The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1881-03-26
SELECT LITERATURE.
"REMINISCENCES OF WASHINGTON
The Fillmore Administration from 1880 to
1883.
From The atlantic NonthlV.

meGiatelv announced by the toling of the
bell of the Department of State. and III 4
few moments the solemn peal was echoed
from every church stceplc in the metropo-
lis. The next day Mr.. Fillmore appeared
in the Representatives Hall at the Capt.
met in Joint session. took the oath Of
office. ard Immediately left. The Sana-
tors then returned to their Chamber. ard
eloquent culogies on the deceased Prcsi-
dent were delivered in each House. The
remains of General Taylor lay in state in
the East Room Of the White House, and
were escorted from there to their tempo
rary resting place in the Congressional
burial ground with great pomp. \ con-
siderable force of regulars and volun-
teers was commanded by General Scott,
who was mounted on Il spirited horse.
and who wore a richly embroidered uni
form, with high chapeau crowned with
yellow plun,es. The ponderous funeral
car was surmounted by 4 high canopy of
black silk. above which was a large gilt
eagle shroudcd in Grape. 1t was drawn
by eight white horses. each one led by Il
negro groom iii white costume of Oil
entail character. Behind the funeral car
was led "Old Whitley" the charger rid
den by General Taylor in Mexico. He
was a well made horse, in good condi-
ton. and he showed no sign Of fright
when the cannon thundered 4 farewell
salute at the conclusion of The ceremonies
The unexpected death of Gen. Taylor
was an element which even Mr.. Seward
had never taken into account, and the
first consequence was undisguised confu-
sion among the supporters of the Admin
istration. The members of the Cabinet
promptly rendered their designations, and
it was evident that the sudden removal
of the President had checkmated the
plans SO carefully made. and forced the
chief player to feel the bitterness of po-
litical death. Mr.. Fillmore had been
shabbily treated by the Taylor Admins
tration on several occasions, especially
when his request that personal friends
should be appointed collector and post
master at Bullalo had been formally re-
fused, and partisans of Mr.. Seward had
received the places. The new President
was amiablc in private life. but it was
evident that he would show little regard
for those who had snnbbed and sighted
him in his less powerful position.
Mr.. Fillmore was fifty years Of age
when he became President. He was of
average height. stalwart. and rotund of
form, with broad. heavy, florid features,
white hair. shrewd gray eyes and digni-
fed vet courteous manners. He had
risen from the humble walks of life. by
incessant toll, to the highest position in
the Republic. always animated by an in
domitable spirit. and by that industry
and perseverance which are the snrcst
guaratees of success. He was undoubt-
edly man of ability, but his intellect
seemed, like that of Lord Bacon. to lack
the complement of heart. \ blank in
his nature, where loyalty to the public
sentiment Of the North should have been.
made him willing instrument to crush
out the growing determination north of
Mason and Dixon's line that freedom
should be national. slavery sectional. One
of the coolest of the old-hcartcd, his Off
cial action was tirebrand which a few
years later set the Republic in flames;
frost performed the effect of fire.
Mrs. Fillmore WIS the daughter of the
Rev. Lemuel Powers. Baptist clergy
m III. who claimed descent from Henry
Leland, an emigrant from England. who
was one of the first settlers in Sherburnc.
Massachusetts, She was tall. spare and
graceful. with auburn hair, light blue
eyes. and 4 fair complexion. Before her
marriage she had taught school. and she
| was remarkably well Informed, but some
what reserved in her intercourse with
| strangers. She did not come to Wash
| incton until after her husband became
| Presid mt, and her delicate health pre-
! vented her mingling in society, but she
presided at the official dinner parties,
| aud was highly esteemed in Washington.
| She was very fond of music. and her
| ,lau -hter Used to play on the piano iol
| Ter ever" evening. while her son sang.
Mr.. Fillmore'S friends in New York.
soon after ha became President. gave
Mrs. Fillmore Il splendid carrias" and
| olir of horses. which were used by the
inmates of the White House until the
| SEPARATION of their soinurn there. Then.
| iot wishing such an elegant establish
nent. Mr.. Fillmore had it sold, and ill.,
Vested the proceeds in set of plate,
| which he wished 10 descend as an heir
,nom in his family, an imperishable record
| # his gratitude.
| Congress remained in session until the
| s0t!r OF September, and the three hun
lred aud two days were marked by acri-
nony Of debate and strong sectional eX-
| Element. The compromise bills were
successfully passed, and each one was
signed by President Fillmore, amid cner
| setic protests from tie Southern scceS.
,iousts and Northern abolitioniSts.-
When the bill. which provided for the
| condition of fugitive slaves was signed,
| he Union members of the House of Rep
tescntativeS organized serenade to Prcsi
| lent Fillmore and his Secretary Of state
| Daniel Webster. The President bowed
| lis Acknowledgements from 4 window Of
| he Executive Mansion. but Mr.. Web
| ter came out on the broad doorstep OF
| lis house. with friend on either side o
| aim holding a candle. and he commenced
brief speech by saying. = Now is the
,ummer-no. Now is the winter of oul
discomfort made glorious summer by this
son of York.
| Mr.. Fillmore had selected Mr.. Robert
| :. Winthrop to be his Secretary of State
bat was persuaded by Senators Clay ant
,langun 20 Offer the position to Mr.. Web
,tcr, who promptly accepted it, At tho
commencement of the debate on the com
| promise measures he had d, cd d to spcal
| II opposition to the entertainments of the
lave power, and Il carefully prepared
,rief Of what he proposed to say, in hi
.wn handwriting. was shown by hi:
riend. Mr.. George Ashmun. to Mr.. J. X