The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1886-01-06
OLD TIMES RECALLED.
Momber OF FilImore's Cabinet Tails
About HIs CoIienguaa.

The last surviving member of Mill
ard Fillmore's cabinet Is Hon. A. H.
II. Stuart, of Staunton, Va. He Is rs
years OF ago. and has a livoly rccollec-
tion of the mon of those days. A re-
porter for the New York Mail and Er-
press met him the other day at the
Fifth Avenue hotel, whom he was In at
tendance at tho meeting Of the trus-
tees of the Peabody fund, Of whom he
is one. Ho is very tall and thin, is
stopped by age, and has q small. clean
shaven face and bright eyes.
"Rccollect those timesp" he said.
"Ihey can never fade from my memo
ry while live. was secretary of tn }
interior from 1850 to 1853. l went in
to the cabinet soon after Mr.. Fillmore
became president. My colleagues were
Daniel Webster. secretary of state-he
died in September, 1852. and was sue
ceeded by Edward Everett-Thomas
Corwin. secretary of tho treasury;
Charles M. Conrad. secretary OF war;
Gov William A. Graham, navy; John
>: Crittonden, attorney general, and
Nathan X. Hale. of Buffalo. postmaster
general. Mr.. Graham was nominated
for vice presidency with Scott and re-
signed. John p. Kennedy, of Mary
place. OF all these men, l alope am
left. Mr.. Conrad was tho last to dlo,
some five years ago."
"How do our statesmen of to-day
compare with those of your timoa"
"Thero are no mon now to rank with
Clay. Webster. and Calhoun. Clay
was tho greatest practical statesman,
Webster tho grandest debater and ora
tor. and Calhoun tho most profound
political philosopher. Mr.. Clay had o
personal eloquence that enabled him to
control nearly everyone who came un-
dor his influence. Mr.. Fillmore was
very able man and had mind perfect
ly balanced. don't think that public
opinion has done justice to his great
ability. He was n statesman OF vast
resources. and always had sufficient
power to meet exigencies of whatever
nature. know him we'll in congress
in 1912 and often heard it remarked
that he was born for the leadership of
the house.
"As vice president ho seemed to have
every quality to control aud dignity
tho position. Ho was y model presf
don't. Ho brought with him to tho
cabinet meetings moro thorough
knowledge Of the topics and questions
to bo discussed than was possessed by
any member. With it all he was the
most considerate and affable man 1t
has ever been my good fortune to
know. II there was purer man or
moro unscltish patriot have yet to
learn his name. Daniel Webster was
not only one of the grandest orators
and debaters, but socially he was most
captivating. His wit was superb, his
words of wisdom and his dow of spirits
perennial. AT his own house ho was
most delightful host, aud mono could
exceed his hospitality. His very pres
enco gave life to every convivial party.
He often dined with me and l with
him. So know him thoroughly In his
private as well as his public life.
stood by his side whom he laid tho cor
ner-stone Of tho capitol extension at
Washington in 1859 or 1853, I forget
which yoar. He ma grand speech
on that occasion"
Have things changed much since
thenp"
"Woll. wo novor heard SO much
fraud and corrupt motives attributed
to men in high position rs now. The
acerbity that prevails now in the po-
litical parties did not exist then to such
great degree. As to how tho gov
ernment affairs are conducted now in
Washington can not judge. have
not been there to remain any length
OF time for thirty years. But l could
write many volumes about tho mon
and tho events OF the old whig days"
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