President Johnson's Speech. Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen of the Committee : Language is inadequate to express the emotions and feeling9 produced by this occasion. Perhaps I could express more i by permitting silence to speak and you to infer what I ought to say. I confess that, notwithstanding tho experience I have hud In public life and the uudicnccs I have ad dressed, this occasion and this assemblago are calculetcd to, and do overwhelm me. As I have said, I have not lunguago to convoy adequately my picscnt feelings and emotions. In listening to the address which your eloquent and distinguished chairman has just delivered, the proceedings of the Con yciiwuii, as muy uauspireu, recurred to my j mind. Seemingly I partook in tho inspi-: ration that prevailed in the Convention i when I received a dispatch, sent by two of its distinguished members, conveying in terms the scene which has just been described, of South Carolina and Massachusetts, arm in arm, marching into that vast assemblage, and thus giving evidence that the two extremes-had come together again, and that tor tho future they were united, as tlioy had keen in the past, for the preservation of tho Union. When I was thus informed that in that vast body of mcu, distinguished for intellect and wisdom, every eye was suffused with tears on be-1 holding the sceno, I could not finish reading the dispatch to one associated with mc in my office, for my own feelings overcame ; me. [Applause.] I think we may justly conclude that we are acting under a pro- 1 per inspiration, and that wo need not be mistaken tbat the finger of un overruling j and unerring Providence is in this great: movement. The nation is in peril. Wc have just 1 passed through a mighty, a bloody, a iuo- ; mcntous ordeal, and yet do not find our - : selves free from the difficulties and dan- j gers that at fiiwt surrounded us. While j our bravo soldiers, both officers and men : (turning to General Grant, who stood at ' his right) have by their heroism wou lau- ' rels imperishable, there are still greater 1 and more important duties to perform ; I and while wc have bad their co operation I in the field, now that they have returned to civil pursuits wc need their support in our efforts to restore the Government and perpetuate peace. So far as the Executive department i3 concerned, tho effort has been made to restore the Union, to heal the breach, to pour oil into the wounds which were consequent upon tho struggle, and (to speak in common phrase) to prepare, as the learned and wise physician .a..u ?i?? .... nvuiu, u piaster,ueaiing in character and coextensive with tho wound. Wo thought, and we thiuk, that we had partially succeed ed; but us tho work progresses, as reconciliation seemed to be taking place, and the country was becoming re-united, we found a disturbing and marring element opposing US. Iu alluding to tho element I shall go no further than your Convention and the distinguished gentleman who has delivered to me tho report of its proceedings. I shall make no reference to it that I do not believe tho time and the occasion justify. We have witnessed in one department of the Government, as it were, a body call ed, or which assumes to ho tho Congress of I tho United States, while in fact it is a Congress of only part of the States. We havo seen this Congress pretend to be for tho Union, when its very step and act ten ded to perpetuato disunion, and make a disruption of tho States inevitable. In-, stead of promoting reconciliation and liar- ; mony, its legislation has partaken of the character of penalties, retaliation and revenge. This has been the. course and the j pjlicy of ono portion of your Government. The humblo individual who now addresses you stands as tho representative of another ( department of the Government. The manner in which he was called npon to occupy that position 1 shall not allude to on this occasion. Suffice it to say that ho is here ; under tho Constitution of the country, and i being here by virtue of its provisions, lie 1 takes his stand upon that charter of our | liberties as the great rampart of civil and religious liberty. Having been taught in my early life to hold it sacred, and having dono so during my wholo public career, 1 shall ever continue to reverence the Con Ohl.ltinn ' 1 ?