Smyrna times., 1865-10-18
The President and CoIored Troon.

The First Regiment District of Columbia Col
ored Volunteers paraded Tuesday, and proceed
ed to the Executive Mansion, where thev were
reviewed by the President. The Rr1IbLcao
states that President johnson, after :,
his qualification for the visit addressed ' tbe
regiment substantially as follows: '0~N' ''''
Let me say to you that this is your countrv
Us wen as anybody else's country. This is The
coumtry coum"y ~ Wnlcn you expect to live. This
oo,,nii:y ~ iouhded upon the principles of
%pnSnc qua.y, ana the standard by which people are
,norI M iS according to their merits and their
"orks' There is always lust public iudco-
nent, which will measure out to each b;.J urtt,
er reward 01 '11' prop-
mere has been much during the war to ex-
cue the black people against the white people.
anu ~ tue white man against the black man
pom the return OF peace and the surrender of
Ghe enemies OF the country, it should be the
Iuty OF all to see that this resentment should
pe buried. ms Is your mission. You have
oeeh engaged IN sustaining the country in its
supreme trial now let your actions be equally
worthy III the time OF peace. Our question re-
mains to be settled. 1t has been decided that
the Institution Of slavery must 90 down. This
mas been done, and the Goddess of Liberty
mas made her lottlest flight and proclaimed
universal freedom. Now, when the sword is
returned to the Scabbard, resentment and re-
venge should cease. Now that YOU have re-
turned to lay down your arms, there are other
ytally important objects before vou. After
the Government has passed through this nigh
W struggle, the question is now before YOU
whether you are prepared to give evidence to
the world that you are capable and competent
10 govern yourselves Liberty is not only an
idea, but reality. There can be no liberty
without law, and we cannot do as we please
Liberty consists In the glorious privilege to
work OF pursuing the ordinary av0cation ofin-
dlStry and economy, and of ENJOYING the nro
ducts OF our own labor. 1t is for YOU TO take
that stand IN the community, and establish the
great tact that you are fit and qualified to be
lrce. Lhberty does not mean a life of licen-
tlouSneSs and Incidence, but to be upright and
VIrtuous IN all our relations. Hence each and
an al must be measured according to his merits
II one man Is more meritOrious than another
they cannot be equal and he who is more meri-
tor0uS Is the superior, regardless of color.
| have lived in Southern State. and know
the habits OF Your people under the influence
Ok slavery, and cOnjure you to live vrtuouslv,
ana respect the marriage relation BE honest.
moral and industrious. That is the way to
make black men white, and white men black. Let
your determination be infexihe to do your duty
IN the tutnre; as you have undcniabIy done in
Ch4 past. There is great problem before US,
NACbAACl lIlC COIOfc(l element he
affiliated with the white race into homoge.
ne"uS mass. mass Slavery is overthrOwn, but can
four million of people be made to take their
place ana work harmoniOusly and cOngruOusly !
IN our system. Let us make the experiment
m good faith. If the races cannot agree. then
they must be separated, and Providence will |
point out the means of separation. Then bear
yourselves nObly and help to solve this great
problem.
am not one Of those who assume and pre-
tend that am stronger than nature and wiser
than Providence. God will deliver this nation
and this people from the difficulties that have
Let me, in conclusion, thank you for paving
me this compliment fl know the feeling Of |
my own heart, | would say no word that would |
,% Mound the tenderest sensibility among you.-
Then please accept my thanks for the honor
and compliment you have paid me.
The President was loudly applauded in every |
part OF his speech. After its conclusion the |
President retired and the band struck up
patriotic air; The regiment then took up its
line OF march to Campbell Hospital