Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1869-10-13
THE NASHVILLE BANNER AEH
ANDREW JOHNSON.

We publish the following extract
from an editorial of the Banner of
Oct. l, 1865. AS complete refuta,
ton of many of the charges now
being made against Mr.. Johnson,
and as a high tribute to his ability
and craftsmanship, it is well worthy
of perusal The Banner says:
The first time we ever raw Andrew
johnson was twelve or fifteen years age.
He was q plain and unpretending menu
Der Of the House Of Representatives, from
one of the East Tennessee districts. But
we remember to have been struck with his
neat. not TO say handsome appearance, his
modest but commanding address and his
thorough originality. On coming to know
him better, these qualities continued to
impress us, and we may add, in passing,
that long before he was csnvSssed in con~
nection with the Presidency, it was our
fixed opinion that no man in the Sena'e
excepting Stephen A. Douglas approached
him for fire, force Of character and ssgacity,
all compromising a high order Of polili-
cal genius.
lie was firm, and, unlike Mr.. Davis, not
obstinate. he was fluent, and, unlike
Charles Sumner, not a pedant. He wss
eloquent, and, unlike Benjamin or Hale,
was sincere and unaffected. In a word,
no one Of his peers, except Judge Doug
Lac, was his equal. A life Of experience
in Office had given him a perfect familiar
ily in legislative STAIR; aIduOus and
careful study had supplied the DEFICIENCIES
Of early poverty, and nature had added to
these foe person, an impressive pres
enCe, and q mind Of uncommon quick
noss, dexteFity and self-possession.
When he entered the White House,
Andrew johnson carried with him ali
these essentials TO a just, capable and ready
administration Of the government. The
elevation did not shock him, beyond the
fearful tragedy which brought it about.
and the responsibilities it imposed were
no grealsr than he was able to meet. He
entered upon the discharge of his new
lsuiies with the same clear sense Of their
nature, the same upright resolve 10 fulfill
them faithfully, and the same remarkable
self possession which ad JTned and inVigo-
rated his senatorial career.
We have recently seen him as President.
No man has filled the position more thor
oughly since Jackson's time, and none
with better grace since the exit Of Martin
Van Buren,, who was the embodiment of
social accomplishment. He who imagines
that Andrew johnson is an awkward per-
son, or that the Executive robes hang
loosely on him, is greatly deceived. His
bearing impresses all who come in contact
with him. Ii is full of point, dignity and
good breeding. He disposes of the thou-
SANDS Of vexed questions, and the hum
dreds Of visitors Of every class,
that come before him each day,
with surprising promptitude, ele-
gsnce and tact. Although evidently suffer
ing acuteIy, his temper does not desert
him for moment, and this is saying a
great deal, for, like most men of nervous
energy. be has bis full share Of temper. lie
is calm, quiet, patient and thorough; not
20 nimble as Mr. Pierce, nor &c priggIsh as
Mr.. buchanan. A man, every inch Of him,
and 10 use another popular cant, in tie
right place.
The enemies Of the President have, in
various dusrier7, endeavored by hints and
shrucs TO poison the public mind against
him, sad to make gross and vulgar capital
ont Of his several attacks of indisposiliOn
since his advent 10 office, Ii is well to
sneak Of things as they are, aud although
the question is one Of deliCacy, we feel we
should do a piece of Injustice TO omit
fact which we kaoW personally, and which
completely refutes the SANDERS Of these
wicked and designing perscnF. So isr from
using any slimulsn', the President ne'
elects his health, which requires come ar
tifcial support in his thorough attention
10 business. He is evidently the victim of
severe pain, intensified by the most ardu-
GUS duties Imaginable. How he with
e.ands 30 much is difficult TO be conceiV-
ell, when we survey his paid compile xion,
his Careworn aspect and his accumulating
Iabors Nothing but great vigor, TesO-
luton and resuscItaiVe energy could |
carry him forward from day to day.
That be is at the helm in trOublOus |
iimez no one can fail TO perceive. As 70 |
his policy, nothing can be said of it except |
in reference TO such items IA have been /
already developed. The predictions of |
the newspaper correspondents and poll /
ticians are worth just so much a. Vrophe- |
cies in general. Thus far bis plan Cf re.
construction IA a success, despite the Lies Of /
the vicious aud The csvils Of the extrem-
ists We believe its final development /
will realize the promise Of the present.
The country ought not 10 expect |
100 much, or be impatient for re-
sults. Rome was not built in a
dav, If Andrew johnson, with his |
foresight, knowledge and integrity,
cannot bring us out of the trouble, who
can? 1t is clearly the duty Of loyal and
thinking people to give him a hearty,
faithful support; TO be cheerful and con-
content: TO look with suspicion upon cal
umuiators and secret eDemies; to be slow
to cepsure or fear. With this temper
which we apprehend is not 30 general even
among his pretended friends as il ought to
be-we shall not only reach the end Of
strife. but The sexual restoration Of the