With the exception of certain little eccentricities of character, (hardly worth mentioning,) Mr. Polk proved a very desirable tenant of the White House, and on retiring left it in good repair. [Illustration: _BIRDS-EYE VIEW OF THE MEXICAN WAR._ ] TAYLOR—FILLMORE. Zachary Taylor took the White House off Mr. Polk’s hands, but only survived six months. Vice-President Millard Fillmore succeeded him, and having by accident discovered that there was a good deal of gold secreted about California, recognized the importance of admitting her into the Union lest some foreign Power should take it into its head to carry off the rich territory some dark night. There was special danger to be apprehended from China, which had already begun to make excavations from below. President Fillmore lost no time in taking California in, and many ambitious young gentlemen of culture went there and grew up with the country. In the work of art on page 172, we behold one of the latter journeying toward the setting sun, accompanied by as many of the luxuries of civilization as his limited means of transportation will admit of. [Illustration: A YOUNG GENTLEMAN OF CULTURE ON HIS WAY TO CALIFORNIA. ] There seem to be one or two incongruities in this otherwise master-piece which we are at a loss how to reconcile with known laws of science. We allude more particularly to the phenomenon of the sun and moon shining simultaneously. But for the artist’s usual respectful way of treating serious subjects we should be inclined to suspect that he was trifling with our feelings. The worst of it is, the paradox escaped our notice until after the plates had been cast. We hope our artist will be able to explain it away on his return from Rome. JAMES BUCHANAN next undertook to fill the vacancy. Nature abhors a vacuum, and generally fills it with wind if it can do no better. Republics sometimes imitate her example, and the election of Mr. Buchanan was a case in point. He was chronically afflicted with “squatter sovereignty,” and spent most of his time in trying to comprehend American politics. During Buchanan’s Administration John Brown and Sons undertook the contract of exterminating slavery, and as an initial step seized and burned the United States Arsenal at Harper’s Ferry. But the firm failed before the job was half completed. Mr. Brown’s body now lies mouldering in the grave, but it is due to him to state that his soul goes marching on. [Illustration] On a previous page will be found John Brown’s soul in the act of marching. Our artist was unable to obtain a very exact sketch as it was getting quite dark. LINCOLN—JOHNSON. Abraham Lincoln was next voted into the chair, which reminds us of a little anecdote.