The Plymouth weekly Democrat. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1860-1869, 1866-03-01
The Presidents Twenty-ScCOnd
Of February Speech.


We would be pleased to publish the
very able speech of President johnson,
delivered at Washington on the 22d of
February, but are forced to omit it for
want of room We append the remarks Of
the Cincinnati EnQsirer, on the speech,
however, which gives an outline of the
most important points taken by the Presi-
dent in opposition to the radical disunion-
lists Of the north
Mr. Johnson inspired By the patriotic
"reminiscences of the day, and elevated by
the consciousness that he had been acting
a noble part in the great drama of the res
toration of the Union, rose to the full
height of a statesman and made speech
that Is worthy of Chief magistrate of our
republic in its best days Simple, unaffec.
ted. OF hand and extemparaneous in it,
style, it Is yet vigorous, powerful and
manly in its diction 1t is characterized
by that strong common sense and earnest
practical ability which has ever distn-
guished Andrew Johnson in the course Of
his remarkable and selfmade career
There is no eoncealmeDt or reservation. Il
goes direct to the mark and literally
impales alive, upon the altirs of indigna.
ton, those radical destructives who are
now the only obstacles to the peace ana
repose of the country. The President
does not hesitate to name these men. He
does not hesitate to comment upon their
conduct, and upon their political views a,
they deserve. They have thought that by
their power and potency in Congress. anC
in party organization, they would intimi
date the Tennessee President, who, as the,
thought. had similar name, but not til,
spirit Of Andrew Jackson But it is no
in the nature OF Andrew johnson to re
ceiyc blows when he is standing up for the
Constitution and Government of his coua
try, without giving them in return, ant
with interest, too.
They may say, if they please, that il
some Of his personal illusions the Presi
! dent was undigntied and that it was i'm
proper; but the American people have Al
instructive sympathy with honesty ans
patriotism, and those who are in tina
behalf are certain to be pardoled fo
non-essentials when the essentials are cor
rect.
The disunion radicals are nov, we pre-
sumo convinced that President Johnsol
cannot be browbeaten or made simply
tool of putty in their hands He has
will and views of his own, and they or,
wills and views that arc directly antagonis
/ tic TO those of the factious partsans who
for the worst purp oses, would keep alive il
our midst the smoulderinS fires Of disse4
sion.
1t is cheering to hear from the Whit
House that the Constitution Of the Unite,
States is again to be unfurlcd, and that i
is again to be treated as living and vita
instru nent. 1t is glorious to hear from
seat Of power an indignant blast ag,;ns
those who, having disregarded the Consti
tuition, are now seeking to permanent
deface it by their amendments and altcra
tons in violation of its origin spirit an,
character
This speech is destined to create q pro
found sensation that can hardly be exag
Grated, and its eiiecs upon the stairs o
parties will be vast and enduring. Will
he is thus showing his disposition to wiel
the attributes of his great Office to protec
the liberties of the people and to maiutai
the Government against its bitter an,
deadly enemies. Stephens, Sumner an
Phillips, he is entitled to, and should re
ceive, the earnest support Of every patri
otto man irrespective of party. The hand
of the President must be upheld. W
have not doubt that they will be, 70
his policy represents, at this moment
a vast majority Of the United States
majority that cannot, and will not, suffe
its agent to go down in the struggle he
waging with fanatical hate and blind into
erance.
We say, in conclusion, as all will, VIII
read the speech, God be thanked, that W
have President, who, at this trying hou
Is adequate TO the crisis, and who, In orde
to save the Government, is willing 1
clutch the disunion radicals by the throa
and b 4 close and deadly contest rende
hem inca pa bile of further harm