The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1866-03-07
A Southern Peculinrtty,

speech, on the 22d, in which he re-
Plies to interrogatories from persons
IN the audience, naming parties to
whom he was referring. In response,
Mr.. Wood, among other things, says:
Nothing is more common in the
South, than for public speakers to be
constantly called on in this way for
explanations. and it is their universal
habit to give prompt and direct re-
Plies. Andrew Johnson's entire DO
litical life has been filed bv such
experience, and it is aot surprising
that he should have net such queries
now, just as he had always met them
before, on the stump &ud the floor of
Congress" -
This is the exact truth, and exhi-
bits aphase of the Southern character
which speaks volumes in their honor.
They are always frank and honest,
prompt and direct, sincere and cou-
rageous. In this respect they are
| also peculiar. In no other country.
| and In no other section of this coun-
try, is this quality, which springs
from causes both natural and educa-
tional, so marked. In the entire his
tory OF the country, we remember
but one approach to this severe cate
| chetical mode of discussion in the
North, and that was in the Senatoria,
contest In Illinois, between Mr.. Lin
coin and Mr.. Douglas It would be
interesting to trace this mode of in
struction through its derivation and
history, and style logically, but the
space is not at our command Just
now. 1t would be better if it were
more universal In the political
affairs OF people, engaged in widely
diversified pursuits, it is the most
certain and admirable method of con-
veying information as to the views,
feelings and intentions of those who
represent them. It has been mark
ed feature of the hustings of the
South throughout their history. The
rostrum has been the peoples tri-
bune, and they have called it to spe-
cific declarations from time imme
mor1al. Its responses have been
prompt, direct, positive and gene
rally honest. So it is to-day, and so
we hope it will ever be. Honesty.
frankness, fairness, are the three ele-
ments of the Southern political cha
racter, and all aspirants to popular
1avor must possess them, or have an
exceedingly short career. We would
1t were so everywhere.
Andrew johnson was educated in
this school, and we are sure he will
never avoid its requirements in any
position. His whole career has been
a tribune of the people. Now, more
than at any other time, the voice of
the people in the affairs of Govern
ment is required. Nothing should be
left to construction and interpreta-
ton. In this last speech, the Presi-
dent has fully met the demand. He
has shown that the most obscure, as
well rs the functionaries of Govern
ment, are entitled to the mind of the
Chief Executive, and as such he is
ready, on all occasions, to give them
his. He has thus endeavored to
rnse.ll.soeSn Sne Government and the people
one and the same thing, and in this |
he is right; all place-holders. trick |
sters, politicians and schemers to the |
contrary Notwithstanding.
Nashrine Union.
The FRANco-MExIcAN Troubles
Having all along maintained that we |
should have no war on the Mexican
question, we were somewhat sur
prised by Marshal Forey's recent
speech in the French Senate. The
New York Tribune explains that
speech in very happy manner, thus:
"Men who have figured in certain
events think that they ought to let
their voices be heard when those
events are discussed by the public.
Now Forey, having been the General
commanding the original force sent
out by France to Mexico, thinks that
this is a time for him to speak, and
his words are, that the French force
ought not to be withdrawn for some
tine-that its work is not yet done,
etc. If this speech-which met with
only few words of approval in the
French Senate-shall have any effect
upon the Government, it will be only
to lengthen q little the stay of the
French in Mexico, for it is not at all
likely that the Emperor will change
his decision after announcing it to
the world Besides, he has taken
steps for the execution of his deci-
sion. The fact is, Forey has only
given vent to the wounded feeling of