The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1866-02-20

PRESIDENT JOHNSON AGAIN DE-
ii FINES HIS POSITION.
delegation of the Virginia Legislature
waited on President johnson last week and as
sured him of their approval and support OF bis
policy. The President replied as follows:
ain reply to the resolutions you have read
and the remarks you have so forcibly anc SO eio
quently made, won't make speech, but Will
enter into conversation with you; and III a
conversational manner, ASA pRmIse to Xhat
shall say let me tender you my thanks Tor your
calling upon me, and for my being enabled to
meet so many responsible, respectable and SIN
cere gentlemen from Virginia. The resolu-
lions express principles embraced in the Con-
stitution.
The Union has been with me, from my earli-
est entrance into public life, a cardinal princi-
ple In this rebellion, and let me say L don't
use the word urkindly, opposed dissolution
of the Union, believing then, as do now, that
our rights we're safer 10 the Union than out Of
il: My opposition commenced with the incep-
ton OF the rebellion, and, though the peril
passed through was great aud constant, stood
up then as now. The Union was absolutely
necessary for the protection Of our rights The
events and the result of the last four years have
demonstrated that my position was right. Aud
to-day, when it Is proved that the Union Is not
to be destroyed; when il is seen that the ex
pertinent of dissolution failed; after it is seen
that the Union is to be made perpetual, it is
extremely gratifying to meet gentlemen like
you.
Having passed through the ordeal, and come
around to this point, and finding you willing to
unite In the preservation of the Government, L
repeat it is extremely gratifying to meet. you
The preservation of the Union will result in the
advancement of the happiness Of the people, l
repeat, gentlemen, l am glad 20 meet you. L
trust this meeting will be long remembered, and
I believe you are in good faith.
7 Some ale dstrusttul, but [ have confden ce
; in the intelligence, the honesty, the virtue of
the American people, aud L will trust them.
;. Thank God, that confidence will not De betray-
ed. With a mutual faith between the people
and the Government, the Government can be
maintained. In reference to representation in
the national councils, :he great principle of re-
presentation is inherent, and is fundamental
principle of our national existence. Taxation
without representation was the primary cause Of
our Revolution from England, and the right Of
representation is indsputable. On this point
the people will support the constitutional prin-
ciplc. l think the end is not far distant. 1t
seems to me, both as people and as States,
that the best plan is restoration of these States
upon correct basis to their rightful position in
the Government.
We have some signs of foreign difficulties
when it is announced that the United States are
once more harmonious and united, these signs
OF difficulty will instantly disappear, for no
power or powers on earth would dare to break
with the restored and thoroughly united Union.
81 IL. H..
a specie standard, which is a result so much
desired by US. The restorution of The States
is Indispensable
When peace and order reign throughout the
land, it won't be long before the Southern
States will put into the markets of the world
two hundred and fifty millions dollars worth Of
cotton, &c., as basis of the appreciation of our
redundant paper currency, which will incalcula-
bly, promote the interests Of the whole country
/ cannot say anything further, but that shall
continue the same line of policy | have hitherto
held. And here let me say, condemn seccs-
sion. have earnestly contended that State
cannot be taken out of the Union.
1t is necessary that the representatives of a
State should have all the qualifications necessa-
~, and then they are entitled to their places.
Representatives must be loyal to the Union and
the Constitution a man cannot be for the
qualify themselves in good faith, then they are
: entitled to their places.
" BY going into this rebellion We have erred
in returning, let me say, think all the respon-
'sible places should be filed by men who are
loyal, and none others. Ii in q State there are
only five thousand of such men, or only sufi-
Client number to take charge of its government
these FIVE thousand are entitled, if all the rest
are disoyal.
In passing through our difficulties, it would
be better to present men who are unquestion-
ably loyal. This being done, the cay is not far
distant when the people will decide. If we do
our duty, the people will sustain and support us,
and the States would soon resume their rightful
=. relations.
= There were extreme men North and South,
and when this rebellion commenced, to use a
homely figure, there was hammer at one end
fof the line and an anvil at the other; they have
Hammered away before the war; they have kept
hamnering away SINCE and there seems to be a
disposition to keep on.
Ii we find out the duplicate Of rebellion any,
where else, At must get out of the eay, and tn e
government must be preserved at all hazards
Let US act in good faith with each other, and
meeting around the altar of our common coun.
try, swear, by our God, that our Union shall be
preserved. am glad that the loyal spirit is
developing itself. Let US join and persevere in
our course.
. thank you, gentlemen, and / trust the day
Is not Tar distant when We can meet under bet
ter circumstances.
have no objec. beyond the restoration of
the Government. My ambition has been graft
fed. l have assembled to the topmost round of
the ladder. From the humblest cottage 10 the
LAND up to my present position-and have but
one object now--the climax the acme the very