The day book. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1857-1867, 1866-02-09
THE VIEWS OF THE PRESIDENT.

Montana, now in Washington, called on Presi-
dent johnson on Wednesday. B. NJ. Penny,
/ Esq, in brief address, introduced the delega-
ton, and the President responded in suitable
terms. He referred to the great principles set
forth in his annual message to Congress, as
formed after careful and deliberate reflection,
and upon which the Government must be adj
ministered The President, in bis remarks,
continued as fellows;
\ | say again that no man can mistake the
doctrines Of that message. 1t is very easy for
persons to misrepresent it, and to make asser-
tons that this, that, or the other has taken
place, or will take place; but | think may be
permitted to say 10 you on this occasion that,
taking all my antecedents, going back to my
advent into public life, and continuing down
to the present time, the great cardinal prnCi-
pies set forth in that paper have been my con-
slant and unwaeerng guide After having
gone so far, it is too late for me to turn and
take different direction. They will be my
guide from this time onward, and those who
understand them may know where ! shall al
ways be found when principle is involved.
Here let me say to you, in order to dlsabuse.
the public mind, as far as it is possible for an
individual to do So that my public career is
well nigh done. The sand of my political glass
has well nigh run out.
IF | were disposed to refer to myself, |
might trace my career back to the log cabin
then an alderman and a mayor IN a village
then though both branches of the State Lee
gslature then for ten consecutive years in
the National House of Representatives then
through the gubernatorial chair to the Senate
of the United States then provisional gov
ernor, with a sight participation III military
affairs; then Nice-President end now in the
position occupy before you. And nov, in
this position, if | can be Instrumental in re-
storing the government of the United States
in restoring to them their true position in the
Union, these States whose relations to the Ma
tional Government have for a time been inter-
rupted by one of the most gigantic rebellions
that ever occurred in the world, so that we
can proclaim once more that we are uaited
people, shalt feel that the measure of my
ambition has been filled, and filed to over
flowing. And at this point, If there be any
who are anxious or jealous OF honor and po-
sition, | shall be prepared to make them as
polite bow as | know how, and thank them
to take the place have occupied, for my mis-
sion will have been fulfilled In saving this,
in performance of my duty an in response to
the encouragement You have given me, | feel
that am in a condition net to be arrogant
not to feel .impervious or supercilous. feel
that | can afford to do right, and so feeling
God being willing, | intend to do right and,
as far as in me lies | intpnd to administer this
Government upon the principles that he did
at the foundation of it. | can inform all as
pirants who are trying % form their combina-
tions for the future, who want to make one
organization for one purpose and another, that
they are not in my way.
am not candidate for any position, and
hence repeat, can afford to do right, and,
being in that condition, | will do right [
make this announcement for the purpose of
letting all know that my work is to restore
the Government, not to make combinations
with reference to any future candidacy for the
Presidency of the United States. | have
reached the topmast round, My race is won
Sc aE A. Bat il fo HG fad MY 9Rfs j Is S
do. Let us, then, all join i'll this great work
of restoration; and while we are restoring and
repairing the breaches that have been made,
let us also unite in the work of making new
States and populatng them with a people who
are worthy Of the government which protects
tneth Anu leu tHOSe new Dtlle governments
be founded on principles in harmony with the
great machinery devised by our fathers
So far as regards any aid or assistance that
can be given here in the progress, and in the
consummation of this great work of building
up new States, as we'll as ON the restoration
of all the former States, you will find me
willing and cordial helper.
Gentlemen, did not expect this demon
stration, but you will please accept my thanks
for the compliment you have paid me on this
occasion, and the encouragement you have
given me in the discharge of my duty
All | can say, in conclusion, is to assure you
that any assistance you may need from that
quarter will be most cheerfulIy given to adj
vance the interests Of the community you
represent
The gentlemen present were then introduce
ed personally to the President
Gen Barrous submitted to the inspection
Of the President, in behalf of the delegation,
large number of specimens of gold bearing
quarts obtained in different portions of the
Territory, which were examined with much
interest by the President, aud the interview
terminated.
BY Information from Georgia is to the eff 1
fnrt that Maccrc Ctn,bopc ouj I,,l,rsO,, HAMA