Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1866-08-28
NUMBER x.

the constitution of the country, and I may say
that | have held, from lowest to highest, almost
every position to which man may attain in
our government. have passed through every
position from alderman of a little village to the
Presidency of the United States. And surely,
gentlemen, this should be enough to crafty
reasonable ambition.
IF wanted authority, or if wished to per-
petuate my own power, how easy it would have
been to hold and WELD that which was placed
in my hands by the measure called the Freed
men, Bureau bill. Laughter and applause
With an army which it placed at my discretion,
[ could have remained at the Capitol OF the
Nation, and with fifty or sixty millions OF ap-
preparations at my disposal, with the machinery
to be worked by my satraps and dependents in
every town and village, and then with the Clvli
in connection with all the other appliances of
the Government, | could have proclaimed my,
self dictator. That's true" and applause.
But, gentlemen, my pride and my ambition
| have been to occupy that position which retains
all power in the hands of the people. Great
applause. 1t is upon that | have always rell-
ed; it is upon that | rely now, A voice.,
"And the people will never disappoint you;
and / repeat that neither the taunts nor jeers of
press, can drive me from my purpose. Great
applause.
[ acknowledge no superior, except my God,
the author of my existence, and the people OF
the United States. Prolonged and enthusias-
tic cheering. For the one, try to obey all
His commands as best I can, compatible with
my poor humanity. For the other, in politi-
cal and representative sense, the high behests OF
| the people have always been respected and
obeyed by me. Applause.
Mr.. Chairman, have said more than had
1ptopdod fo For tho bind oluciop IN NV
self contained in your address and in the reso-
lutions adopted by the Convention let me re-
mark that in this crisis and at the present pc
Rod of my public life | hold above all price and
shall ever recur with feeling of profound graft
fcatlon to the last resolution containing the en-
dorsement of Convention emanating sponta-
neously from the great mass of the people. L
trust and hope that my future action may be-
| such that you and the Convention you repre-
sent may not regret the assurance OF confidence
you have expressed. ''We are sure of it:
| Before separating, my friends, one and all,
please accept my sincere thanks for the kind
manifestations of regard and respect you have
exhibited on this occasion. | repeat that l
shall always continue to be guided by a con-
scientious conviction of duty-(and that always
gains one courage) under the Constitution,
which [ have made my guide.
| At the conclusion of the President S remarks,
three enthusiastic cheers were given for An
| drew johnson, and three more for General U.
S. Grant.
| The President then took position near the
door opening into the hall, with General Grant
| by his side, where, as the gentlemen OF the
committee and members Of the Convention
passed out, he grasped each by the hand, and
had a smile or cheering word for all; after
| which they passed on to take General Grant by
| the hand