Lynchburg daily Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1852-1861, 1856-04-02
Letter from Mr.. Fillmore

Letter from Mr. Fillmore.
The following letter from Mr.. Fillmore appears
in the New York Express. 1t was written more
than year ago, and, as is stated. with no view
10 its publication. The sentiments and princi
ples ayowed in it are such as should command the
approval of every friend Of America and Ameri-
can institutions. Mr.. Fillmore entertains no hos
,il;ty towards the natives Of other countries. but
he feels natural preference for those born under
the same flag with himself, and rightly thinks that
the institutions and liberties Of the country may
be more safely coniled to their keeping, than TO
men imperfectly acquainted with our system of
government. and indifferently solcitous about
its perpetuation. This is the letter:
RurrALo, New York. Jan. g. 1858.
ResrEcyrp FRIENp-IsAAc NEWTON: II would
give me great pleasure to accept your kind insi-
tation 70 visit Philadelphia, If it were possible to
make my visit private and limit it to a few per-
sonal friends whom should be most happy 10
see; but l know that this would be out of my
power, and am therefore reluctantly compelled
10 decline yeur invitation, as j have done others
70 New York and Boston, for the same reason
Ireturn you my thanks for your information
on the subject of politics. | am always happy
TO hear what is going forward but Independent
of the fact that Lfeel myself withdrawn from the
political arena. have been too much depressed
in shirt to take an, active part in the late cleo
tons. / contented my self with giving silent
vote 10 Mr.. Ullman for Governor.
While howeverJ an nn,inactive observer OF
public events. | am by no means an Indifferent.
ono. | may say TO You in the frankness Of private
friendship. that have for long time looked with
dread d apprehension Ut the corrupting influence
which the contest for tie foreign yotei exering
upon cur elections. Thisseems 10 result from it's
being banded together, and subject 10 the control
Of a few interested and selfish leaders. Hence
it has been subject Of bargain and sale,and each
Of the great political parties Of the country have
been bidding to obtain it.and as usual in all such
contests. the party which is most corrupt Is most
successful. The consequence is. that it is fast
deineralzing the whole country; corrupting the
very fountains Of political power,and converting
the ballot box-that great palladium of our liber-
ty-into an unmeaning mockery, where the ri shts
Of native born citizens are voted awuy by those
who bNndly follow their mercenary and selfish
leaders, The evidence Of this is found not
merely in the shameless ehaffering for the for
eiga ~ste at every election but in the large
dispveportion of Offices which now held by
foreigners at home aud abroad. as compared
with our native citizens. Where is the true heart
ed American whose cheek does not tingle with
shame and modification TO our highest and
post coveted foreign missions, filled by men OF
foreign birth to the exclusion Of native born p
Such appointments are humiliating confession
~ the crowned heads of Europe that Republ-
can sell does not produce suih cent talent 10 rep
resent a Republican nation at Il monarchial Court.
confess that it seems TO me--wth all due res
poets to others--that, AS general rule. our coun
try should be governed by American born cii.
gems Let us give to the oppressed Of every
country an asylum aud home in our happy
land, give to all the benefits of equal laws, and
equal protection; but ,let us at the same time
cherish as the apple of our eye the great prnci-
Piles ~s constitutional liberty, which few who have
not had the goodfortune to be reared in free
country, know how to appreciate and still less
how to preserve.
Washington in that inestimable legacy which
he left to hi country his farewell address-has
wisely warned u- to beware of foregn influence
AS the most baneful foe Of n republican govern
ment. lie saw il to be sure in II different light
from that in which il now presents itself; but he
knew that it would approach Us in all forms and
hence he cautioned us against the insidious rifles
of its influence. Therefore well for our own
sakesto whom this invaluable inheritance of SELF
government has been left by our forfathers, as
for the sake of the unborn millions who are to
inherit this and-foreign and native-let us take
warning of the Father Of his country, and do
what justly TO preserve our institutions
from corruption, and our country from dishonor,
but let this be done by the people themselves in
their sovereign capacity by making proper dis
elimination in the selection of officers, and not
by deprving any individual-natiye or foreign
born,of any constitutional or legal right to which
he 10 now entitled.
These are my sentiments in brief; aud although
have sometimes almost despared of my coun-
try when have witnessed the rapid strides Of
corruption yet think perceive CLEAN Of hope
in the future; and now feel confident that when
the great of intelligence in this enlightened
country is once fully aroused, and the danger
manifested, it will fearcssy apply the remedy,
and bring back the Government to the pure days
of Washington's administration. Finally let us
adopt, the old Roman motto, "Never despair of
the Republic" Let do our duty and trust in
that Providence which has sgnaly watched
over and preserved u, for the result. But have
said more than intended, and much more than
] should have said to any but trusted friend rs
/ have no desire TO mingle in political strife.
Renembar me kindly Ia your family and be.
1eve me, Truly your friend.
WILLARD FILLMORE.
The Washington Union is making itself merry