Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1874-03-28
Deferred Articles.
Virginia and Mr.. Fillmore.

The Legislature Of Virginia in the action
which it took upon the death Of ex-President
Fillmore, says the Baltimore Sun, showed an
intelligent and patriotic appreciation Of the
public virtues Of that distinguished man. It
placed on its journals a tribute to his character
equally honorable to him and to itself. This
tribute, prepared by Hon. a. H. II Stuart, =
member of the Virginia House Of Delegates
who was Secretary Of the Interior in the cabi-
net Of Mr. Fillmore, declares that while the
people of Virginia have occasionally dissented
from some Of Mr.. Flllmoro's views Of public
policy, they have always recognized in him
statesman Of distinguished ability, Of catholic
patriotism, Of large aud varied attachments, Of
profound wisdom, and Of unsalie1 integrity. "
The resolutions were adopted with only one
dissenting vote that OF colorcd member. In
his speech upon the resolutions Mr.. Stuart
stated that when, upon his appointment to the
Interior Department, he arrived in Washing
ton. he found that some of the compromise
measures had passed the two houses of Con-
gress, aud others had not yet been disposed Of.
Among those which had been passed and been
sent to the Pre-idsu. was tie fugitive slave
aw This law, Mr. Stuart says, was a sub
iect Of discussion at the first cabinet meeting
which he attended. lie adds:
4 question had been raised at 4 previous
meeting as TO the constitutionality Of the act,
and the Attorney General, John j. Crttenden,
lad been instructed to examine and report on
this question. 1t was a season of intense ex-
citement, but Mr. Fillmore maintained his
/ cquaninity uudiSturbed, and when Mr.. Cnt-
! tcuden announced his opinion that there was
nothing in the act at variance with the consti-
tuition. the President did not hesitate 70 sign it,
{ ! know we'll how painful it was to him to dis
charge this high constitutional duty. That he
was an anti-slavery man in sentiment was
known to Us ALL lie had been born and rear
ed in western New York, where the anti-sla-
very feeling was peculiarly strong His cau-
cation aud all his associations tended tC
strengthen the pr.inlices Of bis childhood
against slavery. know too, the powerful
influences which were employed to induce hin
to withhold his signature from the bill. HC
was told that if he approved the bill it woulJ
be The death kuell Of al future political ospira
tons On the other hand, he was assured tha
if he should veto il be would become the ido
Of the North, and be elevated to the Presidency
by acclamati0n. But all these considerations
potent as they were, seemed to have no weight
with him when opposed 10 what he regarded
TO be a high constitutional duty doubt i
the history Of our country furnishes another
example Of such high moral courage as wa'
displayed by Mr.. Fillmore on that occasion
When he decided that duty required him to
pursue particular line Of conduct. | never
knew him to falicr in following it. lie scom-
cd to have adopted as the rule Of his conduct
the noble sentiment uttered by Mr. Clay,
would rather be right than be President"
Mr. Stuart proceeds to state that while tho
cabinet of Mr.. Fillmore embraced such men a.
Webster and other. Of high intellectual cudow-
ments, Mr.. Fillmore was emphotically the
President, and drought 10 ,he council board
more elaborate preparation, more abundant
information, and more thorough comprcheu-
sion Of the subjects under consideration than
any member Of his cabinet The address Of
Mr. Stuart was animated by deep feeling. It
seems to have faithfully, expressed the seuti-
men. Of Virginia in regard to Mr. Fillmore,
and was certainly indorsed with remarkable
unanimity by It's Legislature