Glasgow weekly times. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1848-1861, 1856-08-07
Hr. Fillmore on the Slavery Question


As the Democratic papers of the South
are just now very busily engaged in re-
producing the same old stereotyped charges
which they rung upon Mr.. Fillmore in
lS4S, and which the people of the South
then repudiated as foul caiumnies, it may
be well enough for us 10 re-publish the fol-
lowing:
ALBANY, N. Y, July 81, 1S4S.
Hon. John Gayle Dear Sir: lhave your
letter OF the 18th inst, but my official du-
ties have been SO pressing that have been
compelled 10 neglect my private correspon-
dence. | had also determined to write no
more letters Tor publication bearing upon
the contest in the approaching canvass
But as you deere some information for your
own qualification in regard 10 the charges
brought against me from the South, on the
slavery question, l have concluded TO state
briefly my position.
While | was in Congress there was much
agitation on the right Of petition. My votes
will doubtless be found recorded uniformly
III favor Of it. The rule upon which ! ac-
ted was, that every citizen presenting a
respectful petition to the body that, by The
constitution had the power 10 grant or re-
iuse the prayer OF it, was entitled TO be
heard; and therefore the petition ought TO
be received and considered. If right and
reasonable, the prayer Of il should not be
denied. think all my votes, whether on
the reception OF petitions or the considera-
ton Of resolutions, will be found 10 be con-
sistent with this rule.
| have none of my Congressional docu-
ments here, they being at'my former resi-
dence III Buffalo, nor have access to any
papers or memoranda 10 refresh my recol-
ections; but think at some time while in
Congress | took occasion 10 state in sub
stance my views on the subject of slavery
in the States. Whether the remarks were
reported or not am unable to say, but the
substance was that | regarded s.aeery as
an evil, but one with which the National
Government has nothing 10 do; that by the
Constitution ofthe United States the whole
power over that question was vested in the
several States where tie institution was
tolerated. II they regarded il as blessing,
they had constitutional right to enjoy it,
and if they regarded it as an evil, they had
the power and knew best how to apply the
remedy. did not conceive that Congress
had any power over it, Or was in any way
responsible for IFS continuance in the sever
nj States where it existed. have enter
taineu no other sentiments on this subject
since | examined it sufficiently TO form an
opinion, and doubt not that all my acts,
public and private, will be found IN accor-
dance with this.
| have the honor to be your obedie:t SER
want, MILLARD FILLMORE.
Since this letter was written Mr.. Fill.
has been elevated 70 the Presidential chair,
which he occupied for three years: He
came into power in the midst of Storm
And his first efforts were directed TO Civ
ing quiet TO the country and securing the
right, Of the South. How well he succee-
ded the American people know and the
compromise measures of 1850 fully attest.
lie now pledges himself that his former Ad-
ministration shall be the polar star TO guide
and direct his future course. Is there
man in all this broad republic who desires
any higher or better guarantee? Ifthere is,
we should like 10 see him and know some-
thing OF his antece2ents. That he is the
imam for the present crisis, no impartial, in
tciligent patriot in all America will pretend
10 deny, and that, if elected, he will restore
the country TO quiet and maintain the con-
stitntional rights Of all sections, every hon
est intelligent, and truthful maa be 'ieves
and will admit Lou. Jour.