The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1869-04-08
TIE N N e s s e e.
A. j. Aos 4Hn STUMP.
kNoxvILLE, April

AT an early hour this morning the
city was thronged with the old friends
of Andrew Johnson, who assembled
in groups and anxiously discussed
Andy's former triumphs. He was
met at the train by a delegation at'l1
O'Clock, and escorted to the Lamar
House. He was introduced TO a crowd
of about 5000 persons by Mr.: Nelson,
who referred to Mr.. johnson in COM
plimentary terms, alluding to his diff
ferences with prominent political
gentlemen. present, and to his early
prosecutions on account of his. Union
sentiments.
Mr.. johnson thanked the people for
their welcome. He said he had tried
to protect the Constitution, and all he
asked was fair examination of his
record he intended to devote the re-
nainder of his life as a private citi-
zen, to the vindication of his official
life and native State from the obloquy
cast upon them. His back, though
bent, had not, been broken by the
storm which had nearly wrecked the
ship of State. Since he had seen in
the papers his own obituary, he sup
posed ho>might be regarded as one5ris-
en- from the dead, and he thought one
coming from the grave should be be-
lieved. The government is divided
into three parts, and each department
is confined to its sphere. ] tell you,
as one speaking from the dead, there
is danger in the government, and that
danger is in the legislative department.
The executive. branch cannot make
laws; neither can the Judiciary; but
the legislative branch, under, the pre-
tense of making laws, can trample
upon the liberties Of the people. Yes,
a despotic Congress can go ON until it
takes away the liberties of the people !;
but I feel 1 stood as d breakwater to
the government, and arrested its pro-
gress for time. The time has come
to talk about the first principles of the
government. Take away the restraints
which have held back Congress and
one branch of the government viii
wipe out the other two. Let me. tell
you here, that a wise and good prince
is infinitely better than an arbitrary, !,
despotic Congress. Look at the acts
of Congress, and see how, like they
are to the acts Of Great Britain toward
the colonies in the early days of this
country? Look at our condition the
writ of habeas corpus suspended, and
when a citizen appealsto the Supreme
Court, Congress takes away the right
of appeal, and depFives him of his
liberty. He then alluded to the charge
of treason to party, and asked when
he had been false. He then't took up
the accusation about his being M oses,
and asked if it was not he who. freed
the negroes in Tennessee. Freedom
is only liberty4to work it is not to
bnild miserable lazaroni to be sup
borted by the government. 1 have
never deceived the white man nor the
black man. Let me say to you as l
said to my old servant when I came
back: Tom, the only difference be-
tween us is, that I freed you four
years ago, and I was only 'emancipated
on the 4th of March. So you see l
am addressing you as a freedman. p
AS an evidence Of his loyalty he
showed a paper signed by Governor
Brownlow acknowledging the receipt
of 81, ,500to help establish a loyal press
in Knoxville He told his hearel s.that
they were all slaves. to the bondhold-
ers, who never shed "a drop of blood.
81 would to- God that the government
had not the credit to, borrow a dollar
to carry on the war. Thank God, my
honors have not been gained through
blood. The wounded soldiers cann OF
attribute their wounds oto9 me."i He
spoke about two hours, and was listen
ed to with close attention! On retiring
from the stand, he owas heartily APP
plauded and at once ecsuTrounded. by a
group of old friends. ogi'f ao1ian 2dt
In. conversation he spoke of Grant
without reserve, characterizing him as
abundle of prejudices, and denonnc-
ing his Gift Enterprise Cabinet, as he
callethit:9 rsfasa es- i7 eFaS'f @1gi ~.
The people are heartily glad to see
johnson among them, and think he
will asueceed5gin overthrowing lthe
dominant party in the State.il ~ bloa
a Radical Paper on a Radical Rascal.