The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1869-03-04
ANDREW JOHNSON.

To-day Andrew johnson lays aside the
cares and troubles Of the Presidential of8ice
and once more becomes q private citizes.-
His administration has been turbulent one,
aud no President since the days of General
jackson has encountered ss 6rra and viRdic-
tive an opposition as has been visited on his
devoted head. Nominated by the Baltimore
Convention, not because he was a republican,
but for tho purpose of eonciliating the war
element In she democratic ranks, he walks
forth from the White House with the male
dictions upon his head of the party that ee-
waited him 30 power. For attempting to carry
out the humane policy bequeathed to him by
President Lincoln. according to the testimo-
ny of Genea al Grant before the reconstruction
committee, he has been so opposed and ira
duced by the leaders Of the radical party as
to render 1: almost certain that Abraham
Lincoln. had he lived, would have met with
the same fate. Standing firmly by his own
resolutions, (the celebrated Crjttenden reso-
lutions.) which hs introduced into the Senate
in 1861, two days after the first battle of
Bull Run, he has been deserted and denounced
by the very nen who voted for and sustained
them.
Prosecuted by the fierce spirit of rebellion,
which made deep impression upon his ex-
citabe and sensitive nature he made great
many declarations of policy, when he was
Military Governor of Tennessee, foreshadow-
ing future vengeance. all of which vanished
amidst the general feeling of general JOY and
congratulation consequent on the successful
termination of tbs war. As President he
as man. smarting under deep sense of
persecution and wrong, he had thoughtlessly
thrown away.
Andrew johnson could never be repub-
lican, ,'nor could he ever sympathse with the
political views of that party. He is a born
democrat, and his intimate personal relations
with Andrew Jackson strengthened and con-
solidateG his original political faith. His an
nual messages, as we'll as some of his admi-
lably written veto messages, were simply the
enunciation of political doctrines as applica-
BILE to the nature and powers Of the govern
ment which had been his constant rule and
guide ever since he first entered upon public
life- In that respect, at least, he has been
consistent, and has maintained his well
known and loEg established political convic-
tions with an ability and tenacity worthy of
all admiration. Whatever else may be said
of him or Of his administration of the GOV
ernment, his personal integrity is beyo re-
proach. His most bitter enemy cannot charge
him with being corrupt, or of prostituting
his high Office to purposes of venality or per-
sonal gaia. His greatest mistake was in at
tempting, Ia 1866, to form a new or third
political party. The same thing had been
attempted before, and with precisely similar
results, for Webster declared that John Tyler
and his party could have been carried in a
good sised omnibus. No President, even
though he may WELD without check or re-
straint the entire patronage of the govern
ment, can transfer the allegiance of the great
masses of the people from the democratic
party. 1t has existed too long and has toe
firm hold on the affections of the people
for them passively to consent to be used for
any such purpose.
President johnson has exhibited rare cour-
age and great steadiness of purpose amidst
unequalled difficulties, and his administra-
ton will form prominent epoch in the his
tory of the country. He is yet in the prime
of life, with vigorous and robust constitu
ton, and may in the future play a promi
nent part in TIE political affairs of the nation
In an able article on Mr.. Johnson's admin
istration the New York World speaks as fol
lows of the retiring President:
while We cannot regard President JoHNso,
either as wise statesman or a skilfuI politi
clan, we must eoncede that he has been PLACED
in position so trying and difficult that nj
address or abilities could have appeared to ad
vantage in 1t. We must also paw Il sincere
tribute to his persOnal character; which is les
distinguished perha ps by the rniable than b,
the respectable virtues. He is a man of set
tied convictions aud stubborn fid, Iity to them
He cherishss just deep reverence for tn
Constitution of his country he has neve
been accused, never even suspected, of using
any public position for purposes of priyat
gain With a Democratic Congress to sup
port him, he would have made iudicious ant
successful, though probably not a brilliant ad
minlstration. His talents are better fitted 70
debate; and il, after a needed interval of re
pose, he should be returned to the Sena,,
from Tennessee, he will be one OF the mos
important aud useful members of that BODY
perpetual thorn in the side sf the Radicals
and tho fearless champion of honest legisla
tion."