The Columbia daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1865, 1865-05-17

pies running through 1t. 1t was sent
here upon great mission, which has
not yet been fulfilled; but in its on
ward and upward course it will carry
out its mission, and establish the great
principle of free government not only
here but throughout the civilized
world. l believe, i'll the midst of my
superstition, if it may be called such,
or, in other words, I have reliance
and abiding faith, that there is a great
principle of right which lies at the
foundation Of all things. I believe
that time will come. when this nation,
instead of being the recipient, as it has
been for a considerable length Of time,
Of arts, or sciences and Of religion from
the other quarters of the globe, and Of
emigrants of every kind and Of every
complexion, viii become the radiating
point, the centre from which will pro-
ceed arts. science and religion to our
brothers throughout the civilized world.
We have been sent on a great mission
and that mission must be fulfilled. We
look at this gigantic rebelllcu, and see
that the Government has struggled
with it and carried it along; and just
at the time that we believe, and sub
stantial}y know. that the rebellion was
about TO be ended, and the nation was
rejoicing, with its banners unlurled and
Its artillery laundering through every
town aud hamlet throughout the length
and breadth Of the con:ederacv; then.
in the midst Of iubilant feelings and
the exultation of free people, the
chief magistrate is struck, like star
from its sphere, in death. Here we
receive an irtimation of the eternal
principle that sent forth this Govern
rent-the Government rejoicing on
the one hand at rebellion crushed, aud
on the other mourning at its chiet
|-slain; and though presidents may give
way in regular succession, still this Co
vefnmsnt VIII move on, and in the end
carry Quits mission among the nations.
cannot but say, and ip saving 50
it IS a mere repetition Of what has
been expressed before, that the time
has come with this Government when
crime shall be understood. We are
taught in all the States. and even in
the courts. Of the United States, that
the commission OF various offences
are. crimes. Arson is a crime, bur>
eiary is crime, murder is a crime.
SHE time has como when the people
shall be educated and taught to under-
stand that treason is crime. And
not only crime, but the highest Of
crimes. We look upon the assassi>
nation Of the President-this diaboli-
cal and fendish act which has been
recently comnitted--as the highest
crime; and the mind cannot conceive
the penalty commensurate with it. 1t
is deed tor whic., the human mind
cannot invent apenalty severe enough.
To assassina,e the President. The
assassins, in the garb and Shape of
treason, have lifted their impious arms
against the Government under which
they live. I will say, in this connec.
ton in reference, as you nave just re-
marked, as to my future policy, that
IT my past con- Sc upon various public
Questions that have come up, and es-
peclally since this rebellion com.
menced, Is any Indication or evidence
to you OF what my future will be, any
professions now must be unnecessary.
So far as regards my action in the dis
position or winding up Of this great
drama, my past life must be taken as
sone indication of my future. In the
progress Of this question, in bringing
1t to a close. when ilstice is rnetal out