The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1866-04-07


ToN.-There was very spirited mass meeting
of the friends Of the Union and the constitution,
on the johnson platform, in Washington, on
Thursday evening last 1t was q meeting Of
some importance, too, as marking the COM
mencement of active work, the breaking of the
ground, towards the formation of new ma
tonal party on the basis of President John
sons Union policy. The managers and orators
of the meeting were not old copperheads cast
ing about for something to keep their heads
above water nor was it a meeting Of recon-
structed rebels anxious for vengeance against
the abolition radicals nor was it democratic
continuance designed to influence any forth
coming political election for we shall have no
more political elections Of any consequence
until October next, when Pennsylvania, Ohio
and Indiana will speak upon the great issues
of the day.
The meeting in question, regardless OF party
distinctions, was meeting Of Union men, who
believe that the policy Of President johnson is
good, and will restore the Union on the solid
foundation Of peace and harmony among all
sections, all races and all classes of the Ameri-
can people, and that the schemes Of the radi:
calls are impracticable and revolutionary. The
great object Of the war against the late rebel
lion, as defined in the resolutions of Congress of
1861 and 1862, and in the Baltimore Union war
party platform Of 1864, upon which Lincoln
and johnson were elected, was the object Of
this mass meeting-the restoration Of the Union.
This, too, being the great object of President
Johnson's Southern policy, the meeting was
harmonious and enthusiastic In his sup
port. On this ground such loyal Union
war men as General Swim, an old line Massa-
chusetts abolitionist; Senator Cowan, Of Penn
sylvania, steadfast republican supporter Of
the war for the Union from the beginning, and
Green Clay Smith, Of Kentucky, of the House
Of Representatives, a Union war man and
abolitionist Of the Lincoln school-all found in
Andrew johnson, az the case now stands, O
satisfactory champion Of the Union cause.
The gathering of these conservative elements
at Washington in defence Of President John.
sons administration Is, we say, movement
which marks the beginning Of the practical
work looking to the organization, upon the
living and leading issues Of the day, of the
great national party Of the future.
The example thus set in Washington should
be followed up by conservative Union men
throughout the country. Men who carried the
brand Of peace copperheads during the war
ough. to keep In the background, and be con-
tent rather to follow than to lead in these move
ments for an Independent johnson Union party.
The true course for the men Of the outlawcd
Chicago democratic organization is not to wait
for President johnson to come over TO Thorn;
but II Is for them to drop their old, WORKOUT
party uniform, leaders and bylaws, and 70 over
TO President Johnson and the nucleus of the
Union war party crystallizing around his
administration. This is the way in which the
johnson Union party movement inaugurated
at Washington can be pushed forward with
such success against the radicals as to clear
the track for the Presidential succession.