The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1866-02-20
Public Meeting.

The National Taieiligencer has recehtiy ne
sumed position of very considerable nhp''
lance as the organ OF the ADMINISTRATOR VI
President JOHNSON. 1t was always paper :"
be respected and relied upon, ahon 10 .ne1e.
fora al, tho better that such paper should
,,.,nn,o tho organ Of the National Executive.
Sneasinc as such, what 1t has TO say attracts
,,,o,e than usual attention, and has more than
ordinary significance.
The Ya.elliqencer has recently dwelt with
much emphasis upon the condition of affairs
in Washington and the attitude taken by the
President with reference 10 the measures which
the predominant party in Congress have been
so industriously AT work upon. 1t has repre-
sented that sort OF crisis was pending, 10
meet which demanded not only all the strength
and power of the President, but IL appealed
to the people to stand by him, and hold up his
arms in the struggle, In order that his size,
which was that Of the country, might prevail.
The Iat.ili1encer addressed only the North and
the West, however, in its appeal; emitting
the South, we suppose, on the ground that the
South, not being represented in Congress, her
voice would be unayailing. Entertaining the
same opinion, we have not suggested the pro
priety of any primary assemblage here for the
purpose Of passing resolutions upon the ques-
tons so momentous TO us all.
A cotemporary journal, however, has been
of different oprion, and has more than once
urged the people of Richmond to meet pub
licly and sustain with their unanimous voice
President JOHNSON in his trying situation.
Ardentiy desirous, as we are, that should
snch a meeting be held, 1t shall be a large one,
of all the intelligent citizens of all the old
parties-and that what it resolves upon shall
90 forth rs the real sentiments and opinions
of the loyal people of this city-we join in
the appeal for such meeting rs will insure
this result-a result indispensable to proper
appreciation Of the real attitude Of this COM
munity.
The people of Richmond owe IL 10 them
selves TO see that their record shall be pre-
sented in proper manner TO the world. We
know them TO be true citizens now-true to
their pledges-true to their honor and when
there is to be speech spoken for them, let
them see that il is correct. Let the leading
citizens of all parties-if there is more than
one party-meet and express themselves
heartily and freely in support of the Presi
dent and his policy, as we know they will.
The organ of the Administration has de-
clared that "ue aodr has ceased, the Union hos
"Jeen restored, the time has come 1ohen tie States
must be practically, as they haze Arrays bee"
hypoheticaiiy, equal in rights, in immuni,
"ties, and in sovereign dignity" and 1T ap.
peals to the resolution of Congress of 2Sd July,
1861 TO sustain it's opinions. That resolution
declared that the war was prosecuted "only
"to defend and maintain the supremacy OF
"the Constitution, and all laws made in pur-
Issuance thereof; and TO preserve the Union
with all the dignity, equality, and rights OF
"the several States unimpaired; and that rs
"soon as these objects are accomplished, the
"war ought TO cease"
The Intettgencer considers this resolution
loyal, and pronounces any man differing from
il as disloyal President JoHSsoN's policy is
in pursuance of this resolution of Congress,
and he is certainly sustained by the unanl-
nous voice of the South. There can be no
doubt or hesitation here on this subject. A
public meeting in Richmond could by no means
fail of complete harmony on this point. NO
side issues involving the past should be per-
mitted to disturb its deliberations. No ques-
tons as 10 loyalty-no little strategy for office
sake ought TO interfere with a perfectly united
verdict of the people. The meeting should be
immense-it should be unanimous. 1t is due
to the people of the city-to the character OF
the city, and to the State whose capital she is