The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1866-03-16
CORRESPONDENCE.
rNoS ors REGULAR CORRESPONDENT.
WASHINGTON, March 18th, II

PRESIDENT JOHNSON.
II Is not generally known outside Of u very
narrow circle Of Government officials in this
city, whose position renders II necessary tina,
they should have possession Of tho fact, that
President johnson, since his Inauguration has
stood in deadly fear OF assassination. On ut
least one public occasion, he has openly made
alluson to tho danger which hourly threatened
him from this source; and frequent similar cx'
pressions, pervadins nearly every speech orpub-
lie conversation Of the President during the
past year, would, in the absence OF other facts,
show conclusively that his mind has been tor
turcd by an immense pressure produced by fear
of the desperate characters who, by strange
reversal OF circumstances, are now the acknow-
lodged champions and intimate advisers OF the
President.
1t is wcll-known fact that President John.
son has been kept in astate Of perpetual tor
mout by letters filed with the most horrible
threats, written by anonymous parties in the
South and in Canada since the execution Of the
couspirators last Summer. And on more than
one occasion plots aiming at his assassination
have been discovered by tho National detective
force; and could tho character and history OF
these conspiracies now be given to the public
by Gen. Baker, it would furnish knowledge
Of one strong, secret incentive Of tho President
for his arduous, unremitting endeavoursto con.
ciliate the rebels at whatever expense. For,
while he has gained the political support of the
eleven rebel States for whose interests he APP
pears to DO so intensely solicitous ho has also
placed himself beyond tho possibility OF assas
sinatiou ;'for while the present friends of the
President arc the apologis,s and accomplicss Of
the assassins Of Abraham Lincoln, the friend
on whom he has turned his back neither associ-
ate, counsel or conspirc with assassins. The
President is safe.
Encouraged and cmboldencd by tho shricks
and yells Of the motely crowd Of ex,rebels,
Washington sccessionists and anxious office
holders by whom he was surrounded on the
memorable 22nd OF February, the President up
pcaled to the august tribunal Of the American
people to sustain "my policy" The verdict
has been rendered. With singular unanimity
of voice the great North from Maine to Caliior
MIA has SPOKEN in terms Of unmistakablc signi-
fcance in favor Of the position OF Congress,
aud in decided opposition to throwing away
in obedience TO the clamor OF rebc's in the
South. or the command, Of tho champions OF
rebels in high places in Washington, tho fruits
Of glorious victory, gained through seas OF
blood, and at the expense OF countless millions
Of treasure. II the responses which have thun.
dered across the continent IN answer to the APP
peal OF Andrew johnson to the millions who
elected him to Office have not thus far equalled
his expectations, he must remember that IN APP
peal to the patriotism, honor and Justice OF the
intelligent people Of America is very different
thin. IRON similar appeal to the Chivalry Of
Greenvillc among the mountains Of middle Ten.
ncssee, where he so frequently boasts Of having
once acted rs Alderman.
SPEECH or rnAD. STEVENS.
On Friday Thaddcus Stevens OF Penn. made
one ofhis Characteristic speeches, keeping the
House and galleries couvulscd with laughter
lie paid special attention to tho celebrated ~
speech OF the President; bringing that func'
tionary within range Of his shafts Of punsent
sarcasm. lilo took the ground that the Prcsi.
dent never made that speech. that Il wa. n COP
pcrhead hoax pcrpesratcd with aview Of dana.
sins the Republican party. The hoax was so
skilfully planned as to deceive those who are
easily deceived; and, indeed, tho circums,an,ial
evidence was against the President. 1t had
even been stated that no mounted the. wall In
front Of the White House. and 80 artiully were
the various incidents woven together - to rem.
der him Liable 10 the imputation Of having
made tho speech Is claimed BY The coPpcrbeads,
were 1t not absolutely impossible that such