The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1865-09-27
sneech By President johnson
TO SOUTHERN DELEGATES.

4 AOtA 80
States:
"Gentlemen, we have passed through the rebellion
I say we for it was we who were responsible tor II
The south made the issue, and know the nature 0
the southern people we'll enough to know that wheI
they have become convinced Of error, they frankly
acknowledge it in a direct manner and know that il
the performance of duty indeed any act they under
take to perform, they do it feehearted and frankly
And now that they have come to me- understand then
as saying that made the issue; set up the Uniof
of the States against the institution OF slavery we Sc
eced the arbiter Of the God of battles. The argu
ment the sword The issue was fairly and honora
bly, met both the questions presented have been settled
against u.s. and prepared to accept the issue.
II find all sides this spirit Of candor and honor
prevailing. The issue was ours, and the Judgment has
been against US; and the decision having been made
against US, feel bound in honor to abide by the
arbtrament In doing this are now bringing our
selves dishonor and should feel Inundated or
degraded, but rather that ennobling ourselves
by actons and should feel that the government
has treated magnanimousy, and meet the govern
ment upon the terms it has so nagranmousy prolered
to us. So Far am concerned, personally am un-
influenced by any question whether it affects the north
south, east west. stand where did of old bat
Ting for the constitution and the Union of the United
States.
''In doing so, I know I opposed some of you of
the south When the doctrine of secession was being
urged on the country and you declared your right to
break up the government and disintegrate the Union
stood, as have stood, firmly in the opinion that if
monopoly combined against this country, it must go
down and the country must go up.
eyes the issue was made by the south against the
governments and the government has triumphed; and
the south true to her ancient instincts Of rankness
and manly honor comes forth and expresses its wiling
ness to abide the result of the decision in good faith
''While rejoice that the rebellion has been crushed
and subdued, | am happy in the concientousness of
duty we'll performed.
II would not only have you, but the whole world to
know that while dreaded and feared dsintegration
Of the States am equally opposed to consolidation
and concentration OF power here, under whatever guse
or name it may bear and if the issue forced on us
shall endeavorto pursue the same efforts to dissuade
from this doctrine. But say let the same rules be
applied As before remarked to you, | am gratifed
to see and meet many of you here to-day. It mani
tests spirit pleased to observe. [ know it has
been said of me that my asperites were sharp; that
have vindictive feelings to crafty Such despicabe
feelings!
eff my acts will not speak forme and for themselves
then any profession might make would be useless
"Gentlemen If know myself, as l think l do l
know that am of the southern people, and love them,
and will do all in my power to restore them to that
state Of happiness and prosperity which they enjoyed
before the madness of misguided men, in whom they
had reposed their confidence, led them astray.
"If there is anything that can be done my part,
the correct principles of the constitution to pro
mote these ends, be assured it shall be done.
''Let me assure you that there is no disposition
the part of the United States. government to deal
harshy with the southern people
'There may be speeches published from various
quarters that may breathe different sprit-do not let
them trouble or excite you, but believe that it is
the great object of the government to make the
Union of the United States complete and perfect
than ever, and to maintain it constitutional principles
fpossible, firmly than it has ever before been.
"Then why cannot all come up to the work in
proper spirit; in other words, let US look to the
stituton.
'"rhe issue has been made and decided. Then as
wise men; men who are right and are determined to
follow it, as fathers and brothers, and as men who love
their country in the hour Of trial and suffering, why
cannot come up and help to settle the questions of
the hour and adjust them according to the principles
of justice and honor?
This princpleof slavery is gone. The former status
ofthe negro had to be changed and VEGAS wise men
recognise so patent fact, and adopt ourselves to the
as they surround u.s.
81 believe you are and believe when your faith is |
your covenant has been given, as |
have already said, l believe it viii be maintained
TCries of 1T willnl
''What ask or desire of the south or north, er the
east the west is to be sustained in carving out the
principles of the constitution.
at is not to be denied that we have been great suf
erers on both sides Good men have fallen and much
misery is being induceda necessary result of SIGH
contest
"Then why cannot approach each other on prin-
productive of good to all,
The day is not far distant when we shall again feel
ike the same family that has had endless feuds tie
Farious members of which have come together aid
compared the evils and suffering they had inflicted IN
zach other. f
"They had seen the influence of their errors and is
esuts, and governed by spirit of consideration hid
become mutually forbearing and forgvng and returnd
o their old habits of fFaternal kindness and become
better friends than ever /
Io+,r 4, +I,,+ IL, |
enated US has been settled and adjusted to the nj
ua satisfaction of ALL and that together to be
ound in irmer bonds of love, respect and confdene
more than ever the north cannot get along wthdt
he SOUTH nor the south without the north the ejt
fithout the west the west without the east andI
ay that it is our duty to do all that lies within Or
ower to perpetuate and make stronger the bonds bf
ur Union, and it is for the common good of ali TIT
re should be united and Free that the Union is but tie
constitution of the country, to be perpetuaed for IN
me- and cannot be destroyed, except by the allNe
Iod who created it. g
Gentlemen, repeat sincerely thank you forhc II
aspect manifested on this OCCASION and for youRx- v
ressons of appreciation and confidence" c.
TIE REPLY-The leader of the delegation reped IL
s follows: "AIr. president-On behalf of the dega-
ion, [ return you my sincere thanks for your hid p
enerous and magnanimous expression of kindly bel NJ
lgs for the people of the south" "
The visitors then retired. IN. 0. Times CT
Gov. PARSONS on RECONSTRUCTION AND NEGRO Orr or
sNsIIIp,The Montgomery correspondent of the Jim G.
matt Commercial reports Gov. Parsons of Aabsla of
saying: III
Now that slavery is dead, can conceive no greter
cia evil than class Of humanity in our midst sex Ne
uded from the civil pale as to become staeant. st
ethinS, miasmatic, moral cess-poo in the comrhni or
:, Human nature either improves or degenerats- 6u
cannot stand still; but it cannot improve wtout wi
e moral incentive of hope and human sfut,R.- tri
therefore,, the freedmen must for our own secu a. III
ell as his be brought at within the pale ofy yo
". His citizenship must be recognised. AS apan do
thoqt any reference to his discretion or socialos of
d. ne Is entitled to life liberty and the purt of str
?piness' With this view, | have weIooma the ne
FqlfouS proposition OF Gen Swayne, and han adj an
sed my ,appontees, in good faith to admit theHreed
an to the courts
lnrrn u ~