The evening Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1861-1871, 1866-08-21

| constitution, aud may say have held al
most every position from the lowest I, the
highest which . man may attain in your
government. 1 have passed through eyerv.
position from alderman Of a village t, the
;prssideney, and surely, gentlemen, this
should BE- enough TO satisfy reAsonab bic am.
bition. If wanted Office, or wished to par
petuats my own power, how easy would ~
have been to hold and WELD that which was
placed in my hands by the measure called
the freedmen's bureau. Laughter and ap-
plause. With an army which it placed at
nv discretion, 1 could have remained a. the
capital of the United States, and with its
$50, OO0. 900 or 500, OOO. 900 of appropriations
at INV disposal, with the machinery to be
worked by my own hands, with my satrsps
and dependents in every town and village,
and then with the civil rights bill following
as an auxiliary. Laughter, in connection
with all the other appliances of government,
could have proclaimed myself dic.,tor.-.
Cries of chats true" and three cheers for
the president" But, Gentlem en-, my pride
and my ambition has been to occupy that po-
sition which retains all power In the hands
of the people. Great cheering.l ItisupOn
that have always relied it 10 upon that l
| rely now. A voice-"And the people will
| not disappoint you," and / repeat that
neither the taunts nor the jeers of congress,
nor of a eliminating press can drive me
from my purpose.
| | acknowledge no superior except NV God
the author of my existence the peO-
pie of the United States. Prolonged and
enthusiastic cheering. For the one, try to
obey all his commando as best ! can, com
patlbe with nv poor humanity for the 9TH
1 in
the high behests of the people have always
been respected and obeyed by me. Loud
cheers. Mr.. Chairman, have said more
than intended. For the kind allusions to
myself contained in your address, and the
resolutions adopted by the convention, let
I me remark that, in this orisie, and at this
period of my public life, hold them above
sll price, and shall ever recur with feelings
of profound qualification to the last resolution
containing the endorsement of the couven
ton, emanating spontaneously from the grea,
mass of the people. Loud cheers. | hope
that my future action may be such that you
and the convention may not regret the assur.
anoe you have expressed Of me. Cries Of
| 1--WE are sure of it,"
Before parting, my friendr, one and all
committee and strangers, please accept my
thanks for the kind manifestations of regard
and respect you have exhibited on this coca
sion. | repeat, / shall always continue Il
be guided by firm and conscientious con
viction of duty, under the constitution, which
l make my guide.
When the president closed hi. .peech ther,
was tumultuous and enthusiastic applause
Three cheers were given tor the president
and three cheers were called for Gen. Graut
Most of the southsrners present appeared Il
Join heartily in the demonstration Of espect
both 10 the president and to Gen. Grant.
TIE president and those accompanying
him then lett the room, and took position il
the hall outside. and the members of tn,
convention were each presented TO him a,
they passed out. The east room, as we'll Al
the hall and corridors OF the white bous,
J were crowded during the ceremony, and
large number were collected in front of til,
building, unable TO obtain an entrance. The
whole affair was very successful, and, exec p
| that, "a usual, no arraBgeO epts were made
, for the accom- odatio of the press, it psst cd
; off pleasantly. Judging from the appear
r ance and manners of many southerners pres
! emit, they had fully accepted the situation
! and determined in the future to stand BY tn,
union aud the constitution. Both Mr.. j ohm
son and the prevalent were frequently inter
rupted by entb nsiastic applause. The latter
was most loudly applauded when expressing hi,
devotion to the constitution and his determine
ton to maintain it at all hazards, against assail
ants, and his faith aud reliance upon the people
The presence of Gen Grant on the occasion j,
considered as indicating his approval and sup
port of the presidents reconsideration policy
and tho declaration OF principles of the Philadel
phia convention. which greatly rejoices the con
seryatves and displeases their opponents.
The president was very earues, and emphati,
: in his denunciations of congress, and what h
, termed malignant and subsidized pre- =. Man,
of the delegates and others have left 'o- thei
}. homes tonight, but considerable number We
J., remain, and it will probably be two or three
4 days yet before Washington subsidies into it
, usual summer dizziness. .-.