIR. Fillmore responded in a feeling appropriate and
eloquent manner to the reception which had been
overpowered by the demonstration Of regard which had
met him at step in his journey through the South
he said that it was more like the trumphal march of
conquerng general than the reception Of private cit
He felt the everpowered by these manifesto
tons OF regard because he satisfied that he did
deserve them He had only performed his duty, and
said that next to the appreciation of his conscience
the assurance that his received the
people was source of the highest qualification. He al
iuded TO the circumstances which surrounded him when
called to the Presidency-the excited condition of the
country-the raging storm which had been engendered
oy contendng factions the fact that he had been born
and educated in free State and having necessarily
imbibed preudices against the institution Of slave
ry-the resolution to examine himself and take the
euuuon Tor his guide and rising above al narrow sec
onal feeling and prejudice to administer the government
with strict rerard to the rights and interests of every
section North, south East, and West But, said he,
should feel that had dishonored myself II had admin
the expense Of the North. did no such thing but
acted honestly and sincerely for the benefit of the whole
country He briefly alluded to his in regard to
the Texas difficulty, which, ut that time, assumed fear
u and threatening aspect Said that he felt 1t to be his
duty to protect the citizens Of New Mexico from the
threatened invasion of Texas and while he knew that
his unpaatable to the South he bele we'd it
to be his sworn duty to protect the New Mexicans in
coance with the provisions of our treaty stpulatons
and lac had determined to do It, This he stated brought
about the compromise measures, which had so happily
settled the whole controversy. He alluded to the pas
to his section said he knew that his approval
OF that measure would lose him many friends, but the
constitution said that ugtives from labor must be given
up ana as ne had sworn to support the constitution he
signed the bill that they should be surrendersd Then said
he came the onerous and responsible duty to enforce the
law we could not know or understand the difficulties
which attended the discharge Of this duty he said
that he had sworn to Gree the laws, and he did enforce
naticism wlich AZ the North against it. Mr.. Fill
more said 4 nad no language to express his
of gratitud the cordial reception he had met with in
this city and referred eoquenty to the beautiful flowers
which had boen thrown in his pathway by the little
=" rose bud, which he found in midst. He thanked
again and again the citizens for the kindness with which
he had been honored and took his seat amidst the APP
plause of the assembled multitude.
Mr. Kennedy then called out, and responded most
feiciously to the kind reception which his distinguished
friend and himself had received. We regret that
have not time to speak at length of his remarks
they cordially received by the vast
bled on the occasion
After the ceremony of reception the procession again
formed and escorted Mr. Fillmore and Mr. Kennedy the
exchange Hotel, where rooms had been provided for
them The spent the evening with their friend our dis
tnguished fellowcitizen, Mr. Haad where a number of
ladies and gentlemen did themselves the pleasure to call
upon and form their acquaintance