The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1865-05-05
v.n,e South Oarolinian.

Tho sentiments expressed by Hon.
v.,-r.u AIKEN, Ex-Governor of South
| narolina and formerly member OF Com
.. .t a meeting held in Charleston on
g.. 49, 1sm;se OF President LINCOLN, will
sarve to allay the bitter feeling at the
North and still the cry for vengeance that
10 uttered in many quarters, against those
wbo had no hand in the assassination. The
exalted character, extensive influence and
GREAT wealth of Gov. AIKEN are well
known at the North, and whatever comes
from his lips will be taken as the senti-
ments of his heart. Before the breaking
out of the rebellion, Gov. AIKEN was an
extensive rice planter, having several thou
sand acres of land under cultivation, and
owning over one thousand slaves. While
member of Congress, the cholera ap-
peared on his plantation. He started home
at once from Washington, carrying with
him the best medical skill he could COM
mand, and devoted himself personally to
care and attendance upon his sick and
dying, ministering at all hours to their
wants and necessities, alleviating their
suffesings while they lived, and attending
them with the last sad Offices when they no
longer needed his care. Upon the occupa-
ton of Charleston by our forces, he readi.
ly acquiesced in the emancipation policy,
giving the head of every family home
stead, and sufficient means to commence
work for themselves.
Gov. AIKEN is no less noted for his mu-
ni6cent charities than for his great wealth.
As member of Congress he was Uniform
ly mild of temper, and during seasons Of
of greatest excitement he maintained pleas
ant relations with persons of all parties,
and we believe he now enjoys, to greater
extent than any other Southern man, the
confidence of the North.
The following are the remarks of Gov.
AIKEN upon the occasion above referred to /:
FELLOW CITIZENS: We are assembled to pour
ont the general grief which has been felt in this
city for the sudden removal from this life of
Abraham Lincoln, late President of the United
States. The horrible and atrocious assassina.
ton of President Lincoln has filed every feel
ing heart with sorrow and Indignation. did
not know personally, the late President, but
those who did have spoke en- of him in the kind
| est manner to me; his heart was benevolent
and forgiving, and we are told and have rea-
son to believe, that through him our difficulties
| would soon have been adjusted and peace once
more restored to our distracted country. Our
| expressions of disgust for the dastardly wretch
| who could have conceived and executed such a
| diabolical deed, can scarcely be uttered. Muir.
der is always appalling, but more particularly
| so in this momentous crisis of our country
| now our most anxious moment.
Can it be believed that in the nineteenth
| century human being could be found to have
| accomplice, enter the sick bedroom of another
| eminent and distinguished parsonage, the Sec
rotary of State, and plunge into his bosom the
deadly weapon? The heart sickens at the re-
cital of such horrors.
We sympathiZe with the late Presidents
family and that of Mr.. Stewards. May the AL
mighty stretch over them the hand of mercy,
and enable them to bear the sad bereavement
with pious humility.
At this critical juncture OF our national affairs
our thoughts are naturally turned to the Vice
President, now President Of the United States,
Andrew johnson. When the people of Charles
ton District did the honor of making me their
Representative in Congress, met there Mr..
johnson, OF Tennessee. l now take pleasure
in stating that l soon became acquainted with
him and found him o most intelligent man.
He soon impressed me in the House by his Or
atory and his arguments in debate, as one of
the most talented men there; and it is no little
praise to say so, when such q man as Stephens
of Georgia, sat on the same floor, and other
prominent persons from the different States of
the Union.
have the most entire confidence in his abil-
ity to administer the Government true and
faithfully, having the constitution of our coun-
try as bis true guide.
May precious Providence, in His mercy,
direct his ways toward peace, and let us again,
under the folds of the American flag, once
more and forever be one and iudiyisible