The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1869-06-24
SPEECH OF EX-PREsIDENT JOHNSON AT GAL.
LATIN. TENN

GAIIATrN, TENN, June 8.-The appointment of
ex-President Andrew johnson to speak in this
place to-day attracted by far the largest multitude
Of yeomanry that has come together in this portion
of the State since the Wat. At on early hour this
morning every road centreing here was lined with
vehicles, all filled with the hardy sons and fair
daughters of Sumner and her sister counties. Tho
town was literally alive with the human caravan,
and when il had moved on to the spacious fair
grounds, about one mile distant, tile scene was one
that vividly recalled the good old days of IA,
when Democracy and Whiggery battled in gener-
GUS rivalry for the political mastery. Every part
of the vast area at and near the fair grounds was
crowded and the people wed with each other in
the maintenance of good order. A most favorable
sign of returning amity was the presence Of an
unusual host Of colored people.
Willis che eoncourse was gathering, it became
known for the first time that the distinguished
orator of the occasion, Mr.. Johnson had been Sc
reusIy indisposed all the previous night and that
| he would be uasbls to reach the fsir grounds at
the hour designated-11 o'clock A. NJ. This caus-
ed much disappointment to all, but it was but tenn
porary.
The eagerress of the assembiage for speech
was gratiied to- pleasant extent by Hon Joseph
Fowler, United States Senator He occupied the
time before the arrival of Mr. johnson in an ad-
dress replete with wholesome truths, sound argu-
ment, ststeshanlike conclusions. 1t was in the
main a review Of the cotemporaneous politco-war
history of the Republic, and defence of the
policy of Mr.. Johnson's administration. Tile SEM
ator also took occasion to vindcate his own record
before the people, among whom he hsd epent She
most of his days and by whom he had been loved
and honored. In this personal matter he aceuit-
ted himself with high credit. He was applauded
throughout his speech, which lasted nearly two
hours.
Shortly after one o'clock Mr.. johnson made his
appearance amid commoticn of huzzas and other
signs of welcome. On being escortedto the stand,
the 1-President was presented to the audience by
Hon. Bailie Peyton, Of this county, who delivered
one of the most beautiful and appropriate address
ses of the kind that ever fell from his eloquent
lips He briefly adverted to Mr.. Johnson's whole
public life, dwelling with particular emphasis up
on his career Chief Executive Of thenation, and
characterizing him as the greatest living defender
of the Constitution. ColonelPeyton was repeated
ly cheered, and his remarks met with the hearty
concurrence of the throng
Mr.. johnson, although still suffering from his
recent prostration, endeavored to fulfill his promise
to speak, He had not peoceeded far before he
gave way, and had to call in medical attention. In
short while, however, he rallied sufficiently to 20
on with his address, and by alternately sitting and
standing he succeeded in entertaining the immense
crowd for about two hours. His speech was de-
voted to defence of his public course at the out
set of the war and as President of the United
States, to an excoriaion of the Radical party, and
to his convictions to the policy that should be
favored by the conservative element of the coun-
try in order to restore harmony and fraterna feel
ing and good government to the whole people.
Much of his counsel was addressed to the color
ed population. He took the ground that both
races mast be enfranehised before there can be
peace and security and freedom. This idea, in
fact pervaded his whole speech, and may be given
as its text. In conclusion he said he had place
or emolument to seek, but came into the bosom Of
his adopted State in quest of repose from the cares
and struggles of public life, and only asked the
boon of his fellow -countrymens respect and conf
dence. He felt assured that the honest historian
in summing up events of the past, would do him
justice, but it was his purpose while he lived to
address himself to the task of asserting his own
title to the good opinion of all classes of men of
the State and the nation.
Altogether, his speech was considered the most
effective he has delivered since his return to pri-
vate station. The utmost good feeling prevailed,
and Mr. johnson retired in the midst of deafening
shouts. The ovation to Mr.. Johnson will be con-
tinued tomorrow, he having consented to prolOng
his visit.
grand reception has been rendered him by
the young ladies Of Howard Female Institute, of
which Senator Fowler was at one time IN honored
principal Mr. Johnson goes from this place to
Nashville on the train tomorrow afternoon.