Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1869-03-04

the nation, not set und-r to, control OF party,
must resist the tendency to centraliZation-an
outgrowth of the great rebellion-be familiar
with the fact that the country consists OF uni
ted States, and that when the States surrender
ed certain great reht- for the sake OF more
perfect ani0n, they retained rights as valuable
and important a> th,S' which they relnqulsh
ed for the common veal.
This suu1d old doctrine. far difereut from
the TEACHINGS that led to the attempt to secede,
and kindred theory that States that We're
taken out OF tie Union by the rash acts OF
conSpirators that happened to dwell within
their borders, must be received and advocated
with the enthusiasm of early manhood, or the
people will be ruled by corrupt mblnauons OF
the commercial centres, who, Plethora trom
wealth, annually migrate to the capital OF the
nation to purchase special legislation. Until
the representatives of the people in Congress
more fully exhibit the diverse views and in
terests OF the whole nation, and laws cease to
be made without full discussion at the behest
of some party leader. there will never be
proper respect shown by the law making pow
er either to the judicial or executive branch Of
the Government. The generation just begin
ming to use the ballot box, it is believed, only
need that their attention should be called 10
these considerations TO indicate, by their votes,
that they wish their representatives. to observe
all the restraints which the people, IN adopting
the Constitution, intended to impose upon
party excess.
Calmly reviewing my administration OF the
Government feel that, with sense of accoun-
liability to God, having conscientiously endea
yored 20 discharge my whole duty, | have
nothing to regret Events have proved the
correctness OF the policy set forth in my first
and subsequent messages; the woes which have
followed the rejection OF torbearauce, magnan-
mity and constitutional rule are known and
deplored by nation.
1t is matter Of pride and qualification, in re
firing from the most exalted position 10 the
gift of free people, 20 feel and know that 10
a long arduous and eventful public life my &C
ton has never been influenced by desire Tor
gain, and that | oan 10 all sincerity inquire,
Whom have | delrauded? whom have OPP
pressed? or at whose hand have received any
bride to blind my eyes herewith" No respon,,
sibility for wars that have been waged or blood
| that has been shed rests upon me. My thoughts
| have been those OF peace, and my effort has
ever been to allay contentious among my
countrymen. .
Forgetting the past, let us return to the hrst
principles OF the Government, and uniurIog
the banner o. our country inscribe upon it, 10
inetfaceab!e characters, 1.-The Constitution and
the Union. one and nseparable."
ANDREW JOHNSON.
WAsHTNGToN, d. e., March 4, 1869.
WAsnIHdroN ITEMS. 1T is understood that
Gen Grant will remain at his residence Tor a
few days after his Inauguration, until the Tx
ecutive mansion can be repaired and put in
good order. President johnson and family
will be the guests OF MIR. j. COyle, publisher
Of the Intelligencer in this city, for about
| week after the expiration Of his term, when It
| is expected they will 20 TO Baltimore, IN .pur-
snance Of the promise made TO the committee
| of the councils OF that city.
The closing reception OF President johnson
| AID the ladies' of his household was held on
Tuesday night. Seldom before in the history
of Presidential receptions has such jam been
witnessed. Persons who had attended recep-
tons in this city Tor years did not hesitate to
assert that, in their whole experience. they had
meyer seen such throng or scch pushing.
hus,hng, and crowding.
Gen. Grant received by express yesterday
stout, new three stringed broom, with red,
white and blue handle, from factory IN Ohio
| Several persons were present 10 the General 5
| room when it was handed to him, and numer
Gus Jokes passed as to its being an lntlmstion
that he should sweep clean but the Gene
raj himself expressed no opinion.
The House yesterday passed the Senate
| Joint resolution renewing the contract with the
| proprietors OF the Globe for the publication oil
| the Congressional debates.
The retiring members Of the Fortieth Con
gress, by mutual request, will meet on the
evening of March 5, 1869, at eight o'clock. in
the parlor of the Seaton House, in this city.
for an interchange OF friendly good wishes and
farcwcls before parting.