The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-05-14
Ex-President gilmore at Atlanta, Ga.


On Monday last, exPresident Fillmore and suit we're
met at the at O'Clock and welcomed to tho city
bounded. On his arrival he sauted by fifteen
twenty steam engines whose varied whistles created
Mt once novel, and not unmusical concert The i'm.
passenger depot, hundred yards long, by hun.
ortd feet in width had been cleared OF all distractions
and was crowded, within and without by men, women
and children without number. We cannot undertake
to estimate the number Of thousands IA that immense
multitude.
Mr. Fillmore, together with exsecreary Of the Navy
Mr. Kennedy conducted to staging prepared for the
occasion, and welcomed to the hospitality OF the
city by Col j. NJ. Calhoun, in spirited and eloquent
address, TO which Mr.. Fillmore replied as follows -
Mr.. Chairman, ladies' and gcntiemen-That being who
look upon scene like the before unmovei,
must be more or less than human The cordial welcome
which has been eoquenty expressed by Mr. Chair
mar, though II finds warm response in heart cannot
be expressed in language had heard of Atlanta as
beautiful village in the centre Of State which had
recently sprung into exisen ce-but until heard the eo
quence Of the steam whistle the neghngs Of the iron
horse of your railroads. and looked the multitude
congregated TO welcome me- had no adequate idea OF
the extent and population of your city. A thousand
thanks for the cordial and Unexpected welcome extend
cd. And although il may not become to say word
about your State policy and home affairs, yet must
think your Legislature when they come 70 vote, could
look the fair faces and bright eyes OF the beautiful
srrpy OF female lovelness before me, they would not
hesitate 10 locate the state Capitol at Atlanta.
boarse, as you perceive, with much speaking. But |
will carry the remembrance OF this hour not only TO my
Northern home, but TO my grave Accept my grateful
acknowledgements for the generous welcome extended
10 me.
After Mr.. Fillmore had taken his seat Mr.. Kennedy
was yocifecusy called for and 10 address them TO
tie following effect
Mr. Chairman, ladies and gentlemen, citizens Of At
lenta-I don't know how to speak in such presence
and after the eoquence of the steam Whistles lungs
Of flesh and blood CT to address you, ~ would
require 10 do TO have machinery Of iron within My
friend and have eaten way since entered your
statc around the circumference, and are nov a. te
centre. 1t would require with strong digestive
powers to eat hia way through the generous
Of the people Of your State have often heiru tnat
Georgia great and sovereign state but she mas
risen In Importance and been promoted TO be an empire
state and such has been her progts that inc traveller
is atonshed at the advancement she has nade Judging
from the indications before him we were powerful
people had more wives and children than any people
he ever saw and there great sgna Of prosperity aud
power Some people look at the men TO judge the great
meas OF peopl he not he looked at the women and
as state We we're entitled Justly to the distinction
We had won by our enterprise and energy. lie alluded
TO The services rendered by his distinguished friend In
the fearful crisis through which country had passed
and after again expressing his qualification at the attcn
4 tiop shown them, sat down amid loud cheers.
They were then conducted to the Atlanta Hotel. On
either side of the way, smiling little misses dressed In
white were arranged with flowers which they literally
! showered upon them. On reaching their room, their
doors Immediately thrown open and the little girls
who had thus honored them brought In and intro
dnced IL beautiful and interesting little scene In
4 the Great performances Of the occasion.