The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1866-02-23
THE UNION & JOURNAL,
CORRESPONDENCE.
WASHINGTON, FEB. 10, 1850.
"rnE ASSASSINATION AND ITS LESSONS"

WASHINGTON. FEB. ~, lS0O.
'ruE ASSASSINATION AND ITS LESSONS"
On Tuesday evening Fred. Douglass delivered
his great lecture on the ASSASSINATION and Its
Lessons in the First Presbyterian Church in this
city, Of which the eminent and patriotic DR., Sun
derland is pastor. The orator was introduced to
the immense audience in an appropriate and beau.
tiful speech by Chief Justice Chase, and for the
first time in our history the Supreme Court was
openly anil Enthusiastically identified with an effort
which recognizes the Humanity Of the black race
AZ the ex.Msry land slave, still bearing the marks
of the plantation ON eastern Shore" stood on
the free platform in this once slaychOliing city,
surrounded by men occupying eminent positions
in the various branches Of this Government, anu
even Of the governments OF other countries, anu
in an address, pronounced equal in argument aud
oratory To the efforts Of our best speakers, and
whose rhetoric Is unsurpassed by the finest models
Of our language, entertained and instructed thus
distinguished audience, the occasion was highly
suggestive Of u former time when an eminent
Chief Justice ot this same Court prostituted his
high office by declaring that persons having the
same color MS Mr.. Douglass had mo rights which
white men were bound To respect"
The address, delivered for the benefit Of the
colored orphans Of this city. farther than being a
grand pecanisry success-hundrcds being unable
To- gain admission to the housc--resLtcd IN The
publication Of an indignant protest by the
''DIsArrrcrEp pEAcoSs"
and some Of the members Of the church who are
opposed TO having poitics--of certain kind
preached in their pulpit. The controversy which
originated in the church is no longer confined to
that body, but has been cspouscd by the public,
and by tho local press,-a spirited contest being
now in progress. Unfortunately for the dcacons
aud their adherents, they arc identified with that
large class OF Washington population whose bod
les were safe under the protection OF Federal ior-
tihcations during the war and whose hearts
were with the rebels. They are OF the class of
Christian patriots who, now. fearfully solicitous
lest some word may be uttered which shall disturb
the sensitive nerves of President johnson, refused
when the war tor the Union was progressing, their
players for President Lincoln. These "disatiect
cd members now appear to be receiving tribe
more Of notOricty than IL agreeable to their IN
tensely pious hearts and as Fred. Douglass has
srnifed his intention Of saying "some things
which he believes" at another time during his
stay in Washington, II is probable that they will
not escape the shafts Of punsent sarcasm which
this hated Douglass understands 80 well how to
use.
THE rREEpMAs's BUREAU BILL.
As you will sec bef,re this the President has
sent In veto uf the Frecdmcus Bureau bill which
is being read in the Senate as write. AS the
bill was framed in accordance with the Presidents
plan of reconstruction q majority thought he
would sign II, but there were those who thought
thcy understood his position, aud never doubted
the result. The excitement In Congress is great,
many regarding tho veto rs declaration Of war
between the President and the party which plac-
ed him, through the Providence of God, In the
White House. just learn that there is to be q
copperhcad screnade of tho President tonight
GENERAL LEE.
This cx.lcaler Of the armies OF Secession arrived
in the city last week on subpoena to appear tc-
fore the Reconstruction Committee OF Congress,
and is now stopping at one OF thcprncipal hotels.
He will doubtless visit his former estate Arlington,
take n survey ut the Frce,lmen's village now es-
tablished On his grounds; walk through that ior-
est Of many thousands of headstoncs which 50 elo-
ouently tell the tale Of scccsson; aud derive tho
satisfaction that such right Is calculated To in
spre Ii is An example OF poetic justice that this
magnificent and princcly park-thc property OF
the man who directed aud controlled the army OF
rcbclion-shoull be consecratcd rs the burial
place Of the victims Of his great crime. On the
shore OF the Potomac, overlooking the city OF
Washington, in the most beautiful spot in all
Virginia, under the shade of patriarchal trees
country lie the dead heroes Ut the Nation; each
grave marked by head board Of spotless white,
with the name regiment and company to which
the inmate belonged painted in neat black letters.
Occasionally the mysterious "Unknown," is to
be seen Inscribed ovci the spot where rests heart
whose heroic deeds on many bloody field shall
not DO known to men till the sound Of the sound
of the 6ual rcyeille which shall rouse the camp Of
all the world.
"on Fames eternal camping ground their scn. tents are
spreai;
And Glory marks with solemn round the bvouac Of the ead
FAIRFAX.