* * >??uuuu vi my juiiiuis, una 10 uiaxc it my guide. 1 know it has been said;(and I must be permitted to indulgo in the remark) that the Executive Department of the Government has been despotic and tyrannical. Let me ask this audience of distinguished gentlemen to point to a vote I ever gave, to a speech I fever made, to a single act of my whoL public life that has not been against tyranny and despotism. What position havo I ever occupied? what ground havo I ever assumed where it can be truthfully charged that I failed to adro cate the amelioration and elevation of the great masses of my countrymen ? So far as charges of this kind arc concerned, they are only to dcludo the public mind into the belief that it is aot the designing men who make such accusations, but some one else in power, who is usurping and trampling upon the rights and perverting the principles of the Constitution. It is done by them for the purpose of covering their own acts?and 1 havo felt it my duty, in vindication of principles, to call the attention of my countrymen to their proceedings. When wo come to examine who has been playing the part of the tyrant, by whom do we find despotism exorcised ? As to myself, the elements of my nature, the pursuits of my file, have not made me, either iu my feelings or in my practice, oppressive. My nature, on the contrary, is rather defensive in it* character. But having taken my stand upon the broad principles of liberty and the Constitution, there is not power cuough on earth to drivo tnc from it! (Loud and prolonged cheering.) Having placed myself upon that broad platform, I have not been awed or dismayed, or intimidated by cither threats or encroachments ; but have stood there, in conjunction with patriotic spirits, sounding the tocsin of alarm when I deemed the citadel oi Liberty in danger. [Great applause.] I said ou a previous occasion, and repeat now, thut all that was necessary in this great contest against tyranny and despotism was that tho struggle should be sufficiently audible ior the American people to hear aud properly understand the issues it invnlwnd Tlinir .11.1 li.iii- n?..t ? ? - "J ? "V-., ?..%? ivuoii'a on aiul seeing who tho contestants were and what the struggle was about, determined that they would settle this question on the side of the Constitution and ofprin ciplc. [Cries of "That's so," and applause.] I proclaim here to-day, as I have on previous occasions, that \ny faith is in tho great mass of the people. In the darkest moment of this struggle, when the clouds seemed to be most lowcriug, my faith, instead of giving way, loomed up through their gloom : lor, beyond, I saw that all would be well in the end. My countrymen, we all know that, in the language of Thomas Jefferson, tyranny and despotism can be exercised and exerted more effectually by the many than the one. Wo have seen Congress gradually encroach step by step upon constitutional rights, and violate, day after day and month after month, fundamental principles of the Government.? [Cries of "That's so," and applause.] We have seen a Congress that seemed to forget that there was a limit to the sphere and scone of legislation. We have seen a Congress in a minority assume to exercise power which, il allowed to be consummated, would result in despotism or monarchy itself. [Enthusiastic applause.] This is truth; and because others, as well as myself, have seen proper to appeal to the patriotism and republican feeling of the country, we have been denounced in tho severest