The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1869-06-17
An Exciting Political Incident.

= An Exciting Political Incident TF
A dispatch from Clarksvile states that
e1-President johnson was received there
on the evening of the Slst ult., by very
large crowd with enthusiastic demonstra-
tions of respect and qualification. The
speech of welcome was delivered BY Hon.
Gus. A. Henry, who said he chad met
him on hundred occasions before, but
never with greater pleasure"
This meeting between Gus. Henry and
Andy johnson recalls to mind an incl
dent of the old Whig and Democratic
campaigning in Tennessee. In 1858, MI
Henry, who, in connection, with the la
fmented Haskell, had successfully canvass
ed the State as Elector on the Wing tick.
ct in the memorable Scott and Pierce
campaign of the previous fall, was placed
in the field by the Wings as their candi-
date for Governor The Democratic con-
vention had already nominated Andrew
johnson, and this was his first race for
Governor. Each was the favorite of his
party, and each had acquired prominence
because of his superior ability "on the
stump" which was then, more than now,
"a necessity political accomplishment in
Tennessee. Mr.. Henry in his early cam
paigns, besides the familiar ,appellation
of aOur GUS" had also acquired the dis
tinguishing sobriquet of the "The Eagle
Orator." and by one or the other of these
designations he was almost invaribly men
toned by the Wing press of the State.
The latter designation we always thought
exceedingly appropriate, for, aside from
his soaring eloquence there was some
thing in the contour of his face and the
stateliness of his bearing that was strik-
ingly suggestive of the ''proud bird ofthe
mountains"
The Gubernatorial contest of '53 was
most hotly contested one. The Wings
who had just carried the State for Scott,
made strenuous efforts to retain their su-
premacy. The Democrats, on the other
hand, were equally determined that Ten
nessee should take her place in the party
that had 30 recently swept the nation in
triumph. The champions, Henry and
johnson, manifested no lesa. zeal than
their respective adherents, and many
were the thrusts and stunning blows they
exchanged "upon the stump" Their can
vass closed in Knoxville. An immense
crowd was present; and the excitement
ran high, the confidence of the two par
ties differing little in degree. Andrew
Johnson concluded the discussion. In
closing he spoke about in this wise:
"Fellow- citizens, it was with much re-
luctance and trepidation that ] entered
this canvass which is now brought to
close. l say trepidation, because the ene-
my having counted over the names of all
their heroes and men of prowess, selected
my honorable competitor as the greatest
OF them all, and placed their banner in
his hands. He was brought forth with
flourish of trumpets and heralded to the
world as the Eagle Orator. A man of
my pretentions might have we'll been ap-
palled, and the less timid than myself,
might without eowardice have shrank
from such an encounter. But, fellow
citizens, / have been with bhis Eagle
Orator throughout this contest. 1 hav 9
met him upon every stump from johnson
to Shelby, and now when look upon
him (turning to Henry see no flesh upon
his beak and no blood upon histalons." The
outburst of applause from the Democrats,
who were largely in the minority, was, of
course, tremendous, but, quick as theugh:,
Mr.. Henry sprang to his feet, with light
ming in his eye and looking at least foot
taller than ever before, as his voice rang
out like trumpet. eyes, FELLow-cITI.
zENs, THE EAGLE Is A PROUD BIRD AND
NEVER DE1GNs TO PREY UPON A pUTRID
CARCASS" If the shouts of The Demo.
Gratis had been increased seven fold they
could not have been heard above the
Wbig thunder at that moment. To this
day the Wings who were present, will in
sist that in that little encounter "Our
Gus" got Andy badly. Andy could well
afford it, however, for be got "Our Gus"
badly at the ballot.box.
We have no doubt Mr.. Henry, who is
one of natures noblemen, was sincere in
saying that he had never met Mr.. John.
son "with greater pleasure before" for
bis meetings heretofore, while always
honorable, were not of kind, in politi-
cal parlance, denominated "pleasant."-
Knormlle Press.
PAsHuNcE OF JoB-Everybody IL in the
habit ov Dragging on Job; and Job did
have considerable pashunce, that's fact;
Il q