Year: 1866

we may CONSIDER tne TASK OIL RESTORATION OF
the Union substantially accomplished; and they
can be reconciled while our trading politicians
are still wrangling over the spoils.


The Presidents Reception In New York.


The enthusiastic manner in which President
Johnson was received by the citizens of New
York on Wednesday cannot fail to have the
happiest effect throughout the country; for this
metropolis is the heart of the whole republic.
We gave full report in yesterdays paper of
what occurred. The great event-for it may be
truly called great one-with Its striking incl
dents, will be long remembered. New York
is famous for its display of bunting, music,
military parades and the outpouring of an
excitable population on any remarkable event
or occasion; but there was much more than all
this on Wednesday: there was IN earnest,
heartfelt enthusiasm rarely Witnessed in this
or any other place. Tho popular heart was
greatly moved. The President Of the United
States never fails to meet with an appropriate
reception and due respect in New York; but
in the reception of President Johnson there
was far more than that-there was an outburst
Of admiration and affection for his character
and his devotion to the interests OF the coun-
try. The President himself felt the magnetic
influence Of popular sentiment and his heart
was moved by this spontaneous mark Of appro-
baton Of his public services and policy. He
felt that New York expressed the popular senti-
ment of the mass of the people from one end
Of the country to the other on the great ques-
ton of the day-the early restoration to fra
ternity Of all the States and people of the
Union.


We need not refer to the general events Of
the day, for, as we have said, these have been
published; but his addresses to our citizens, and
especially at the banquet given to him in the
evening, demand special notice.


The President, as he remarked himself speaks
| spontaneously from the heart and on
| the spur of the moment Fastidious writers
may raise some objections to the construction
Of his language; but that is triHng matter
compared with the ideas expressed the broad
earnestness and sincerity of his purpose and
the terse eloquence Of his words. Els speeches
were concentrated upon the Ewing issues o
the day. He was impressed all along with the
necessity Of making these. 6laiu, SO that every
one would understand them, and that they
should not be covesed up by side issues OF
mere rhetorical e0urishes. That is the charac
ter Of Mr.. Johnsons eloquence, and that, In
fact, is the trps 'sioquence Of great statesman


No betterHsest of this could be found than in
t1eenthusiasm, repeated cheers and Interrupt


tions with which his remarks were received


But there are many passages in his speeches


which have hardly ever been equallcd by the


orators Of any age. As an example we may


quote his words when speaking Of the certain


restoration OF the South. He observed:-"l


have said before, and repeat il here, that re-


sistance to the restoration of the Union will


be as unavailng as if 9 map should undertake


to chain the waves or lock up the winds Of the


ocean. You might as well undertake to turn


the Mississippi from its source as to resist the
great law Of gravitation which is bringing these
States together" We might recite other pas
Hres TO shQx the beauty as well a. the states


manship 81 81 he Presidents language. But the
main thing Is the substance or object
Of the speeches-that in reality which
the President was most intent upon-the
vital issue before the country between his
conservative restoration policy and the de.
structivc disunion policy Of . radical Con-
gress. The banquet at Delmonico's was at
tended by q class Of highly intellectual and
practical men, and their reiterated applause
when the President was addressing them shows
the power Of his language. The same may be
said of his speeches in the open air TO the
crowds OF other classes He has the extraor-
dinary power of touching the popular heart Of
every class


The speech OF Secretary Seward at the ban
quet was also very appropriate and well-timei.
Mr.. Seward was evidently inspired by the occa-
sion and influences that surrounded him. The
spirit OF former times at political dinners
seemed to be revived He was young again.
Wit, humor, political illusions and hits and
more serious views Of public affairs were
blended in a happy manner. His remarks
upon the Mayor and other city authorities Of
Philadelphia for their contemplate conduct in
not giving the President an official reception
were capital and created much laughter and
| applause. His illusions 10 our foreign rea-
tons and the action OF the government with
Iexagd " theR yers cleo very good aud sIus