The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1865-04-28
MEMPHIS.
Speeches of Generals Banks and
Washbume.

received in Memphis on Sunday morning.
In the afternoon an impromptu meeting of
some two thousand citizens was organized,
at which several speeches were delivered.
Nearly the whole city was draped in the
habiliments of mourning, and the sorrow
seemed to be universal.
I'VE publish portion of the speech de-
livered by Maj. Gen. BANKs, together with
the remarks of Gen. WAsHBURNR, upon
the calamitous event which still absorbs
the public mind. 1t will be seen that both
disclaim for the people Of the South any
completely in the recent great criminal
deed. Indeed, it has been everywhere
noted that, so far as known, those who
have been regarded as representatives of
Southern sentiment are equally earnest
with all others in expressions of sorrow
over the terrible occurrence, and liz denun-
citation of the insane villains who perpe-
trated the fiendish act.
At the meeting referred to, Gen. BANKS
was introduced by Gen. WAsHBuRNs. His
concluding remarks were as follows:
Fellow citizens of the South, grive with
yOu-yOu have sustained q greater lose than
the people of the North. In the President Won
have lost friend, 8 protector, who, while he
vindicated the rights of the nation, was not
willing that hair of your heads should be
harmed beyord what necessity demanded
No man more than he has been animated by
/ the feelings of love-love for the whole people
of this country. At the very moment when
he was stricken down in death. venture to
say, in this presence and before God, believe
| there was not thought of his heart that was
we cannot afford to lose such man. An nm.
| known man, he had fought his way to the
confidence OF the people BY the rebel camp
in the rebel council and through the rebel
press, they have reported to us their belief
that he was superior to their leaders We can
III afioTd TO lose him. but we are permitted to
thank God that Mr.. Lincoln and Mr.. Seward
| lives, or did live, to see that great object of
| their iabcrs accomplished. that the rebellion
was overthrown and the Union of States. as
| far as power of arms are concerned, fixed now
| and forever, as 1t had been in all times. TAP
! plause.
You have heard or read the declarations of
Mr.. Lincoln, made only few day before his
death, OF his views in regard to the reconstruc-
| ton of the States. [ have been from the be-
| ginning of this war in the very sea and trough
| of this rebellion, and l can say that l believe
that the only path to political liberty lies in
| the course indicated by MIR. Lincoln. Let US
profit by his example and counsel; let US imi-
tate his love for all the people of this contin-
ent, like him, even in the hour of death cher
ish no sentiment not akin to that of love identi-
fed with the prosperity and liberty of our
country F.; let US sustain those upon whom, by
constitutional provision the power of the gov
eminent devolves. never, never for moment
| holding them responsible for the calamity that
has come upon US, question not their capacity
to ofiiciate in the struggle in which we are en-
| gagged. God alone rules. He alone is compe-
tent to decree that which shall be-, and that
which shall not be. The best we can do is to
surlnise, and on the presence of such evidences
as these, your buildings draped in mourning.
your flags at half mast, shadows forth the best
proof, and under heaven we stand up against
the undivulged acts of treason; more than this
our people will not ask. (Great applause)
GEN. wAsHBuRNEs spREoH.
After Gen. BANKs concluded, loud calls
were made for Gen. WAsHBURNR, who
stepped forward and said:
FELLOW CITIZENS: know myself too well
| to be willing to trust myself to address you
| now; nor would mar the effect of the elo-
quent remarks that have been made by my
| friend, Gen. Banks. It is no time to speak
at least no time for me to talk. There is
time for all things; there is time to weep;
now is that time have no feelings to adj
dress you, so overpowered have been in my
feelings to-day since receiving this announce
ment shall ask you to excuse nae. Allow
| me to return my thanks to the people OF Mem.
| phis for this demonstration. 1t augurs well
| for the future While have been doing, as
Won know, all that my feeble abilities would
allow me to do to restore peace, treating all
With such kindness and Cancellation as felt
the welfare of the country would allow me to.
When was awakened this morning and in
formed of the assassination of the President
and the Secretary, felt that had done what |
ought not to have done; but viii not believe
that The people of the South are in any way |
responsible for this atrocious act; for that |
reason is this very demonstration; for it con:
yinces me that the people Of the South will |
not tolerate or approve assassination. APP |
plause and cries of Never. never II
IF This war Is to be carried On they viii not |
cou,tenance dishonorable warfare. thought |
the war was practically at IN end, and have |
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