Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1866-03-15
PUBLIC MEETING.
President johnson Endorsed by the
People Of Jefferson.


In response to call issued, large number
of the citizens of jefferson county convened at
the Carter House" in Charlestown, on Satur-
day last to testify their approval of the recon-
struction policy of President johnson.
The meeting was organized by calling Judge
]. w. KENNEDY, to the Chair, and the cleo
ton of Mr.. g. LEIsENRING as Secretary.
The Chairman stated to the meeting the OBJ
iects which were contemplated in this call OF
the citizens of the county together, and alluded
to the differences Of opinion which had separa-
ted him from the majority Of those present.
while the war was in progress. lie congratu-
lated the people that the war with itsravages,
had passed away, and that they had the rrivi-
lege of again meeting under peaceful auspices
to endorse the action of Constitutional Presi-
dent. The spectacle to him was one peculiar
" gratifying, to witness the present assembling
of those who had opposed the nationality of the
country to sanction the course of the President
in his action in restoring the Southern States to
their proper position in the Union and under
the government. A struggle is now going on
not with the clash of arms and the roar Of
cannon, it was true-yet not less important to
the welfare and prosperity of the country, than
that which had recently terminated in the tri-
umph of the Union cause. He here spoke of
the efforts of the radical party to prevent the
reunion of the Southern States to the folds of
the Union and said that the policy now advo-
Gated by that party, was in direct opposition to
the principles for which the war was waged
and carried to a successful issue. He closed by
an appeal to the people to stand by Andrew
Johnson as firmly as he stood. by the Union
and Constitution.
Mr.. Travers said that during recent visit
to Washington, in furtherance of certain inter-
ests of the county, he had enjoyed the privilege
of an interview with the President of the Uni
ted States. That he had found him firm and
resoute in his determination to resist radical
aggressions upon the Constitution of the coun-
try, and unyielding in his purpose so to shape
his policy as most speedily to restore the Union
on the principles of justice to all. Allmeasures
looking either to delay in restoring the South
ern States to their proper position of equality
in the Union or the imposition upon them of
onerous or degrading conditions would meet
with no favor at his hands, That in political
point of view the wishes of the people were his
gospel, and the Constitution his supreme rule
of action Mr. T., further said that many del
egations, bearing testimonials of the hearty en-
dorsement of the Presidents policy by the peo-
pie of all sections of the Union, were in atten-
dance on the day of his visit seeking to deliver
their messages of cordial appreciation, which
convinced him that the great heart of the nation
responded to the patriotic and conservative
course of the Executive. He urged it upon the
people as their duty to sustain the Preside t.
and strengthen the hands of the only man who
stood between them and utter andirremediable
anarchy and ruin.
Mr.. Travers concluded his remarks by intro
ducing the following resolutions, which were
unanimously adopted as an expression of the
sentiments of the vast majority of the citizens
of Jefferson County:
Whereas, In time of great peril to the
nation, grave differences of opinion have arisen
between the Executive and legislative branches
of the Federal government, involving the integ-
rity of the Union and the preservation of the
Constitution;
and whereaS, 1t becomes the duty of the
people, in such crisis, 10 express their earnest
opinions on questions thus affecting their most
vital interest,
wherefore be 1t ReSolred by the people of
Jefferson County in mass meeting assembled
that they have unfailing confidence in the pa
triotiSm, Justice and conservatism of Andrew
johnson; that they cordially approve his veto
of the Freedmen's Bureau BILL recently returned
with his objections to the Congress of the Uni
ted States, and that the broad, pacific and ma
tional sentiments contained in his frank, fear
less and manly speech of the 22d of February
last, meet with their most hearty approval"
The adoption of the above resolutions, was
followed by a conservative and patriotic speech
from Maj, Yellot, of Martinsburg who enter
tanned the meeting for nearly an hour. He
said that notwithstanding the action of the
West Virginia Legislature, he felt it his privi-
lege to call those before him his fellow-citzens
when he witnessed the cordiality with which
they endorsed the reconstruction policy of An
drew Johnson. The speakers illusions to the
course of the President received ready re-
Spouse and were frequently warmly applauded
On motion, it was resolved that the proceel-
ings Of the meeting be published in the papers
of the county, and the National htelligeRcer
after which the meeting adjourned.
JOHN w. KENNEDY,
Sac'-