Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1875-04-14
q. BRoWILoW 70 JOHNSON.


Ex-senator Brownlow publishes letter
nearly three columns long in the New
York Tribune, in which he vigorously
criticises Andrew johnson and his late
speech in the Senate, especially that por-
ton of it which asserts that the Louisiana
trouble was similar to the trouble in Ten
nessee in 1866. Mr.. Brownlow makes the
assertion that johnson stated what was
false and knew il TO be SO when lie spoke
in relation to Tennessee. The cases often
nessee end Louisiana were entirely dissm-
liar. In Louisiana there was contest re-
sulting ipbloodshedas to who was the Ex-
ecutfve of the State, also contest rs to
who were members OF the Legislature.
"In Tennessee, nsays Brownlow, "there
was no controversy as to who was the EX-
ecutive. No person but myself was a can
didate for or made claim to the election to
that Office, which was held under the
proclamation of this Andrew johnson as
Military Governors. Nor was there any
controversy as to single seat in the Leg
islature. Both my election and that of the
legislature were recognized by Johnson
after he, unfortunately for the country, be-
came President of the United States
The sole question in controversy in Ten
nessee was whether. in palpable violation
of the constitution of the State, small mi
nority of the Legislature, acting under the
advice Of Andrew johnson as President Of
the United States, should, by lawless rev.
dictionary means, block legislation and
break up the Legislature Of the State. This
was the sole question, as the record shows.
The statements of Senator johnson to the
contrary are what yon Northern people
term "msrepresenting the truth of histo
ry," but what we in Tennessee call 'nn-
mitigated lying"
As Governor Of the State and contrary
to the wishes Of Andrew johnson, con-
vened the Legislature in extraordinary
session for the purpose Of submitting TO it
for ratification or rejection the Fourteenth
Article OF amendment to the Constitution.
which had only recently been proposed by
Congress. Nobody will pretend that there
was anything irregular or illegal in my
calling an extra session OF the Legislature,
or the manner Of my doing it, l acted
throughout clearly in obedience to the
Constitution and laws of the State.
But Andrew johnson as President de-
termincd to interfere in the administration
of the government Of the State, and did
interfere in as fragrant manner as Presi-
dent Grant is even charged with doing BY
the democratic press of to-day, or by this
same Andrew johnson. He had the ei-
frontery to endeayor 10 browbeat and bul.
ly me and the loyal majority of the Legs
iaturs Associated WIN me into acquies-
eence in that miserable political abortion
known as "My policy"
Browniow then proceeds to prove what
he says above and presents johnson not
only in the aspectsof a liar, but OF going
far out of his way to intimidate or bride or
coax the legislature Of Tennessee to reject
the amendment IN dispute and adopt his
policy. III Brownlow states the truth--and
we believe he does-Senator johnson was
very unfortunate in mentioning Tennessee
in his speech, and doubly unfortunate in
bringing up his record in dealing with
Tennessee to be compared with that of
President Grant in Louisiana. A fine man
10 Andrew Johnson. after his attempt TO
crush out by force and fraud the free ae-
ton OF The Tennessee legislature to assail
President Grant as he did in his speech !
After having thoroughly shown up A.
j.. Mr.. Brownlow says,sa
ssWhen contemplate the lawleas, seditious and
rsvsluiienagy conduct Of Andrew Johnson in his
epdeayou TO bully and bride, with Federal offices,
the Legislature Of "the sovereign State of Ten
nessse and his censure of President GRAFT for not