Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1872-08-15
ANOTHER sEaRsADE.


Andrew Jobnson's Speech at the
MAXWELL House. ~ -.
A large number of our Irish fellow-citi-
zens assembled In the market hall last even
ing, where arrangements were made to Sc
renade Andrew Johnson at the Maxwell
House. While the meeting was awaiting
the committee who had gone to notify the
ex-President of their intentions, ESQUIRE
Walsh was called upon TO make speech.
He said that, although he was born in this
country, he was an Irishman, and thought
and felt with the Irish people. BE knew
with what feelings they looked upon An
drew johnson, for he believed him to be
the preserver of their liberties through his
successful effort to crush out of existence
the Know-Nothing party. Moreover, An
drew johnson had done more than perhaps
any President this country ever had, to aid
the Irish people in their struggles for an ex-
istence In this country; and he thought 1t
was no more than due him that he should
be serenaded. Speeches were made in
brief by several other persons who seemed
to entertain the opinion that If there was
one man more than another in
Tennessee who deserved the support of
of the foreigners here, that man was An
drew johnson. When the band had arriv-
ed the persons composing the meeting form
ed in line in the street and marched up to
the Maxwell House. After the band had
played several martial strains, Mr.. johnson
appeared in the grand corridor of the hotel,
and coming forward was introduced by JUS
tice Neylan. The ex-President was not
looking well, but appeared much pleased
with tho Y11orE of m tho arf Of 40
Irish citizens. He said:
My friends and fellow-citizens; am not
feeling very well tonight, but If would be
lngratitude for me to receive this c0mpli-
ment without some words of gratitude. If
say anything to you tonight it will be
about the Constitution of our country, and
its ultimate condition, for it is fast becoming
numbered among the things that were.
When Represented the State of Tennessee
in Congress did all in my power
to assist the foreigners who came to this
country to get the rights which belongedlto
them under color of the constitution. 1t is
known to most persons the part then took,
so shall not stop to repeat it. applause
The fundamental principles of the constitu-
ton are not lived up to and acted upon as
they were years ago. Time was when
the powers OF the constitution were
abused just as much as they are
now. How well remember the time
when q foreigner who came to this
country was not allowed the right of z fran
chise, and well to do, know and remem-
Der who 1t was that was then their friend.
1t was also made test of principle 70 those
OF foreign birth, and they stood the test
long and well. In 1856, when in Congress,
| did all in my power TO obtain for the
lriShman every right that the native born
American enjoyed, and only refer you to
the record of events at that
time, as TO how well | succeeded. |
merely speak of this because it is claimed
by some Of my enemies that am not a
friend OF the Irishman, and | wish you 10
understand that am. Like all men have
my failings, but when become SO migrate.
full TO the calls of conscience and country as
to entirely ignore them, ask for no more
of life. What l have done during my
official career | have done from sense of
duty-duty TO the constitution and the
country.
Let me refer TO another subject of impor-
tance in this connection before l close. /
never have advocated cause unless |
knew it to be perfectly honorable and right.
In society and in the walks of private life,
my God and my country have ever been
first in my thoughts. Whatever of reprosch
may be cast upon me, my history in public
and private will bear me out. applause
All over the country there has been q great
uprising of labor this year, and
the foreigner has demanded what rightfuIy
belonged to him as q citizen. Ny interests
have ever been with those of the oppressed
working people of this country. Since this
movement has been commenced various
parties have been accredited with the laurels
belonging to the originator. By referring
TO the records of the State, it will be seen
that over twenty years ago dared to advO-
cate this movement-for / knew it was but
Just that the labOrer should lie respected
and protected in his rights. You have seen
the partial result and hope you may all
live to see labor triumphant. was, at the
date spoke of, so far in advance of the age
that my efforts were but little appreciated.
Persevere in your endeayors and you will
succeed. May all the good in this world
and all that God can give, bless you and bring
peace and happiness to your homes and
tresides. | thank you again for the COM
pliment you have conferred upon me to-
night, and l am assured we ali belong TO
one common party. So longas memory lives
this event will be cherished in this heart
and within this bosom, as one of the pleas
ATTEST occurrences of life. Gentlemen l
thank you, good night.
When Mr.. johnson had finished bis ad-
dress three hearty cheers were given for
him, after which sgeneral shaking of hands
took place. He then retired to his room,
and the crowd gradually dispersed. The
st. Josephs Total Abstinence Band furn-
ished the music, and after the address was
over they favored the office of the UNION
AND AMERICAN with serenade, which
was heartily appreciated.