The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-03-24
FIRST EDITION
j o HI N ~ o N.
He Arrives at HOme-His Recep-
tion by Old Friends A Speech
by the Ex.President.
.'There is Life in Me Yet"

Gre(nDtHe cor, hno1UtHe Press and Herald
At half-past A. M. the special train for
Greenville left Knoxville amid drlzzling rain,
which lasted until shortly after our arrival at
the former city. A large number Of prominent
gentlemen and old friends OF Mr.. johnson were
passengers, aud their number steadily increased
by fresh accessions at every station until the
train was crowded by the admirers OF the dis
tnguished son OF Tennessee. Among the Knox
vile delegation we noticed those two stancb
conservatives, Colonel T. A. K. Nelson and
Colonel John Williams.
We found large crowd around the depot in
Greenville. The Knoxville brass band was dis
coursing sweet music. Platforms and benches
were throDged by ladies, while Maiden in
angelic white, crowned with wreaths of flowers,
occupied covered archway, in readiness TO
meet the coming guest. The business men OF
the towns along the railroad, AMI host of the
yeomanry of East Tennessee, awaited with im-
patience the arrival of ANDY Johnson" The
depot, pa forms, cars, and everything to which
flag could be attached were decorated with the
national colors.
The rain which had fallen in an incessant
dIzze since daylight nc now ceased; The shTil
noting the coming of the ex President and his
party, created a sensation among the assem-.
blage, and as the train came In sight, decorated
Nth flags and stopped in front OF the depot
building, and the well-known form of "Andyn
stepped off the platform. the vast crowd broke
forth into tumultuous applause, the men cheer
one who could lay hold of flag waving it vigor-
ously. As Mr.. johnson stepped on the platform
OF the depot he was welcomed by maideus In
white dresses, who presented him with
bouquet.
The ex-Presldent gracefully replied to the
compliment, and spent few minutes chatting
with friends. The procession then formed, and
the ex-President entering barouche, the cor.
tege moved to the Court House. Mr. johnson
entered, and after few minutes, in answer to
the repeated and vocferous calls, appeared on
the front porch. Major James welcomed the
distinguished guest to Greenville in BETTING
rms.
Ne ex.President was introduced by Hon. I.
Mr.. johnson was presented, he was re-
ied with deafening cheers.
He spoke as folloTs:-
Ex.President JOhnsOn's Speech at Home.
h Fellow-citizens-In appearing before you after
SO long an absence, the reception and cordial
welcome have received incapacitate me from
giving proper expression TO my emotions. There
is NO place like home. The poet well exclaims:-
WhOnever to himselfh hath said,
This is my own, my native land?
He spoke Of the time, now far back in the
Greenyille; spoke of his early tolls and early
associations with many of those present, Though
many were not there. He said he had always
never been disappointed. Step by step he had
gone the official round. Greenvirle had given
him the first Office he ever flled-in 1885 as
soned all ath the nt successive ooes nth through
which he had passed up to the Presi-
depcy, in all of which he had received
Se He aea p9ss ed ta hs e his
duty regardless of the consequences to himself,
and he must here be permitted to say, after
going all the round of official trust, unparalleled
in history, that he was proud to be able conf
dently to ask:-"At whose hands have / ever
received brbe throughout this whole routine ?
challenge any and all calumniators OF mine to
place their finger upon single stain upon my
Official character. With the consciousness OF
having done my duty, can look this audience
in the face and ask, Whom have l betrayed
Whom have de frauded?"
He said he had no intention to make speech.
On returning to their midst, into the ranks OF
American citizenship, he desired TO snow his
Willingness to bear the bonds now resting upen
them. He felt more honor in bis present posi-
ton than he would feel to morrow in reinau-
guration. He had no purpose 10 talk politics.
n o time for that now. No parties row. He
warned the people that danger approaches the
existence of the Constitution, already deniel or
thrust in the background by the dominant
party and an arbitrary Congress, which assumes
its discretion as the limit OF 90 yer. No longer
do old party differences divide US, but 1t Is now
question of government-of Constitution and
law on The one hand or despotie power on the
other. The people had better have prince or
king ruling over them than an ar01trary body
eDacting laws aud measures so understandable
and terrible in character. A great deal has been
said about slavery aud It's abolition.
He declared that for the lastfour years he had
been the greatest slave on the Garth. The 4th
of March was Emancipation Day 10 him. If the
Constitution is not Wrested, within the next two
years, from the hands OF the usurpers, 1t il
gone and our Government is gone, and des-
potlsm rules supreme. He alluded to the inte
resting and trying times OF eight years ago, and
nd6Iged In many pleasant "reminiscences OF the
and OF his youth. He was now at home again
his nubIc career had ended. He will labor to
relieve his fellow.citlzens Of the bonds now
nnon them. He will adopt Ca'o's advice to hi;
son. and if nothing can be done, he will repair
10 fome Sabine cave and pray for his copn' ~
He cor cluded with renewal OF his thanks 10
their very cordial welcome, and Withdrew
amidst the immense cheering OF the people.
After the conclusion OF the address, Mr.. John
son spent some time in receiving the mau.
ardent friends who clustered around him.
The PROCESSION was reformed and marche'
down Main street to Mr. Johnson's residence
MRS. Slower met her father at the door an
Elssed him. The children were In the nan, an
evinced the love and affection with whlca tne
REGARDED their grandfather by great mani5est !!
lions of delight. MIR. johnson thanseeee VII
assemblage for Their kindness. Tue band paye
Home, Sweet Home," and the reception wa
over. ~. . a. ,ro;n lear
from reliable authority that Mr. Johnson SAL
-nThere rs a good deal OF life IN me ye.'
tho naonie of tennessee should require my 80
R.ol ifaA N