The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1866-01-12
Eloquent Remarks by the Hon. Rev srdy
Johnson

Eloquent Remarks by the Hon. Rev srdy
Johnson
We clip the following eloquent remarks
from the National Imeiiigenccr of Decen-
Der 23G, 1865:
In HE Mater Of he application Of R. II.
GarIand-Argumfm Of ton. Reuerdy
Joh"SOn.-Mr. Johnson yesterday con-
cluded the argument in this case with
an elabora.e survey of the ancient and
modern decisions as to the effect OF exec
utive pardon and in review of decisions
under the Constitution relative to er pos
tacto laws. lis points were similar to
those submitted in print by The applicant,
and argued orally by Mr.. Carpenter
First. That the law is unconstitutional,
because ca post facto, and for various mi
nor reasons before published in The Intel
ligencer in reports of the case. Second
That 1t IT is not unconstitutional, still the
applicant is relieved Of all pains and pen
allies under it by vir ue OF The Presidents
paIdon
L" conclusion, Mr.. Johnson spoke as
follows, whilst the most impressive silence
was preserved
"Wlll the Court indulge me with a
word or two more ? Every rlghl-minded
man-everv man who has will hin his bns-
ON heart capable of human sympathy
who is no! dead tn all the kinder and
nobler feelings of our naure-who is net
the slave To his own dishonor-of low.
degraded passions. of hatred of his coun-
trymen, or of political patisan>hp, solely
bent upon is own wielched triumph
reckless OF his nations welfare hut must
wish, but must make it The subject of his
daily thoughts and of his prayers to God,
that The hour may come, and come at once,
when all the Safes shall be again within
the protecting embrace and shelter of the
Union, enjoying alike its benefits, [and
gr' alter were never vouchsated 10 mani,
conlenled, happy and prosperous, sharing
in its duties, devot 10 its principles, and
participating in its renown. And when
the people throughout our almost bound
less domain may be seen coming togel her
as brothers, with one love of country
and one hope of common destroy of
safety, welfare. and national glorv-wilh
one determination to achieve it by united
eforIs-inspired and strengthened by an
equally pure and ardent patriotism, for
mer differences forgotten. and nothing re-
memhered but their ancient concord and
the equal title they have to share in the
glorts OF The past, aud to labor together
for the even greater glories of the future
And may not, with truth, assure your
Honors that this result will be expedited
by The bringing within these temples of
Justice the Courts of the United States
a class OF men now excluded who by edu-
cation. character, and profession, are es-
pecialIy qualified by their example TO in
fiuence the public sentiment of their re
spectIve States, and to bring these States,
II any doubt yet exists. to the conviction
which, it is believed, they unanimously
enieraln-lllat to support and defend
the Constitution of the United States,
and the Government constituted by it,,
in all its righlfuI authority, is not only
essential TO their peoples happiness and
freedom, but is solemn duty to their
country and Their God.
MAY it please your Honors, depend
upon it, that in THAT event they will be
seen gathering around the altar of the
Union, resolved to support it, under every
exigency and at all hazards, as one man.
and with one voice be heard invoking the
blessing of Heaven for its maintenance
and preservation till time itself shall be no
more"