The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1866-08-20
NEW YORK HERALD, MONDAY. AUGUST 20, 1866


being free from that useless verbiage Of the
present age, 1t reminds US more Of the classic
efforts found in ancient oratory. We commend
1t to the attention Of all who wish to under
stand the issues Of the day and those who
desire to have complete knowledge Of the
position taken by the Philadelphia Convention.
The Great Speech Of Andrew Johnson-The
Issues Of the Campaign.
The events Of the last ten days have been Of
80 great importance to the republic that It il
impossible to estimate or appreciate the bone
dts that will follow. Commencing with the
significant and popular gathering at Philadel-
phia and closing with the eloquent and spirited
speech Of Andrew johnson in reply to the con-
gratulatory address Of the committee from the
Convention, we have chapter SO full Of int
rest, patriotism and devotion to the Union and
the constitution that it cannot fail to arouse
the people In every section Of the country II
inaugurates new era in the political affairs of
the nation, and points Enthusiastically to the
early downfall of the radical disunionists and
the triumph Of the Union cause It is seldom
that we find concentrated In so small space
SO much real eloquence, so much pathos and
unanswerable logic as are combined In the
speeches of General Dix, Governor Orr and
President johnson. We have nothing equal to
them in modern oratory, and they are such as
only great occasions bring out They furnish
striking contrast to the negro harangues Of the
radical orators. They lead us, in the language
Of the Executive, to the inevitable conclusion
that the present movement is "under proper
inspiration, and that the finger Of an overruling
and unerring Providence is in the matter"
The developments Of the last eight months,
the usurpations and the revolutionary action
Of the radical Congress, have shown to the
people that the "nation is in peril" We have
passed through mighty and bloody ordeal
and now find new difficulties surrounding US.
Our brave soldiers have overcome and re-
moved one danger to the Union only to find
us confronted with another equally dangerous
to the peace, prosperity and stability of the
republic. The people again rise up in their
majesty and exhibit their determination to
arrest the evil before our plains are again
deluged with blood. In this uprising they can
rejoice in the hearty cooperation Of the Presi.
dent, who stands at the helm of the ship of
state sounding the alarm and doing all within
his power to avoid the breakers ahead. His
earnestness in their cause is seen by his mas
terly speech which we published in our col
umns yesterday He tells the people that, $50
far as the Executive Department OF the
government is concerned, the effort has
been made to restore the Union, to heal
tho breach, to pour oil into the wounds
which were consequent upon the struggle"
that We have just passed through "but as the
work progressed, ~ reconciliation seemed to
be taking place and the country becoming
united, we found disturbing and marring
element opposing u.s." The people have but to
recall the events Of the past year to realize the
truth Of this picture. The public will remember
that in the canvass Of 1854 the radicals ill pre-
tended to support the restoration policy Of the
President, and on that claimed their support
Up TO the time Of the assembling Of Congress the
work Of restoration was progressing rapidly,
with every indication Of IN immediate recon-
cilistion and an adjustment Of the AFFAIRS OF the
country upon permanent basis. But - soon
a. the radical Congress assembled those who
had been profdss In their promises betrayed
the people, and that body, while assuming and
pretending to be for the Union, labored to OK
tend, to psrpetuate disunion and make dis
rupdon q the States inevitable. Az the Presi-
dent truthfully says, "instead Of promoting
reconciliation and harmony, Its legislation par
took Of the character Of penalties, retaliation
and revenge" II ID this betrayal Of the con-
6dence Of the people that brought about the
significant, harmonious and enthusiastic Con-
vention at Philadelphia. It is this that has
caused this great uprising Of the people to
which we find the President responding with
extraordinary feeling and eloquenee, showing
that his heart beats In response to the senti-
ment Of tho great mass Of our citizens.
We have not space to reiterate here ell the
immortal words that fell from the lips of the
Executive in his response to the committee.
His remarks must be read to be appreciated.
We doubt II there IL o person In our whole
land, whose mind Is not blinded by partisan
views, who can read the noble and patriotic
sentiments found in that speech without feeling
. thrill in the innermost recesses Of his soul
The President announces to his countrymen
that be has taken his stand upon the broad
principles Of the constitution, and upon chat
great charter Of our liberties, civil and rcli-
gious freedom, he appeals to them to rally to
his support and in defence Of the Union. An
appeal so stirring, SO effective, can hardly be
made in vain. He tells us that we are threat
ened with despotism through efforts at GEN.
trallzation which, II allowed to be carried
out, will lead to monarchy ITSELF He tells us
that n radical Congress are encroachinC asten