Daily union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1865-1866, 1865-12-15
IIsHAM G.. HARRIS AND ANDREW
JOHNSON.


Gov. IsIIAM G. HARRIS to friend in Geor
gia. The letter was entirely free from pol
itics and in excellent taste. We accom-
panied it with some remarks complimentary,
to the elevated tone and character of tn
man, than whom no one is better known t,
the people Of Tennessee.
4 city contemporary, who made his ad
vent into our State during the progress 0
the war, and who is, therefore, less familiar
with the leading men and politics of Ten
nessee. brings in contrast with our favorable
opinion of the character of Gov. Harris
certain remarks attributed to President
johnson, in speech delivered by him al
Cincinnati, when, as stated by this contem
porarv, he was flying from the myrmidon:
of Harris" ian expression that, in our judg-
ment, is not very accurate in its description.
But, without Stopping to question the taste
of our contemporary in the language employ
ed towards distinguished public man, vino
stands high in the confidence and esteem Of
the people Of Tennessee, but who is no
longer part and parcel of our feuds, and
whose only offence has been that so common
to the people of the South and without
taking the trouble to enquire particularly
into the precise accuracy OF the language at
tributed to Andrew johnson, we have this
to say: we have long known both men in
their intimate personal relations, and we
know that those relations were of most
cordial character through'a career of many
years, and that during that time this cor
dial intercourse was never marred until the
inception of the unfortunate civil war in
which the country has been involved. Du-
ring this latterperiod section has been array
ed against section, State against State, friend
against friend, brother against brother, faith
er against son. Blood has flown, homes have
been made dosolate, the devil has been let
loose, and all the evil passions of orr nature
have been stirred to their very depths. At
such a time and under such circumstances,
it would have been passing strange if the
men on both sides of the strife had not said
and done many things that in cooler mo-
ments they would not have said nor done,
and which must be the occasion of serious
regret in after life with all fair minded, just
and honorable people.
Neither ANDREW JOHNSON nor IsHAM G..
HARRIS are free from the infirmities com
mon to other men. We have iabored with
them through the heat and dust of many a
fierce political canvass, and we well know
that they were both good at yituperation, and
hat neither were very measured or critical
in their language of disapprobation when
passing judgment upon the conduct of those
o whom they stood opposed. The motives
IF both have been assailed IN turn in spirit
IF violence equally inconsiderate and unjust.
No one can speak more feelingly upon this
subject than the editors Of this Journal. They
we're in past times arrayed against each
,ther. The reflection only teaches us pa
fence and moderation, and the retrospect is
more painful than pleasant. If we were to
rive credit.to all that every public man and
in Tennessee has said against every
'thsr public man and journalist in the heat
# party strife, and under the excitement of
he moment, we should be forced to the con-
fusion that patriotism was a myth and pub
ic virtue mockery. But we know better
han this. Weak as it is, human nature is
lot without some good. The great majority
f mankind desire to do right even when |
hey do wrong. FIVE derive no other good |
rom the evils of the times through which |
Te have passed, We should at least draw
'isdom from experience, see the folly of our
wn madness, and profit by tie sad results.
The interestsof mankind are not as antag- |
nistic as supposed. We are creatures of
mutual dependence, and can best advance
ur own rights by carefully respecting the
lights of others.
There was never 4 time when this |
haractcr of reflection was more appropo |
nan the present. We have all much to
,rgive and much to forget None are |
ithout blame.
We know Andrew johnson and we know
sham G. Harris. We have reason to be-
eve that with all our differences, we have
ever at any time forfeited the respect of
ther. And with our knowledge of the
en-of their intelligence, their integrity,
leir high courage and love of country
e will not suppose for a moment
lat either are capable of indulging, at this
me, feelings such as the unmeasured Ian
Iage of past party strife would indicate
o think otherwise would be attributing to
em a narrowness of conception and a want
magnanimity foreign to the high charac-
r to which both aspire, and which has been
generously awarded them by their coun-
vmcn. In the recent national conflict it
Is their misfortune to differ, and to differ
dely. In the final result, one has become
e President Of the country; the other an
-ile, seeking a new home in a strange land.
ne one is not less a hero in his exile than is
c other in his power. Pursuing his honest
of duty to the country. he fol-
wed the cause of the proposed Southern
with 4 frankncss a boldness, an
seltishness and determinedness of pur-
se that only characterizcs truly honest and
eat men. He staked all, lost all, and
clds uncomplaininglyt to the result, and is
w seeking for himself and family the hos
tality and protection of another govern
cnt.
Self depreciation is not the part of wis
m. One half Of the American people
We not been warning upon the other half
cause they were towards or knaves; but
other nations have warrcd, on political
1erenccs. Those differences the arbitra-
mt of arms has settled. 1t has been de-
mined that we must live together as one
oplc, with mutual interests Of prosperity
d honor. There is no just occasion for
ther strife. The President feels the i'm
rtance and moral granduer of the position
which Providence has assigned him, and
to soften the asperities Of the
les. 10 heal the wounds Of his afflicted
lntry, and to so word the chapter in histo-
which il is his destiny to fill, that coming