terms. Slander upon slander, vituperation upon vituperation, of the most virulent character, has made its May through the press. What, gentlemen, has been your and my sin ? What lias been the cause of our offending ? I will tell you. Baring to stand by the Constitution of our fathers! Mr. Chairman, I consider the proceedings of this Convention enual to. if not ? I / more important than those of any Conven tion that ever assembled in the United States. [Great applause,] When 1 look upon that collection of citizens, coming to! gothcr voluntarily, and sitting in council, with ideas, with principles and views com mensurato with all the States, and co extensive with the whole people, and contrast it with a Congress whoso policy, if persisted in, will destroy the country, 1 regard it as more important than any Convention that has sat?at least since 17S7. [Renewed applause.] 1 think I may also say that the declarations that wore there made are equal to those contained in the Declaration of Independence. [Cries of "Glorious," and most enthusiastic aifd pro longed npplauso.] Your address and dec larations arc nothing more or less than a re affirmation of the Constitution of the United States. [Cries of "Good," and applause.] Yes, I will go farther and say that the | declarations you have made, that the prin ciplesyou have enunciated in your address, are a second proclamation of emancipation to the people of the United States. [Renewed applause.] For in proclaiming and rc-procluitiiing these great truths, you have laid down a constitutional platform on which all, without reference to party, can make common cause, engage in a common effort to break tho tyranny which the dominant party in Congress has so rolentles-ly exercised, and stand united together for the restoration of the States and the preservation of tho government. The question only is tho salvation of > the country; for our country rises above [ all party considerations or influences. [Cries of "Good/' and applause.] I low ! many arc there in tlio l/iiitcd Slates that now require to be free ? They have the shackles upon their limbs, and are bound as rigidly by the behests of party leaders in the National Con as though they were in fact in slavery. I repeat, then, that your declaration is the second proclamation of emancipation to the people of the United States, and offers a common ground upon which all patriots can stand. [Applause ] In this connection, Mr. Chairman and gentlemen, let mc ask what have I to gain more than the advancement of the puldic welfare? I am as much opposed to the indulgence of egotism as anyone; but here, in a conversational manner, while formally receiving the proceedings of this Convention, I may ho permitted again to inquire what have 1 to gain consulting human ambition more than I have gained, except one thing?the consummation of the great work of restoration ? My race is nearlyrun. I have been placed in tho high office which I occupy by the Constitution of tho country, and I may say that I have held from lowest to tho highest, almost every Mat ion to which a man may attain in our Government. I have passed through every position, from alderman of a village to the Presidency of the United States. And surely, gentlemen, this should lie enough to gratify a reasonable ambition. If I had wanted authority, or if I had wished perpetuate my own power, how easily could 1 have held and wielded that which was placed in my hands by tho measure called tha Frccdmcn's JJurcau bi>l. [Laughter and applause ] With an amy which it placed at my discretion, 1 could have remained at the capital of the nation, aud, with fifty or sixty millions ol appropriations at my disposal, with the machinery to be unlocked by my own hands, with my satraps and dependents iu every town and village, with the civil rights bill following as an auxiliary, [laughter,J and with the patronage and other appliance: of the (government, I could have proclaim' ed myself dictator. ["That's true !" and nnnlause.l " 11 J 13ut, gentlemen, my pride and my ainbiiiun have been to occupy that position which retains all power in the hands ol the people. [Great cheering.