Daily Davenport Democrat. [volume] (Davenport, Iowa) 1864-1874, 1865-01-30

LOWELL, Mass, Jan. ~.
Mai. Gen. Butler arrived here ut noon yes
terlay and in the evening addressed the citi-
zcns. There was great and enthusiastic
gathering of people probably 10000, present:
The demonstration was tlat.ering. General
B. said he would speak of what had happen
ed to the country, and what had occurred in
the Department, to take command Of which,
he had left them year ago last November.
On assuming the position that devolved on
him by the partiality Of the President, he
had looked about him to see what he was to
do. lie found $4,000 freedmen needing his
action. It hSd been demonstrated that the
former slave population could be made self
sustaining and that they were capa bic of ed
ucatiOn lie said lie had settled every
point rcgnrling the exchange of prisoners
but one, viz. in regard to colored troops
The rebels threatened to enslavc them. He
then proposed to himself to carry on q sys-
TEN Of special exchange till he had reduced
the proportion of prisoners SO that while
they might have some 5000 in their hands,
he would have 1900. Then he would say,
+" Make slaves of those 5000 and will set
these 5000 at work."
The General referred to the orders he had
received to stop all exchanges, and said that
if he was asked why he had left 1900 men
starving in rebeliom, he could declare that
the slain of their blood was not on his
hands,
He spoke in detail of the movements of the
Army Of the James on Bermuda, Army Of
the Potomac He spoke of the march Of
that army from the Rapidan or Mechanics
vile to Richmond. the dcsign Of its moves,
the causes Of their failure, and then pro-
ceeded to speak OF the affair ut Wilmington
and: Fisher. The General spoke at length
on this subject and then referred to the ex-
plOsion Of the Dutch Gap Canal. 1t did not
make perhaps 80 large a hole as the mine at
Petersburg, but he had not filled it with
American dead till it ran blood. He desired
to have it Inscribed on his tomb in that little
Enclosure where his remains would one day
be laid, Here lies of the General who saved
the lives Of his soldiers at Fort Fisher and
Big Bethel" He had criticised no man, but
hAd criticized somewhat sharply the troth
which always accompanied tray Porter.
Gan. Butler then proceeded to discuss the
prospects Of the national cause. He was
prepcred for more endurance, more strife, in
the service Of the country, if at any time In
the future the country needed his services, it
would be rendered ~ in the past. Whatevrr
mistakes may have been committed by men
ct the head Of affairs, We should not spare
our efforts Don't, he sid, be carried away
by any delusiye idea Of peace. The time for
peace has not come. To talk Of peace until
the army of Lee il either captured or whip
ped is useless. See that the Union armies
are kept filed, and that recruiting goes on.
Of our ultimate success there could be no
doubt. In conclusion, Gen. b excused him.
self for speaking At such length. He was
ordered TO report 1t Lowell and he had re-
ported in full. They had . right to know IL
their welcome was worthily bestowed. He
referred to the apparent prosperity Of the
them that from Wilmington which would
make al their spindles turn with the hum of
industry.