Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1874-03-18
.Millnrd FyISsssorc.

IlOubeb. IOuro truiy,
Il. Il. II.
.MilSard Fillmore.
The death of Hon. Millard Fillmore,
which occurred at Buffalo, New York,
IN Sunday, the 9Th, leaves Andrew
Johnson US the solo surviving ex-Presi-
Ient of tho Republic, who, like Mr..
was elevated TO the Presi-
iency by the solemn and sombro bal
lot Of death, in July, 1850, nearly a
quarter OF a century before his own
summons came.
Tho death Of Millard Fillmore re-
minds us that nearly all tho actors
upon the political stage during the
epoch in our national politics
from 1880 to 1850, have been retired
from life. And with them, too, near.
ly all the questions that then agitated
the public mind, have been consigned
to tho grave, the subjects Of finance
and taxation in their over varying
phases, and tho limitations Of the
powers OF the Government alone sur
vivng.
Miliard Fillmore was born at Sum-
mcr Hill, Cayuga county, New York,
in 1900, and was consequently in his
seventy fourth year when ho died
When a boy, his father apprenticed
him to wool -carder. He combined
the love of study and thirst for knowl-
edge with his industry, and at an
early age attracted the favorable no.
tce of Judge Wood, an eminent law.
ycr,..who generously offered to educate
young MilIard in the profession. He
accepted the offer so far as receiving
Judge Woods instructions were con-
cerned, but supported himself by teach
ing school.
In 1921 he removed to Buffalo, Erie
county, where he. continued and com
pIeted his legal studies, and in 1927,
after a thorough training, was admit
ted to the practice. In 1929 he en-.
tered upon his political career, and
was elected to represent Erie county
10 the State Legislature. In 1882 he
was elected TO Congress by the Whig
party.
Subsequently for q number of years
hc alternatcd between politics and the
practice of his profession, and was re-
garded as an able lawyer and the re-
cognized and trusted leader of the
Wing party in Western New York
In 1917, he was elected TO the highly
responsible position Of Comptroller Of
the State Of New York, and, in lSis
had the honor of being nominated by
the National Wing Convention for the
Vice Presidency, on the ticket with
General Zachary Taylor. When The
latter died in July, 1850, Mr.. Fillmore
was installed as President, and that
too, in a very critical period OF oul
political history. II was at the tint
of the Lopez expedition against Cuba
and the period of extreme bitterness
in the discussion Of tho slavery qucs
ton between the North and tho South
Upon his accession to the Presi
dcncy he sought to strengthen am
popularize his Administration by ap
pointing Daniel Webster as his Secre
tary OF State. In his messages Il
Congress, Mr.. Fillmore advocated tb
Compromise Measures Of 1850, ap
proved by Henry Clay, including tn
Fugitive Slave Law. lie also advo
Gated protective, but not prohibitor.
tariff. During his Administrator
California was admitted as Stat
into the Union.
His final message contained glow
ing tribute 10 Daniel Webster, VII
died in 1852. On the 4th Of Marcel
1858, Mr.. Fillmore delivered up hi
high Office to bis Democratic success
sor, Franklin Pierce. In 1855, b
was the candidate of the America
party for President, but as the con
test lay mainly between Col. ]. {
Fremont and James Buchanan, he re
ceived but small minority OF tn
votes cast. During tho time Of hi
candidacy in 1856, hc was making th
tour of Europe, and was received wit
distinction by all the sovereigns whom
no visited. Fox-hunting at Rome wa
among bis nmusements.
| After 1856, Mr.. Fillmore retire'
from the political arena, crowned wit
the highest honors the nation coul,
bestow, and up to the time Of bis deaf
l,o,t;uuaI IN rauido of RnflnlO gui