The home journal. (Winchester, Tenn.) 1858-188?, 1869-07-22
Andrew Johnson,

""o VuiiHp ouupaI III. lid
little respite from fatigue gave him a
fair opportunity to be himself on Mon
day. A short time previous to the
hour appointed for him to speak, the
Silver Cornet Band of Winchester pre-
sented themselves in front of the hotel,
where crowd Of citizens had gathered
to greet the guest Of the day, and es
corted him with excellent music appro-
PIRATE to the occasion, to the grove,
near j. 4. Skaters residence. In a
very short time about twenty five hun
dred persons were gathered round the
stand, including quite number of
ladies'. Senator Fowler was present,
and on being introduced by Col. Tur-
ncy, made Il short speech On taking
his seat, Andrew Johnson was then
presented to the people by Col. John
V. Wright imam address so beautiful
and appropriate, that we feel compelled
to give it entire. Col. W. said:
FELLOW CITIZENS In all countries,
and at all times, the people have de-
lighted to honor their distinguished
heroes, philosophers and statesmen,
This has been true in an especial man
ncr, as regards thu people Of the United
States.
The history Of our country cannot
be cited in support Of the idea that re-
puhlics are ungralcful. In our own be-
loved State OF Tennessee we have had
Il long list Of brilliant names. Our
White, our Jackson, our Polk, and n
host of others, whose names and fame
are. still cherished by us as household
words.
There remains yet one in our !nidst
whose presence here has called together
this throng of the beauty an. manhood
Of Franklin County, who have assem-
bled to listen to his wo,us of experience
and wisdom, and gs.lher lessons of in
strnction in this dark period Of Amer
can history.
Springlrg directly from the people,
he has. ny means Of his mental pow
ers, and his unadcd energies, filled
Successfully almost every position OF
honest trust in the Government, and
finally reached the highest Office in the
Gift Of his own countrymcn, and one
which is Justly regarded as the most
honorable on earth.
During his long prosperous and
brilliant career in public life, it can. be
said of him, and that with all truth,
that no stain of bribery or corruption
has ever sullief his name.
In the very midst of corruption he
has been incolruptible. Before the
threatening hosts Of usurpcd power he
has stood unawcd and unmoved, and
with u confidence which has known no
abatement, placed his trust in the vir
tue and intelligence of the people.
In the face Of threats and dangers he
has had the courage to bend listening
ear to the petitions Of his countrymcn,
and by the exercise Of his constitutional
prerogatiyc OF pardon relieve thou
sands of his fellow citizens from pains
and penalties which malice and revenge
we've preparing to inllict.
In the administration of the Govern
mcnt as its Chief Executive, and in the
most eventlul period of our history,
when the Constitution was being set
aside and oycrthrown, he bravely stood
in the front, and almost solitary and
alone, defended, if he did not save, the
Constitution of his country And to-
day, when his official career has ceased,
full of honors, though not of years.
when others would have sought retire
mcnt and ease, he leaves his home, and
is here to raise his voice once more in
behalf Of n violated Constitution, and
in the interest Of the rights, immunities
and liberties Of the people.
The immortal men who laid the fOnn-
daton of our fabric of Government
were justly entitled to be called the
founders of the Constitution. Daniel
Web cr, for his clear understanding
and lucid explanations of constitutional
law, was called the "grcat eXpounder
ofthe Constitution and Massachusetts
and his countrymen everywhere, .ac-
knowledged the justice of the tribute;
but we, as Tennesseeans, can boast that
our distinguished fellow citizen, distin
guished here and throughout the Union,
and in every civilized nation on earth,
is justly entitled to the equally high and
honorable name Of the Great Defender
of the Constitution. That man is An
drew johnson, Ex- President of the
United States, and him now introduce
to you.
His Excelency then addressed the
people at length for about three hours.
His speech reviewed the same subjects
heretofore published in the papers as
at Washington City. He was par
ticularly hard on Gen. Grant, Congress,
empires, etc. Mr.. johnson discovers
in the effort to form an empire in the
United States, much sympathy in the
present administration. Whether true
or not, that this Government is trying
to resolve itself into monarchy, GER
tain it is that the question is exciting
much alarm and interest among the
friends of free government.
We cannot give even synopsis of
Mr.. Johnson's speech, but it was well
by the largest collection of