} It is upon them I have always relied; it is upon them I rely now. [A voice, and the people will not disappoint you, and I repeat that neither the taunts nor jeers ol' Congress not of a subsidized, calumniating press can drive me from my purpose. [Great applause.] I acknowledge no superior ex cept my God, the author of my existence, and the people of the United States. [Pro longed and enthusiastic cheering.] The commands of the one I try to obey as best I can, compatible with poor humanity. At to the other, iu a political and rcprescn tutive sense, the high behests of the people bavo always been and ever will be respect ed and oboyed by inc. [Applause.] Mr. Chairman, I have said more than I intended to say. For the kind allusion te myself, contained in your address, 1 thank you. In this crisis and at the present period of my public life, I hold aoovc all price and shall ever recur with feelings of profound gratification to the resolution containing the endorsement of a Convention emanating spontaneously from the great mass of the people. With conscientious conviction as my courage, the Constitution as my guide, and my faith iu the people, I trust and hope that my iutuie action may be such that you and the Convention you represent may nut regret the assurance of confidence you have so generously expressed. ["We are sure of it."~ licfore separating, my friends, one and all, please accept my heartfelt thanks lot the kind manifestations of respect you have exhibited on this occasion. rt'YJc. r-. u A-r*;y. va Wtf|pj\>y WOJtfAU JJCI) RANGES, FIRE BRICKS &c, ADAMS, DAMON & Co , HAVE REOPENED BUSINESS AT T11LII1 OLD STAND, 18, Broad Street, Charleston, S. C., .Iw7 keep Constantly on llaml or Tiir. Lalfsl Improted r?Hernt Bay. P. FOG AII TV, \ ol . . c _ s. fugauty, ,v Charleston, S C. .1 >/??/.? /".r IJOi'D J;ID'S. . K. Williams A; Co.,) ? wiiou'.s.ii.r. !>i:.\t.ut!S in Hals, Caps Straw and Milliucn GOODS, NO. l-'J MKKTING STltKET, Next ?L < ?r to Charleston Hotel. CIIAIll.LSTON, S. C. We aL.i ti ive .. f.rni.el. ...... 1 :. Charlotte, N. ( whore we have a large slocl of Ilats, Cap", Straw and Millinery Goods. P. It. wil l.1AM", II. C. CALVRUT May 21 17 8m charles helloise ct co. C y 12.: 7 ANIi HI Al.l Its IN (Iani?, Sides, Shoulders, Smokei Beef, Tongues, FL 0! 7,\ y; l I T/:It, < //FFS / :, LARD, EGGS, SO VI', STARCH, CAN DEES, Ac., Ac. 120 A 1'2'J i:\ST IIAV STKKT, Consignments Solicit d. H. KKLOHS, } eifAllLESTON, S. C. V. e would respectfully notify Merchants thn we tire strictly in the {'rovnion Jtusiness, an arc enabled to supply the trade at lowest prices JMch 1 ? 1 y uoi51nson & .nelson, pfi "\Vliolo?i?I?* tinii iColiill Dealer* in StD'JJtfSy TRAVELLING HAGS, Ac. RING HT11EET, AVnr.'y opposite Victoria Hotel, Charleston, South Carolina. J. B. ROBINSON, A NLLSO^ I HUNT Ac BRO. ! Shipping, Commission & Forwarding Merchants, > Accommodation Wharf, | J. H. HUNT, Jn. } Wiarlcston, S. C. I (Formerly of NF. Wit EUR Y, S. C.) :o. | Promptly forward all Merchandise consigned to us arriving iu the City from > n r/iF.y o foe[qx ro ts . We will give strict attention to Sale and Purchase. of Cotton, /{ice, Flour, .j-c. I i Liberal Advances on Consignments. Keif.rexcks.?O. W. Williams & Co., Charleston, 8. C.; Ktissel & Ellis, Wilmington, N. C.; lliglow & Sargent, llaltitnore.; Lolhbury, 1 Wickersham & Co., Philadelphia., N. L. Mc Cready A Co., New York ; Hay Walter, Uoston ; O. W. Oarmauy, Savannah, Ua.; G. K Wilson, esq*, Norfolk, Va. ' Mcli 1 5 Cm ; WILLIS & CHISOLM, FACTORS , . COMMISSION MERCHANTS AND SMUrFW.YG JiGEJYTS, Will attend to the purchase, pale and shipment to Foreign and Dome ' * "arts, of Cotton, llice, I Lumber