Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1865-1869, 1865-10-12
Speech of President Johnson-KeceptiOn of a


WASHINGTON, Oct. 10-This il holiday with
many OF the colored people CT Washington, who
in large crowds have followed the Firs: Dis riot
of Columbia Colored Regiment, Us they marched
through the streets, having recently returned
from the South.
The reg ment proceeded TO the Executive Man.
sion, ana wer, addressed by The President.
THE PRESIDENTS SPEECH.
The President after expressing his qualification
for the visit, addressed the regiment substantially
as follows:
Let me say to you that this is your country as
well as ANYBODY else's country. This is the cOun-
try in which you expect to 1--we. This country is
fou ,ded upon the principles OF equality and the
standard by which people are measured is &C
cordng TO their merits and their works. There
is alwsy s a just public sentiment, which will
m easuTe to each his proper reward.
There has been much during the war ID excite
the black people against the white people, and the
white man against the black man Upon the re-
tnrn of peace and the surrender of the enemies OF
the country should be the duty of all to see that
this resentment should be buried, This is your
mission. You have been engaged in stiining
the country in its supreme trial, now let your &C.
tons be equally worthy in the time of peace.
One question remains to be ssitled. 1t has been
decided that the institution of slavery must go
down. This has been done, and the Goddess OF
Liberty has made her lOitiest fight, and proclaim
ed universal freedom Now, when the sword IS
returned TO the scabbard, resentment and revenge
should cease. Now, that you have returned to lay
down your arms, there sre other vitality important
objects before you. After the Government has
passed through this mighty struggle the question
is now before you whether you prepared to give
evidence to the world that you are capable and
competent to govern yourselves.
Liberty is not only an idea, hut reality
There can be- no liberty without law, and we
cannot do as we please. Lberty-may l call
YOU INV couutrynen- in the glorious phi
yilege to work, - pursuing the ordiaary avoca
/ tions OF industry ana economy, and of enjoying
tie products of our own lahot. 1t Is for you 10
take that stand in the community and establish
the great fact that you are iii and qualified TO be
free. Liberty does not mean life OF licentlous-
ness ard incidence bat to he upright and virtuous
in all our relations. Hence each and all must
/ e mes sured according 10 his merits If one man
/ is moro meritorous than another they cannot be
! e1ual and he who is more Ineritoiious IS the So.
! perior regardless Of color.
! have lived in a SoutherntState, and know the
habits of your people underline influence of sla.
yery and I coniure you tc live virtuously and
respect the marriage relation Be honest, moral
and industrious. That is the way to make black
men whit; and white uen lack Let rour de-
! termin alton be inaexible t. 10 your duty in tie
future, "a you have undeuialy done in the past
There is great problem leiore us, and that is,
! whether the colored element AN be affiliated with
ia overthrywn, but can four millions Of people be
made to take their place ant work hamoniously
and congruously in our system lie: US make the
experiment in good faith. If the races cannot
agree then they must be sepaated, and Providence
| will point out the means # separation. Then
bear yourselves nobly and help 10 solve this great
problem.
am not one of those Who assume and pretend
| that am stronger than ma ure and wiser than
| Providence. God will deliver this nation and
this piop!e from the difficulties that have sar.
rounded them.
Let me, in conclusion, thaIk you for paying me
this compliment. If know the feeling OF my
own heart, | would say 10 word that would
wound the tenderest sensibiliJy among you. Then
please accept my thanks for the homer and COM
pliment you have paid me-
The President was loud applauded in every
part of his speech. After its conclusion, the
| President retired and the ban struck up patri-
otto air. The regiment then took up its line of
march for Campbell Hospital.