The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1866-05-24
COMING ELECTIONS IN THE NORTH
Great Importance At
tached to Them.
Etc.. Eto., Etc., Etc., Etc.

WASHINGTON, May 23.-Ihe President and the
various members of his Cabinet were serenaded
tonight by the National Union Club, attended
by u very large coneourse of citizens, number
ing several thousands. The President was the
first to be complimented in this way, In ac-
knowledgment OF it he came out in front of the
Executive Mansion, and standing ON the coping
OF the balustrade, he made a verv brief speech
His appearance was the signal for enthusiastic
greetings. His words were as follows:-
THE PRESIDENTS SPEECH.
Fellow Citzens:-In appearing before you this
evening 1t is simply Tor the purpose OF rendering
to you my thanks, my sincere thanks for this
demonstration, and for the appreciation which
you have manifested on this occasion and on
many occasions before. Such approba ion is
peculiarly gratifying and encouraging to me
under existing circumstances. ALI that will be
necessary is to persist in the support and main
tenance OF correct principles, and the day is not
distant when the American people will satisfy
you that the good work you have commenced is
right, as it will so prove in the end (Cheers)
repeat my thanks for your appreciation of my
conduct as public man and public servant.
The President then retired amid hearty ap-
plause.
SPEECH OF SECRETARY wBLLEs.
/ thank you, gentlemen, for this compliment,
which suppose is to the Administration and
Its policy, which we one and all approve
(Cheers.) You need not expect any remarks
from me, for do not intend to make any, You
are, one and all, suppose, for the Union, and
tor the establishment of the rights OF the States,
(Cheers.) These are my views. (Cheers.)
The Secretary of War was next called upon,
the band playing "Rally Round the Flag"
when Johnny Comes Marching Home" and
other airs. Secretary Stanton replied as tol-
SPEECH OF SECRETARY STANTON
Gentlemen:-On the afternoon OF Thursday,
the seventh OF TINS month, received note from
the Secretary OF the National Union johnson
I'm lI1r,rr .lol Al
tion to serenade the President and his Cabinet.
and that l would be called upon at my resi-
dence. Immediately on the receipt of this note
reply was sent TO the Secretary expressing my
thanks Tor the compliment, and declining the
honor OF the serenade. A similar compliment
from the patriotic association of the Soldiers,
and Sailors League had previously been de-
Clined.
Two reasons induced my action. The last
time public speech was made from this SPOT
In answer to serenade, was on the night of
Friday, the l4th day OF April, 1865. AT that
moment, when we were rejoicing over the
downfall of the Rebellion, one of its instruments
was numbering Mr.. Lincoln. You will not
think 1t strange that complimentary occasion
fraught with such associations, should not be
CO.. eted. Besides, as the head of Department
my public duties have been simply executive
ano 1T has always been my aim to avoid trench
ing upon duties devolVed upon Others and to
avoid mischief by the premature discussion of
matters entrusted to the legislative branch of
the Government, and under it's consideration.
But the call of this evening relieves me from
any lmputatlon OF lntruding my opinions upon
you. shall, therefore, declare them briefly
and plainly. To the end that they may be
neither accidentally misunderstood nor wilIully
mlsrePresented, what 1t is my purpose TO say on
this occasion has been written.
After four years ofwar, the authority of the
Federal Government was established through
out the whole territory of the United States at
sacrifice of over three hundred thousand lives
OF loyal soldiers, and cost OF more than three
nd. mill Dr al,
household In eighteen loyal States is mourning
its loved ones slain by Rebels. tax, which
may last for generations, is lald upon the food
and raiment and necessities OF every family and
In the price OF their daily bread the twenty mil
lion inhabitants OF the loyal States feel and will
long continue to feel, what it cost to uphold
Ghrir Government against rebellion.
The office OF President deyolved upon Mr..
johnson at the death OF Mr.. Lincoln, on the 10th
day OF April, 1865 Thirteen days before that
time Richmond, the seat OF the Rebel Govern.
ment, had been captured, and six days later the
Rebel Comnander-in-CbieE Robert Il. Lee
routed and vanquished, surrendered his army as
prisoners OF war TO General Grant and the forces
under his conmand. By these rapidly succeed
ing events the Rebel Government was over
thrown, its strength and hope exhausted, and,
IN every state, It's armed forces and official au-
thoTities gave themselves up as prisoners of war
The Presidents annual message to the present
Congress thus clearly states the condition of the
country and the question thereby impressed
II found the States suffering from the effects
of civil war. Resistance TO the General Gov
eminent appeared TO have exhausted itself The
United States had recovered possession OF their
forts and arsenals, and their armies were in the
occupation oil every State which had attempted
to secede. Whether the territory within the
limits of these States should be held as con-
quered territory, under military authority
emanating from the President, as head OF the
army, was the first question that presented
itself for decision"
After stating the objections to the continuance
OF merely military rule, the alternative course
chosen by him and supported by his Cabinet is
thus clearly set forih;-
provisional Governors have been appointed
for the States, Conventions called, Governors
elected, Legislatures assembled, and Represen-
tatiVes chosen to the Congress OF the United
States. AT the same time the Courts of the
United States, as far as could be DONE have been
Teopened, so that the laws of the United States
NAV be enforced through their agency.
'The blockade has been removed and the GUS
tom houses re-established in ports of entry, SO
that the revenue OF the United States NAV be
collected. The Post Office Department renews
its ceaseless activity, and the General Govern.
ment Is thereby enabled to communicate
promptly with It's officers and agents. Tue
Courts bring security to persons and property
the opening Of the ports invites the restoration