Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1865-08-18
ANECDOTES OF PRES. JOHNSON.
Correspondence Of the Missouri Democrst1

WARRINGTON, u. ", July 20.
Immediately upon Mr. LncOn's death, be-
fore his remains had reached their resting
place, the new President was beset by
swarm of party fsbmongers, clamorous for
the fsh-pots whence they had drawn susten-
ance from time immemorial during the pre-
dominance of the great" Democratic or Con-
servative party. While the heroic and pat
riotic kept slof from any hasty participation
in the Inauguration of new order Of things,
out Of reverence for that great soul whose
mortal light was extinguished, the ragged
cohorts Of old time demagogues were rally
ing for fearful onslaught. BY every train,
in every conveyance, through any means. the
political fossils Of an age gone by are seen
arriving at Washington. The hotels are
thronged boarding houses are crammed
bars and saloons are crowded. The Southern
"chivalry" and the Northern "doughfsce"
are revived in their original proportions.
Committees and delegations appeal daily to
the President and volunteer oracular advice.
II is but a short time since a distinguished
Senator called upon the President. dele
CATION of Conservatives had just left him.
Turning to the Senator, he said 81 wonder
il those persons, who but now passed out,
imagine that forget the power and the par
ty to which owe my elevation. There was
not a man in that delegation that would not
have united in Offering a reward for my scalp
few years ago, and now they talk to me as
If l owed everything to them. l guess
they'll find | have a memory"
Again: A well known editor Of a promi-
nent Northern journal said to the President (:
The Democracy say you will yet be found
with them (; that you have always been good
Democrat and always so remain"
"Do they" responded Mr.. Johnson. swell
sir you are at liberty to tell all such good
men that while, as President, | shall endeav-
or to drop any partisan character, | certainly
am not prepared to do more than pray for
those who despitefully use mel think
they stand in need OF prayers, and it's all
can do for them"
"Mr. President we are discouraged" said
committee Of freedmen to the President.
Richmond is as much in the hands of secess-
ionists now as it was before Lee surrendered
Nominally free, we are yet the worst of slaves,
and we see no hope of redress unless you aid
us"
"Gentlemen, answered Mr.. Johnson, "you
must exercise patience.-You are free, and
the vaiuest Virginian shall yet not only ac-
knowledge your freedom but your equality, II
you are true to your selves.
''But the local and State laws of Virginia,
Mr.. President -
What of the local and State laws of Vir-
giniai Until these f. F, VS. comes to the l
senses, rather think United States bsyonets
will be about the only laws they shall have
Go back to your homes, work hard. do youl
duty, and will see that the lowest anon Z
you is secured in his right and title to life
liberty, and the pursuit Of happiness."
As the President uttered this last remark
his face glowed with high resolve, and
never saw manhood more sterling and erec
than his every lineament betokensd. Fro Il
what | have written, and from many NOR
( things of similar import, you have the re'
sons for my faith in our new President Ih'
work before him is Titanic. He feels iti
grand import, and he does not wish to err
through haste, or imprudence. He is nov
; feeling his way, and will yet justify the hopes
OF the progressive and the patriotic.
, If Perry is not the man for Provisiona
Governor of South Carolina, Mr.. Perry vii
soon have his commission revoked.
II Parsons is not fitted to be Governor Q
' Alabama, Mr.. Parsons will be speedily re
lieved.