South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1867-11-22
SPEECH OF THE PRESIDENT.

President JOHNSON was serenaiod at
Washington on Wednesday oflast week, and
made speech in which he congratulated
his auditors, and expressed an abiding con
hdence in the people. He said
FEaLow-CiTIzENs-It is not my intcu-
ton to make an address upon this occasion.
Out simply to tender you my thanks for
,his demonstration-a demonstration appro-
batting what your Es.low-citizens have de-
ciared IN the recent elections in the various
States of the Union. They willappreciate
your response to wha; they have done and
send back the greeting that the Union of
the States must be maintained according to
the original design of our fathers.
confess that [ am grati6ei, but not
surprised at the result OF the recent cleo
tons. have always had undoubtine con-
hdence in the people. They may sometimes
be mIs'e4 10y lying spirit in the mouths
OF their prophets, but never perverted, and
IN tue end they are always right.
In the glomiest hours through which |
have pRssed-and many ofthem, God knows,
have .eeu dark enough-when our Consti-
tuition was III the utmost peril /; when our
free institutions were assaied by formi-
dab!e force, and our great republic seemed
to DC lettering to its fall and when felt
how vain were my efforts alone TO preserve
those institutions in their integrity, and to
save the republic from ruin, was still hope
iui. | had an abiding confidence in the
people, and was assured that they in their
might would come to the rcscuc. They have
come, and thank God they have come, and
that our republic may yet be saved.
It was but the other day that | officially
declared that the remedy for the present un-
happy condition of the country must come
from the people themselves. They know
what that remedy is and how it is to be ap
Piled. ut the present time they cannot,
according to The forms Of tho Constitution,
repeal obnoxious laws. They cannot re-
move or control this military despotism.
The remedy is, nevertheless, in their
hands, and is a sure one ii not controlled bv
fraud, ovcrawel b. arbitrary power or from
apathy on their part. Too long DELAYED
but with abiding conf lcnce in their patri-
otism, wisdom ami integrity, [ am still hope
iul that IN the cad the rod of dcspotism will
be broken, the armed heel Of power lifted
from the necks of the people, and the prin-
clples Of i violated Constitution preserved
The people have spoken iu manner not
to be misunderstood. Thank Col they
have spoken, forit is upon their intelligence
and their integrity that have always re-
lied and still rely. The Constitution of the
country, which was imperilled has recent
~ been before them for consideration. and
1t has had new life and vigor impaired to it
from its original source-the people. Ii
comes back to US with renewed strength
and power. Let it now be translated hirh
rs i'll the heavens, written in letters of liy
ing light as the symbol of liberty and union,
justice, magnanimity and fraternity. Good
night.
The President was cheerel during the delivery
OF the speech, and also on its conclusion, and re-
tired from the stand amid repeated cheer and in
strumenta music.
Frequent calls were made for Attorney Gener-
al Stanbcry. lie was on the premises, but did
not appear TO make speech.