The Cairo bulletin. [volume] (Cairo, Ill.) 1872-1878, 1875-08-03
DEATH OF ANDREW JOHNSON

The news of the death of cx-Prcsident
| Aneis~v .Iai."e~', will create n profound
sensation in every part OF The country.
For many years Mr.. johnson was most
prominent figure in the Republic. and no
man had a larger or more devoted per-
sonal following. lie was the only man
Of late years who could stand outside of
all parties, and induce bitter political par
tisans to abandon their political organiza-
tons and rally to his support.
We first saw Andrew johnson at Mem
phis in the memorable Johnson-G Gentry
guberatorial campaign in Tennessee.
now about twenty years ago. They de-
bated in court square. and were listened
to by an immense crowd of people. John
son was the Democratic candidate, and
although Gentry was esteemed one of
the great orators Of the South,
he was easily handled by his oppo-
nent. The issu, va, low-Nothingism,
Gentry being the know-Nothing candi-
date. We were but mere lad at that
time and were in sympathy with Johnson,
and it may be that lack Of Judgment and
prejudice led Us TO the opinion. but we
were sure after the debate that johnson
was one of the greatest men in the coun-
try and that he had annihlated the elo-
quent standard-bearer of the dark Ian.
tern men.
johnson was strong with the masses
He was hated by the Southern lead
ers. He had been mechanic. and that
was enough to damn him in the eyes o.
the kid-gloved, whip-cracking men who
led the South into rebellion. Besides, he
was very stubborn man, and the con.
spirators against the Union could no
control him. In the face of their dcnun.
citation, he stood steadfastly by til,
Union, and when Secession precipitated
the country into war he was one of the
few Southern politicians who stood by the
government, and aided In putting down
"the rebellion. as he never hcsitatcd to
"ai e
BY an act OF Providence he became
President, and because he would not
obey the leaders of the Radical faction OF
the Republican party. he was attacked
by Congress and was almost driven by
Impeachment from the Presidential chair
In the battle with the Radicals, he was
not always discreet and said and did
many foolish things: but no person even
for a moment doubted his honesty, and
| at this day not even Radical will with
hold from him that respect which is due
to patriotism. Integrity aud moral great
ness.
After he had retired from the high
office he had filled in very
stormy period, he was for sew
eral years under cloud. At
the North Radicalism foamed at the
mouth when his name was mentioned:
the Democratic party, while it admired
his treason to the Republican party, did
not hesitate to denouncc him in ITS own
way, a. not reliable, as very dangerous
man to the country and not desirable in
any party. At the South, he was exc
cratcd' and particularly was he hated by
the oldtime Secessionists of Tennessee.
But finally, he emerged from the cloud.
The Radicals admitted his patriotism and
honesty; the Democrats began to call
him great and good man the people of
Tennessee returned him to the United
States Senate, and there were those who
believed he would become President
again in ls76-that Andy Johnson's luck
would not fail him.
| But he has run his race and will trou-
BILE his enemies or give the rallying cry
to his followers no longer; and, although
much was expected of him in the future
by his admirers, he died at time when
his name was spoken with respect by
the whole nation, and may be said TO
have been as lucky in his death a. he was
/ In his Ito