Knoxville Whig and chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1875-1882, 1875-08-04

that time had dealt very lightly with
him, aud he appeared much younger
than he even was. As we announced
yesterday he had been enjoying his us
ual health, almost to the moment Of
his severe attack by the disease which
proved fatal to his life.
Ex-President Johnson was a strong
type ofan American selfmade man. His
early life was one continual-we may
say desperate struggle with poverty.
He had everything to discourage him.
He was not only poor, but he was alb
solutely without education, except
that gained from a constant battle with
the stern realities Of an ill-favored
life. But pluck, perseverance and in
domitable industry overcome all in
measure, and he rose, step by step,
until he gained the topmost pinnacle Of
fame's fair temple.
These struggles with fortune
impressed his whole nature, so that
throughout life his course showed the
thorny path he had trod. He knew
the innermost feelings Of the mechan-
les and laboring mans heart, and uu-
derstood perfectly the handspring of
their lives. 1t was this knowledge,
which he made use of so skilfully, that
gave him an influence over this class
of our population that time with all
its changes and evolutions could never
shake.
There are many things in his life
eminently worthy of emulation. To
these would we point the young men
of our day, and ask them to remember
only these and forget his faults. In
his nature there were rugged points
that did not always call for admiration,
but when we reflect what he was and
what he had passed through, is it any
wonder? All these rugged points we
pass by (for who among us is without
fault?), and we will remember and
cherish only his virtues. All in all, it
will be long time before we shall be-
hold his like again.
HOW THE INTELLIGENCE WAS RE-
CEIvED.
Between 8 and 10 o'clock a telegram
was received addressed to Perez Dick
inson, from Andrew johnson, Jr, at
Bristol, stating that his father had died
at half past two O'Clock a. NJ, and re-
questing him to send a casket by eX-
press. He also mentioned that his
! father had desired that his winding
sheet should be the flag of his coun-
try" and requested if possible that he
should send flag. Mr.. Dickinson
was absent at Montvale Springs, but
the matter was attended to. Two flags
were sent up, one handsome silk
| flag and the other a very large one be-
| longing to Major Sterl. Hambright,
which he furnished for use if desired.
| a., 80
House and Post Office building was
placed at half mast, and the building
itself draped in mourning. A large
| flag was suspended from the whole
sale house of Cowan, McClung & Co.
and the flag over the wholesale drug
| house of Sanford, Chamberlain d ALI
bers was lowered at half mast. The
universal expression of citizens was
one of deep regret at the Elk. Presidents
demise.
Mayor Staub, on behalf of the peo-
pie, sent a telegram of coincidence to
the family of the deceased, and also
made a formal request that the re-
mains should be buried at Knoxville.
MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL.
Immediately on hearing of the death
of Senator Johnson, Mayor Staut
summoned the members of the City
Council to meet in the evening at the
Council Chamber for the purpose Of
taking action in the matter.
Obedient to the summons the Board
met at half past Z last night. Mayor
Staub in the Chair.
The following Aldermen were pres
ent-Sullivan, Newman, Campbell
Glass, Shepard, Hommel, Albers
L. S. Sheppard, Martin, and Woody
| Mayor Staub stated the purpose OF
the meeting, and appointed Commit
tee to draw up appropriate resolutions
consisting of Aldermen Sheppard
Hommel and Albers.
The Committee withdrew and re.
turned with the following resolutions
which were read by Alderman Shep,
pard:
"Andrew johnson, the great Commoner
is dead ~ Such was the information which
reached the city this A. NJ. by telegraph
and the news spread with lightning speed
among our people, and cast its gloom over
every man, woman and child within oul
boundary. Andrew johnson, although 9
citizen of Tennessee, and especially the SOL
of East Tennessee, belongs to the whole
Nation. He was the representative type O.
an American, his career the illustration Of
the practical workings of our Republican
form Of Government. Born of humble
parents, he attained almost mature mans
estate without even having mastered thu
rudimcnts of common school education
Imbued with love for our Republican
institutions almost sublime in its pure anC
strong devotion, and gifted by nature will
remarkable talents, he entered the politica
arena upon the lowest round Of the ladder
climbing upwards and onward until h
reached the highest place in the Nation
His history, with its trials and triumphs, i
written, as upon tablets ofstone, in theheart
of the great mass of the common people
it would be impossible, as it is out of plac
TO enter here upon the details of his career
} He was peculiarly "the peoples friend.
/ Born and raised one of them he sympa
| thised with them in all that pertained {
: their public welfare, ever ready to take ~
the gauntlet in defence Of their Constitu
tional rights He was a statesman and
patriot. Throughout the wide range c
7 position, both of honor and trust occupie
by him, through his eventful life, Andrev
johnson preserved his character for up
: rightness, integrity, and honesty Of pun
: pose, spotless and pure. Although tempt
1 ed by corruption in its various phases h
! remained an honest man; although iden
/ titled with political party, his aim was ia
| baVOnd the ends of partisan DuFDOSes. hi