The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1856-03-21
NOMINATION OF MR.. FILLMORE.

The nomination of Mr.. Fillmore for re-
election to the Presidency upon the platform
Of has Gntecedents affords an opportunity for
the moderate men of all parties to unite in
doing honor to one who has proved himself,
heretofore, so eminently worthy of the conf.
dence reposed in him by the American peo-
pie.
Though brought forward as the candidate
OF the American party, we incline 10 the be-
lief that Willard Fillmore will be found in
fact the candidate of the Nation. The action
of the Nominating convention was but the
expression of the popular will, for no other
American Statesman, whose name has thus
far been mentioned in connection with the
Presidency, shares so largely in the popular
regard. We consider il, therefore, rs less an
act of courtesy than of necessity. In honoring
Mr.. Fillmore the Convention honored itself
and is justly entitled to the merit Of rescuing
its party from that certain defeat which would
assuredly have followed had any other person
been chosen.
The platform in which the people OF the
United States can have most confidence is q
platform Of men, subordnating their acts to
the provisions of the Federal Compact. All
Others are mere paper fly traps. The reputa
ton of the individual for ability, honesty, and
nationality, is far safer ground to rest upon
than fifty wordy declarations of principles
which may be tortured to express the most
opposite meanings. If the whole term Of q
mans life has proven him worthy to be
trusted, there is no need to exact pledges
from such man. Knowing what his duty
is, we may rest assured he will perform it
guided only by the rule Of right and the die
tates of his own conscience If, on the othel
hand, a man Of splendid abilities, but wanting
in good principles, is nominated to office, hi
will not hesitate to make any pledge which il
demanded Of him by his party, and will breaI
it afterwards with equal nonchalancs, if il
suits his purpose so to do.
1t marks return to healthier politica
condition when platforms are ignored, ant
the candidate bases his claim to popular sup
port on the ground of his former services, ant
of his acknowledged virtues. There is 5
simple grandeur thus assumed, which is wor
thy alike of the man himself and Of the nation
to which he appeals.
In placing Willard Fillmore before The
people, simply upon his own merits, the
American nominating Convention has acted
wisely. There is nothing in his past life but
what is honorable and praiseworthy. No stain
rests upon his private CHARACTER, no jus. re-
proach upon his public acts. He is empha,
cally national man, and is eminently deserv
ing of the estimation in which he is held.
rY- The New York Journal of Commerce
an able and influential democratic sheet, re-
marks upon the nomination of Fillmore anG
Donnelson:-
"rhe National Convention of Know Moth
ings have done well, all things considered
They have adopted new platform, which
although in some respects inferior to the old
one, nevertheless distinctly endorses the prin
ciple of popular sovereignty in the Terrific
ries, as embodied in the Nebraska Law, ant
declares the right ola Territory to admission
into the Union whenever il has population
enough for one Representative to Congress
On both these points, they hold n position
antagonistical to the Black Republicans
The nomination Of Willard Fillmore is III,
best they could have made; and that of Au
drew ]. Donelson is not bad. Mr.. Fillmore
is thoroughly national, and when in the Pres
identa chair on n former occasion, gaineC
the confidence of the whole country, AWAY.
excepting the aboitionists and their coadju
tors. He will command large vote, bu
whether sufficient to carry him in, remains tc
be seen. This will depend very much upor
the character Of the Democratic nominee We
to be designated.