The daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1873-1877, 1875-03-23
Andrew johnson on the
Louisiana Case,
The B. & o. Railroad will
Cut Prices when it
wishes to.
Tornadoes in the South.
Murder Trial in Stark Co.

senate was called to order not even stand
ing room was to be obtained in the gal
lerles, doorways or passages leading there.
Upon the floor were large plumber of
members of the the house of representa-
tives and others entitled to the privilege
of the floor.
The consideration of unfinished bust
ness. the resolution approving the action
of the president in regard to Louisiana.
was resumed, and Mr.. johnson, of Tennes-
see, being entitled to the floor, began to
speak at 1912.
In opening his speech Mr.. johnson
said the fact that he had obtained the
floor Saturday night had possibly created
an expectation on the part of many
which he was sorry to say could not be
realized. He first referred to the trouble
in the Tennessee legislature in 1866, and
the action of the Federal government at
that time, 1nstructing Gen. George III.
Thomas, in command of the Federal
force thereto strictly abstain from any
interference. In quoting the dispatch
conveying such instructions to Gen.
Thomas he said the dispatch was signed
by the secretary of war and written in
the presence of the president. He de-
clared that it was not his intention to give
utterance to one single personal matter,
but to speak of public acts. He then re-
ferred to the removal of Gen. P. I'll.
Sheridan from the command of the Fifth
military district on August 26, 1867, and
said it as in consequence of the wall
which came up from the people of that
section. Why was it that this man Sheri-
dan lad been selected and sent back to
these people who before condemned him
and prayed for his removal? He John
SOM knew the determination of the people
south. Their great object was TO be re.
stored to the Union. He would tell some
OF those who were acting behind the cur
tain that if they expected to stir up anoth-
er civil strife and amid the war cry and
strife have one ride in power for third
term, then they might bid farewell to lib
erty. applause in galleries.
Referring to the action of the president
in regard to Louisiana he would say to this
emperor what Cato said to the embassa-
dor of Caesar: Let him discharge his
legions and restore the commonwealth of
: liberty" Let him do that and he, John
son. as humble as he was, would mount
the rostrum and strive to have an indig-
uant people pardon him for his violation
of law. johnson proceeded to argue at
IGugIu dSdlLSt IulTu lcTm duU Tue pEaC-
tice of United states officers receiving pres
ents, which he said was as much sub
iect for the consideration Of this body as
the Louisiana question. He did not con-
slider the president the United States.
, Therefore he had not the constitutional
power which gives the government of the
United States the right of providing re.
publican form of government to each
al afafo 'Hha 10 or kr
! select an agent and take possession of any
state, and such act is unconstitutional. L
this thing should become the custom il
" would overthrow the constitution. The
time had been within his memory wher
: such an act would have shocked the ma
= ton, which would have hurled from power
D the perpetrator. Now. however, things
e appear differently to us,and if they contin
ue thus the government will material,
change its character in time. johnson
Y here referred to the order sent to Sheri
L dan to proceed to New Orleans, and sait
"a here was man sent to section that re
}: pudiated him, there to mark out his EN-
! pire and exercise power as absolute sover
q eign. The senator next alluded to the ad
% vances these usurpations are making an,
{ said he might ask, Upon what meat dot
this, our Caesar, feed, that he hath grow
so greatl" 1t is time the country awak
Y. ened and considered these things. Johnso
N then described the organization of the Lou
n isiana legislature and said he could no
consider the action OF the military In az
cOrdance with the constitution. He woul
ls vote against the resolution, not because
T. t. was Republican measure, but ON prime
rk pie. This resolution sanctioned presider
tial interference in all cases by implication
johnson denounced the presidents actio
Sc in the Arkansas matter, the hidden powt
nd that explains this interference and til
tn force bill, and this attempted indorsemel
by congress will only be seen when in tl
approaching presidential election we ha,
m, conquer0r and usurper installed in tt
Of government, and he has extended his poy
er till he has accomplished his purpos
At the same time we might have son
ir. member in the other hall introducing IL
following: Whereas, great disturbanc,
"' and dissatisfaction exist in the country, ar
- for the sake of preserving peace and ha
- mony in the country, be it resolved. that
ter or is hereby declared president
es; What power would resist such action, ,su
,Hr gr ported by arms as it might be. The pre-
he ent government is not Democracy, but
we military government, where the country
re ruled by a military chieftain and who
nd army is the power. How far off is Il
hbg empire and how far off military despotisn
lsi The senator warned the country again
nd the prohigacy of this administration, whit
sht is trying to overthrow the government an
md md the ruler should by all means be rejecte
sh, He would, if permitted, go to this empe
ian Jan or, and tell him to disband his egions al
hat restore liberties to the people, to stop h
ess encroachment on theconstitution and bril-
. peace and prosperity to the countr
Should he do this the speaker would mou
T the rostrum and speak his praises for t
- sake Of the restoration of peace.
- johnson concluded: Let us forg
q what has been heretofore. Let US |
aside our personal differences. Let us |
aside party discipline, Let US give up 0
~ parties to the constitution and our cou
" try and lay them ON the altar of indepen
- ence.
@ At the conclusion of Mr.. johnson
- speech. Mr.. Bogy took the floor, opposi
m the resolution, which he said mer,
~ strengthened the already vast power OF t
q executive.
, ! Messrs. Withers and Randolph oppos
the resolution.
10 10 Mr.. White offered substitute declari
Ieb- the action of the military and of the pre-
re- dent unwarranted and contrary to spi
4 Is of republican institutions, and cannot
sus- approved by the senate of the Unit
States; also declaring the Kellogg COVE
!, ] mani illeoal