The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1869-04-07
ANDREW JOHNSON AT KNoxy111r


KNOXVILLE, TENN., April 3.-City crowded with III,
friends Of Andrew Johnson who at an early honr ~
the morning assembled in little knots on the Streets
talking about Andy's old trumphs Special trains on
railroad brought crowds to the city. At IL O'Clock
NJ special train arrived from Greenvle Mr. John
son was greeted at the depot by delegation of c;t.
zens wiha band, and escorted to the Lamar House in
a baronche in company with Col. Nelson and John
Fleming of the Press and Herald. After short DELAY
Mr.. johnson introduced to the assembled crowd
numbering about 5000, by Hon. Mr.. Nelson, who re-
ferred to his previous political difference with the dis
tinguished gentleman before them, and to their areu
ment upon the vital question OF Unon related perse-
cuons inflicted upon Mr. johnson for bis Union sent
ments; coenenty described his patriotic course during
the war; and alluded to his wise and concatory policy
of reconstruction.
Mr. Johnson after returning thanks for the cordial
ity of the welcome said he had endeavored to protect
the Constitution and all he asked fair examina-
ton of his record He intended to devote the remain
der Of his life private citizen to the vlndcaton of
his official life and his native State from the fonl obo
guy Which had been heaped upon him and her, though
they had not been broken by the Storm which had
nearly wrecked the ship of state lie had in the
papers his obituary, and supposed be might be as
one risen from the dead and he thought belief should
be placed in from the grave (Noice-"Not
so dead yet ~ The Constitution divides the Govern
ment into departments. Wien the Congress Of the
United States excited by interest and spirit Of yran-
n.y. transcribed the Constitution, he vetoed their bills
and them back Let MS see how these departments
operate Each is confined to sphere Let rs
together. Where is the danger in the Government?
tell you here today and as one speaking from the
dead. it is in the legislative department. mean in
the Federal Government. Why, can the Executive
make laws He has only negative power; the judi
esEy only expouDd the law; bit the legislative
pass laws of the most arbitrary character and I'M
der preence of law, tranpe upon the liberties OF the
people. Those who are trying to undermine the Con-
stsuton have giren the impression that twothirls
matsjty has the power Of the Constitution. Then they
can go on nn Congress-yes, caprclons Congress, s
yes 3espotic Congress, yes, nsurpins Congress
will take the liberties Of the people. But feel
that stood as breakwater at the head Of the Amer
Government, and arrested its progress for time,
at least until the people knew what was going on and
while others may boast Of having established govern
raesss, feel can, without egotisD, claim credit of
having been efficient in its preservation The time
BIAS to talk abowt the first principles Of govern
nent Take away the restraints which held back
Congress, and yoa have despotc government; VI pc
out the other two departments Of the Government,
and yon have Congress With its discretion, perhaps
should say its naissseseH, she measure OF its
power. Jca.rson describes such a body the exact
emboaimeHt of despotssa1 and let me tell you here
that wise ard good prince Infinitely better than
usurpins arbitrary, despotic Congress Voice 'thas
so, Andy; eths Lock 81 the course OF Great Brit
ain towards che colonies, and compare it with that Of
Congress. Look at the declaration Of independence,
and see how he acts of Congress similar to the
course of Great Britain. Then, uhsn that declaration
made and the people knew their wrong, they
aroused to gain their freedom. look at conaaioa>
The great writ of habess corpus suspended and uheT
citizen of the United States appealed to she Supreme
Court, arbitrary Congress took from him tbs rghs
Of appeal and deprived him of his liberty.
He alluded to the charge of treason to party, and
asked when had he been false to the platform upon
which he was nominated He then took UP the sneer=
ing accusation about his being Moses and asked if is
not he that freed the negroes in Tennessee. Free
dom was only liberty to work it was not to build up
miserable lazaroni to be supported by the Govern
nent. Let me tell you, colored men, have never
deemed black men white men that these men Who
talk abont your old masters have only delivered YOU,
up to masters. You slaves to the league. Let
me say to You, said to my old servant, told
him when came back Sam the only difference
between us is that freed you four fears ago, and
was only emancipaed on the fourth Of March; you
see am addressing you freedman" fL.aushter(
As evidence Of his loyalty he read paper signed by
VIM G. Brownlow, acknowledging receipt of $1,000 to
establish Union press at Knoxville and defray Brown
lows expenses in escaping from secession oppression.
The time is full of alarming portens; the country
IS in danger and let me lift my warning voice. Look
It the taxes OF the State and of the Federal Govern
nent The Federal Government collects ono hundred
and fifty milHeRs-three times much neceS
sary few years ago for the whole expenses of the
Governmental pay the bondholtcrs. Yon black men
night well know this, that while they have been
nave been making you slaves Yes, yoa all saves
osether, to the bonihoders, who never shed
lrop of blood. uenld to God that the Government
aad not the credit to borrow dollar to carry war;
] people had beforehand known they would have had
o pay the cost Of the war; shonld never have had
'ne Thank Ged asy march has not been through Col
.oha; my honors have not been gained by blood
The widows and the snearmed soldiers cannot atIih-
tie their wrongs to me. stand here yindicatng the
Constitution as it banded down to me, and here
the last hours Of my life call upon YOU to cling to-
he Consuaion OF the eoaatry as the mariner clings
Q his compass
lie spoke aboas two hoars, and was listened to with
he closest attention, and retiring from the stand
'as heartily applauded. He was Mt once surrounded
y old friends, and sereralh ea7s passed in,erchanc
ag "reminiscences. In convessasie.. He spoke wHes.a
eserve OF Grant, whom he characterised az a bundle
prcjudices, and bis gift enterprise Cabinet, as he
allied it, The people are heartily glad to see Joh,,-
On again among them, and seem to think he will sue
ecd in overthrowing despot;sm in Tennesaee