Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1869-03-26
JOHNSON ON THE ROUTE HOMF.
How He was Received In East Tennes-

4
The travelling correspondent of The
Cincinnati Commercial thus describes
the Ex>President's entrance into East
Tennessee at Jonesboro:
JOnesboro is the only station of any
Importance between Bristol and Green
vile, and | was curious to see what sort
OF a reception Johnson would receive
here, as it is the most ultra Radical
town in the United States. Wendell
Phillips is the personifcation OF modera>
ton when compared to the denizens of
Jonesboro, who would take the pre-
MUM if nnsdulterated RadicaIism should
appear as contestant for prize. The
train stopped, and many crowded for
ward to shake the Ex- Presidents hand.
After shaking all within reach, he said:
Gentlemen, cannot take you all by
the hand; but accept my thanks for hon
oring me with your presence. This
county and Greene were the first to
honor me with seat in the Legislature,
and in looking around l see many famil-
lar faces, which bring to my mind the
"reminiscences of olden times. Then it
was Wing and Democrat against each
other, and when the contest was over we
were all friends. Why should it not be
so now / trust that it will. Let us
bury the past, and heal the old wounds.
Please accept my thanks for your hearty
welcome rt -s.fsr --it.i- ts.t..r :.
Here the train moved of, and
louder cheers than I ever expected
to hear Jonesboro give TO Johnson.
That's the same old Andy, ain't it ?'
said one Of the passengers. r... .....|
Yes" replied the person addressed,
'fand he has more control-more of that
which might be termed magical influence
lover the people than any man living.
It's no use talking now about Andy
Johnson being played out and all that,
about which we hear so much. He is
the strongest man in the State, and will
be as long as he has breath in his body.
| have known him from a boy. My
lather used to point him out to me and
say, that boy will yet go to Congress-
| did not believe it then; the idea of a
poor tailor boy ever going to Congress
seemed to me to be an abSurdity. But
he did go to Congress, and beyond. I've
been raised near him, but have never
voted for him, and don't know that |
ever will, but l must acknowledge that
he is the most extraordinary man in the
world. His mother knew well. She
was large woman, poorly educated, but
The most determined person | ever knew.
Andy has taken his energy and determ>
nation from her-his brains, l don't know
where he got them, but he has a head |
full As | said before, am not Johns
son man, but mark my prediction, he |
will yet be President Of the United |
States again before he dies"
-a-.. e. AT LIMESTONE ..r.
Johnson appeared upon the platform, and
underwent a general Misunderstanding. |
Glad to see you back" said an old friend;
guess we'll have to make you Governor
things are in bad way in this State,
md we'll have to get you to straighten
hem out" "He amt competent" said |
mother, and this caused general laugh.
Johnson was now near home, among his |
I'D acquaintances, who talked to him in /
! very familiar manner, inquired about
lis health, the health of his family, ETC.,
o all Of which they received satisfactory
answers.
The cars here becoming crowded,
vas indicted int the mysteries Of the
pecial car, and introduced to the ex-
President. Upon my telling him the
place Of my residence "a little town in
Lower East Tennessee, among the |
where the sun shines but
hree hours day., he replied, ''Oh, yes,
know the place well; | used 10 have
ome kiusfolk down there. Wonder
what's become of them -
| suggested that he had better go and
as he would have plenty Of
eisure time now.
Yes" he replied, "but Pan anxious
o get home and rest. feel like slave
Who had been liberated from bondage.
You know there's no place like home"
/ intimated that the opinion was gem
,ral in East Tennessee that he would
till take an active part in politics.
"Yes,o he replied, laughing, there's
good deal of life in me yet. The con
lition of Tennessee is deplOrable, and
zone regret it more than |. One thing
s certain" he continued, "the present
of things-the disfranchisement
# so large a portion Of the taxpayers
an only be sustained by force. 1t is a
government of force, the minority ruling
he majority. 1t is not contemplated by
he constitution, and is not warranted by
hat instrument. But" he said, smiling,
we are outside Of the constitution now
"a ship at sea without compass, and
Tot even the north star in view. But
lave an abiding confidence in the wis
Iom and moderation of the great mass |