The evening Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1861-1871, 1867-06-05
President Johnson's remarks at Raleigh.

Mayor Haywood addressed the president,
rendering cordial welcome to the hospitah-
ties of the city.
The president responded by remarking
that it would be false were he to say he was
Indifferent or insensible to this manifestation
He could not prove false to his nature OF
manhood. Such welcome as this, from
those who have known him first and longest,
ON his return to his native city, was highly
appreciated. He had nothing further to say
than to tender to the mayor and whom he
represented his thanks for this cordial well
come.
The procession then formed. The presi-
dent, being accompanied by a military es-
cort was cheered as he passed through the
principal streets. and, ON reaching the Var
borough hotel, he proceeded to the portico,
and was there introduced to the crowd by
Gov. Worth.
The president, in reply, tedered hissincere
thanks, and sad :
| have come to participate in the ceremo-
MES of dedicating a monument to man
whom YOU respected. Though of poor and
humble condition he was my father and
of him I am proud. He was an honest and
faithful friend character | prize higher
than all worldly fortune which could have
been left me.
Here in the city of Raleigh, is where my
infant eyes first saw the light of Heaven !;
here are the scenes of my childhood; here is
everything to bind man to his fellows and to
associate him with surrounding objects.
Here is where the tendrils of the heart have
taken firm hold upon everything to which it
is attracted. In making my entrance into
this city to-day, my mind involuntarily wan
dered back to the time when | left its streets,
a penniless and inexperienced boy, to make
my way in the world. Applause. When
looking back forty years, and returning here
to-day, beg to inquire where are those L
left behind? In the language OF poetry itself.
"The friends of my childhood-where are they 2"
Echo answers-where? Some have emf
grated to other lands. Some have complied
with the memorable and irresistible call, and
have paased to that undiscovered country
from whose bourne no traveller returns.
again ask: The friends of my childhood
where are they? Where are the Haywards,
the Hunters and Lanes? Where are the
Pearces, the Raysters, the Smiths and Jones
es? Where is the long list of men who lived
at that day, and who commanded respect fol-
constancy Applause. Under these cir.
cumstances could feel Indifferent? Iwould
be false to my nature if / forget you; and
not to indulge in selfadulation, can say
feel proud of the demonstration in my honor
by citizens of my native land.
esBreathes there man with soul so dead,
Who never to himself has said,
This is my own, my native land
(Applausel This is not the time or occasion
to discuss public matters; but. as allusiOI
has been made to my first going out from
among you, / may say, that ever since
formed an opinion as to fundamental princi
pies of government, l have adhered to them
and to the constitution, the union and thu
flag of my country. [Applause.] When
went out from among you, and from the tim
/ became connected with parties, l laid dow
as a,rule conscientious performance of duty
and adopted the constitution of my countr
as my guide and by these, whether in pros
perity or adversely, have always been gui
ded and controlled, and, come veal or woe
in high place or low place, with the const
tuition as my guide, with my hand laid on tn
altar of my country, will leave these grea
principles for those who are to follow. Ap
plause. One of my leading tenets has bee
the prosperity of the great mass of people
holding that all persons, without regard t.
condition of eoler, should beSesteemedaecor
ding to intrinsic worth or merit, leaving eacl
to rise on his own merit, courage and ener
one may be assigned his true position.
trust that instead of discussing party issues
creating factions between north and south
east or west, that all will exert themselve
for the restoration Of the union of these states
so that the flag may float over prosperou
country. Applause.
Lea rs my friends, repair the breeche
made by war and restore the Union. Thi
being accomplished, we may then make sucl
issues as prosperity and safety may demand
Let us efface from our minds the memory @
the past; let us pour oil on the trouble
weters and restore peace to the states. Thi
has been my constant object.
Bnt Let this pass? i simply come to thi
place in compliance with your invitation t
partake in q cermony to confer an homo
upon the memory Of one who was a fe,
years ago in your midst. This has not en-
anated, as understand, from any particula
quarter or family.
One word to you, young men: Their
rs much said as to educational advantage.
eve, but if any of you wish to succeed. Sri
co'nnon phrase, make yourselves men, 70
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