The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1865-10-12

President Johnson's Speech 70 tho
Biscks-The Views and Policy Of .
states.aan. ~
Andrew johnson has always had the reputa-
ton Of a powerful man upon the stump, and Of
bold and skilful politician. He may now
claim the higher distinction of liberal and
practical statesman. From his elevation to the
White House he has rapidly developed the
| qualities Of profound political philosopher
and the elements Of the broadcast statesmanship.
Since that dark and gloomy day which cast the
mantle of Abraham Lincoln upon his shoulders
what weight Of doubt and anxiety has been
lifted from the public mind by Andrew john
son. Step by step he has still advanced in the
public confidence, until, in his recent little Off
hand familiar speech to regiment of colored
soldiers, he has put the browning sheaf upon
his sagacious policy Of Southern reconstruction.
The First District of Columbia colored regi-
ment marched from their quarters at Campbell
Hospital on Tuesday last to the White House
to pay their respects to the President. He
might have contented himself by simply
thanking them for the compliment and dismiss
ing them. But he felt that the occasion de-
manded something more, and-s he gave those
attentive colored troops familiar, kindly talk
on what the war had done for them, what they
had done in the war; and what they must now
do for themselves-a talk which cannot fail to
do much good to the whole African race. Nor
did he confne himself to good advice. He told
these colored soldiers, what he thought they
were entitled to know, that the great problem
now to be settled is this :--"Can four millions
of people, raised, az they have been, with all
the prejudices of the whites-can they take their
places in the community and be made to work
tremendously and congruously in our systemw
He told them that he was now engaged upon
this problem, and that he believed we we're in
the right line TO settle it, and hoped to be sue
cessful in the harmonious association of the two
races
What is this line Of policy' It is the simple
policy Of recognizing the emancipated blacks
as citizens, entitled without delay to all the
rights and protection of other citizens in the
civil courts, but subject to such State regula-
lions as may hereafter be found wise and ex
pedient in regard to the right of suffrage. We
can thus understand what President johnson
means when he tells these black men that they
must be patient and persevere in well doing;
for that he does not assume to be stronger
than the laws of nature or wiser than Provi-
dence" He means to tell them that there are
difficulties in the way to this thing Of the political
equality of the two races which only the good
conduct of the blacks and time and patience
can overcome. They must not expect every
thing at once.
In the meantime, in reference to the civil
rights of the Southern blacks, we have in the
late decision of the Provisional Governor of
Mississippi, the learned Judge Sharkey, clear,
exposition of the views and policy Of President
Johnson. Judge SharIey holds that with the
abolition of slavery all laws which constituted
a part Of the policy of the system of slavery
are abolished, and that the new State constitu-
ton, which declares that the negro must be
protected in his person and property, "estab-
fishes principles which of themselves entitle
the negro to sue and be sued, and, as neces-
sary incident of such rights, that he is made
competent as witness according to the laws
OF the State" This is the policy of President
blacks. The question Of their political rights
he leaves to the several States concerned for
settlement hereafter, and upon this policy he
means to stand or fall, whatever factious poll
ticians may preach or threaten on one side or
the other.
We stand upon the platform Of President
Johnson. We say that he has developed of
late the highest qualities Of craftsmanship. The
masses of the people of all parties are satisfied
with him, because he stands above all party
trammels. In this respect, excepting Washing
ton, Monroe and Lincoln, we can find no man
in our list of Presidents who stands so well as
Andrew Johnson. Even Jefferson, with all his
great abilities, was, in too many things mere
partisan and demagogue. Jackson was pow
erful man in his day, but he would have placed
his political system on a stronger foundation
had he ceased to be violent and implacable
partisan on becoming President His system
Of party rewards and punishments has been
productive Of fearful chapter Of evil conse-
quences.
President Johnson in rising above his party
antecedents and associations, rises 10 the WASH
ingtonian dignity Of the Presidential Office, and
in this exalted position the country will sustain
him.
SwINDIING ON LARGE SCALE.-The provin-
cial journals, actuated by their usual silly and
vain hostility to the HERALD, constantly
| repeat the statement that we were swindlcd
out of large sum Of money in the recent
transactions in the Museum property. They
gloat over this, and exult in the repetition Of
the story. Some Of them exult as high as q
hundred thousand dollars: Some garry
their exultation still further, and declare
that II was two hundred thousand dollars; and
/ Some roach the acme of DELIGHT in shouting