Daily union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1865-1866, 1866-02-21
The Presidents Last speech.

From the Chicago Times.l
What constitutes Unionisfh was very plain
ly set forth by President johnson in his re-
cent speech TO the Virginia delegation. IL
Is the antipodes of the doctrines maintained
BY the Union party. II is fidelity to the
constitution and the Union established by il.
Ii is, moreover, "a power in the land"
headed by the President of the United
States, backed by the armies Of the nation,
Endorsed and cherished by a majority of two
thirds Of the people of the United States.
and the President was not at all boastful
when he gave warning to those opposing it
that they must get out Of its way" This is
what he wants them TO do, because, as he Is
generous and charitable man, he wishes to
avoid the necessity for hurting them If,
like the bull who disputed the passage of the
railway train, they oppose themselves TO the
progress of the Union car, gathering volume
and momentum as it rolls forward, they will
be hoisted only TO fall with weight which
will leave but a mass Of bones and rubbish
of that which was but an instant before an
imposing and intelligent force. -
Yesterday Congress mourned over the
death of President. To-day the nation
rejoices over the continuance in life Of one
with sufficient capacity to understand and
courage to perform his duties. He for
whom lament Is made may have been good
man, but he Cor whom rejoicings are had is
a good President which, considering the
responsibilities devolved upon them as
Presidents, is Of far more interest 20 the
nation. 1t is as natural that Congress should !
mourn for the death Of Mr. Lincoln as thai
il should sorrow over the prospect of long
life vouchsafed to Mr.. johnson in the pSs-
session Of health and strength which eha-
bles him to swing round the circle Of Abe
Union despite "the duplicate of the seme
spirit in the North which led to rebellion
in the South. That spirit he intends to
crush.
He says il has been crushed by the stfong
arm Of physical power in one section. In
the other section il must get out ofthe
way" Suppose that it does not get out of
the way7 Peradventure we shall see M
application Of the powers conferred BY mil1,
itary necessity" A rump Congress, ami
mated by a spirit of rebellion, and resisting
the restoration of the Union, cannot long be
tolerated if /" the Government must stand
unshaken and unmoved upon It's basis"
There was time when such language as
that addressed by Mr.. johnson TO the Vir-
ginia delegation, from a President, would
have signified an intention upon his part TO
employ the military power Of the Govern
mont to enforce the opinions announced, re-
gartlless of conflict between them and
those held by the other departments Of the
Government.
There was atime-and not many months
have passed since then-when 4 President OF
the United States, under the pressure Of
Congress, enforced a despotism as lawless
and a. insulting 10 the people and the spirit
Of the government as would now be one
which should disperse the present treason
able and revolutionary Congress by an armed
force and assume that ''the President il the
government" What assurance have we
that the successor Of him, who acted upon
this assumption to pander 10 the passions Of
those who yesterday assembled TO listen to
eulogy upon him, will not turn the weapons
against themselves which they have placed
in his hands, now that there Is war between
them Their only security il his respect
for the Constitution they are endeavoring 20
destroy, and for democratic principles they
are daily execrating.