The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1865-05-03
The Loyal southerners Gall on Presi-
dent Johnson-His Speech.

The Loyal Southerners Gall on Presi-
dent johnson HIS speech.
WASHINGTON, April 24.-This morn.
ing a delegation Of loyal Southerners
called on President johnson by appoint.
ment.s The delegation was introduced bv
Judge Underwood, Of Virginia, who said
the visitors were, for the most part, ex-
lies, but they hoped speedily TO return,
as the recent ,utterances of the President
had encouraged that hope and that they
would not advise the hanging Of all, but
the leaders of the rebellion should be
punished.
President Johnson, in response, said his
feelings fully accorded with those Of the
delegation; that justice should Be meted
out to the leaders of this nefarious re-
bellion. 49,
On account Of the peculiar circuna-
stances under which be had assumed the
reins of Office, his position was someFkst
embarrassing, and he therefore thanked
visitors for encouragement offered. He
could only reiterate what he had said up-
on former occasions. he thought he
knew what mercy and pardoning power
was, for he had heretofore occupied ex-
ecutive positions, and he had been ac-
cused Of leaning too much to the side of
mercy but the pardoning power should
be exercised only with stern, infexible
Justice.
The time has cemewhen the American
people should understand the true char
acter Of the crime of treason. The idea
had been promulgated by leaders Of the
rebellion themselves, that treason would
become sufficiently famous. These men
were the aristocracy of the South God
protect the people from such an aristoc-
racy as that.
Referring to the assassination of Mr..
Lincoln, President johnson attributed it
to the fell spirit pervading the rebellion.
President Lincoln was, individually, but
one man, and no one would hesitate to
lsay that he who takessthe life of one man
should also forfeit life. Then. how much
more should those be punished who have
, raised their impious hands, and attempted,
by assassination, to take away the life Of
the nation? We may grant an amnesty
and extend clemency to the masses who
we're ferced into the rebellion; to the ia
tehigent leaders stern justice should be
tmeted our. - siz8 ~ tss- "a fff
In conclusion, the President said he
hoped the time 5000 would speedilycome
) when treason would be driven iiom the
land. He should do all in his power to
cause the speedy return of peace.
------ y 8
!, Plot of 10 TO Assassinate Washington.
llas In Mr. Scoville's book, aThe-Old Mer.
J chants of New York, is tbs following
1inotice Of an attempt to assassinatc George
Washington. One of the censpirators
f Thomas Hickory, private in the body
guard Of Washington. was hung. essi
! In June, 1776, Peter Curtinius, com
e missaay general, wrote to Colonel Rich
I ard Yurick letter regarding the plot, ii
which the written said
NEW YoRK, juno 26, 1776..
J, "SIR: Il X \ x Last nieh
: was discovered most Internal plot aeai MS
n the lives of General Washington ant
Putnam &C.. Some Of the villains con.
nected are in safe custody. Among then
:, are Mr.. Matthews, our Mayor; Gilber
Forbes, gunsmith a ffer and drummer
of General Washington's guard, &c
! The particulars are not yet transpired
Grom officers who were employed to ap.
prehend them) thst great sum was of.
fered to assassinate Generals Washington
! and Putnam-that plan was found ir
j their possession of all the Notifications
J that whilst the regulars made the attack,
i some persons weresto blow mp tho powder
house, aud others were to destroy King {
bridge to prevent reinforcemcnts coming
!. in from New England. In short the plot
i was most damnable one, and hope the
> villains may receive a punishment equa
: : to perpetual itching without the bene6
OF scratching. A
! {" / am sir, your most obst serv't sA
:, g PETER L. DURTlNIUs."s