and Naval 8t?,i. Atlantic Wharf, Charleston, S. C. 1 E. WILLIS, ALEX. H, CHISOLM. Mch 1 6 If ~J. A, HENNEMAN ; ttawji /p^aiAisa^ AND JUWKLJLEU. Siuirtuiibiii'K C. II., So. la. HAS J VST RECEIVED A 8 E L F. C T ASSORT M V. N T O v WATCHES, JEW EERY, PLATED WARE A X 1? Fancy Ooods. A L S O A NEW LOT OF EIGHT-DAY AND TWENTY1 FOLK HOUR C LOCKS, A FIRST-RATE ARTICLE. W A It UK.NT KI> TWO YEARS. Spectacles lbr all Eyes and Agft?. TTTATCIII-S, CLOCKS. AND JEWELRY [ YY neatly repaired, aud warranted. J. A. II EN NEMAN, At the (Hit Place on Main-Street. Feb 2*2 I _ if W. J>. Milster RESPEt"TFULLY announces to ihc public, lint lie lias again commenced the Tinning JJusinoss, and feels himself well prepared and |tctliEt* r. Having returned to the tow: Spartanburg, he lakes occasion to inform h s ti ieads that I he is prepare I to do work with liealliess Hoi dispaleh. lie re-peet fully a-ks a sli ire of public patronage, and pledges h s f best endeavors to give .satisfaction to Ins customers. lie may be found at bis Shop in rear of J. R \ KCIIEE'S STOKF., where his customers P w ill find plates of the latest fashions. Feb 1 1 tf TAILO RING. HAVING just returned from a trip North and West, takes this method of informing ^ ! his former Patrons and Friends, thnt he is now prepared to fill all orders with neatness and dispatch in the very LATEST STYLES, as cheap as any one for Cash or Rarter. I \|y shop is over the store of FOSTER & Jl'PD'S, opposite the Court House. ' The latest SPUING FASHIONS have just been received. WM. LOCK WOOD. L'^L 1 "* " I rru i l II 1 FARROW & DUNCAN, ATTO ItNE YS AT L A W and Solicitors ill Equity, !?"" April 5 10 Gmos ] DRY GOODSSTORE Teppe Ac Smyth WOULD respectfully inform the LADIES that they are now receiving their SPRING STOCK, CONSISTING OF White Long Cloth, Brown Shirtings and Sheetings, White nnd Brown Linens, Merrimack, Amoskeag, Schwabeand American CALICOS, warranted fast colors. Jaconets, Cambrics and J Victoria Lawns. A complete and choice assortment of Needle WORK and Linen Setts, Needles, Spool Cotton, Working Cotton and Thread in every variety. ALSO, a great assortment of DRY GOODS, FANCY GOODS, Liens and! Hosiery, Bonnet and Lute-String. Ribbons, Thread and Cotton LACES and EDGINGS. Having been connected for a long time witb tlie Dry Uooits business, we are confident or giving satisfaction ALSO, on hand a general assortment of BOOTS and SHOES, Tin Ware, Hats and Caps, and a general assortment of GROCERIES, at the UP TOWN STORE. FKEDK. TEPPE, ALEX. H. SMYTH. N. It. State Money Bought. April 26 18 tf_ NEW SPRING GOODS. O WE HAVE just received from Charleston, a j fresh supply of BOOTS, SHOES, PRINTS, i o nud many other articles too numerous to mention, which we offer at cheap rates. CALL AND SEE US. 1). Sl J. L. WOFFORD, No 4 opposite Court Houae. April 6 10 ^ tf NEW GOODS. ?o \\7 E nre "<>w receiving a capital assortment v J of GOODS, selected by a member of our firm in the Northern market. i GENTLEMEN'S AND LADIES DRESS GOODS, 4 LATEST STYLES OF LADIES'HATS, S EC O 3D 33, TRIMMINGS, NOTIONS, e^rCALL AND KNOW OUR PRICES. VAN DIVER, BLAKE & CO., Ma/ 24 17 tf ]\cw EnlxM'prisc ! ! SOUTHERN TMPOirriNG AND V:V JI RING DRUG HOUSE, i V, WILSON & BROS., o. King' Srcct, CHARLESTON, S. C. The Proprietors are Native Southerners.\'o such enterprise South <\f Philadelphia, Will Southern Houses give us their Patronage ? : WE OFFER AT RATES T1IAT COM! PARK FAVORABLY WITH NKNV YOKE PRICKS. ALL DRUGS, C HEMIC A1A MEDICI N ES, SPICES, &c., THAT LEGITIMATELY RK1.0NG TO OUll LINE OF 1HTSI NESS, AND KEEP.ON HAND ONLY THE EEST ?r Packages put up to suit Country Trade.'W V A PR ATT. rhetnial Jn Ut? n S tilt** .-A Mining Bureau, L. W. WILSON, I*. 1$. WILSON, Chemist to lato (J. S., Or Department. April 11 b Ij Merchants Hotel. Oihli2li?s4(D)2l, So (Do Cheapest and best llotcl in the State. Transient l?oarJ $3.00 "3ft day. Weekly ? 14.00 week. a> March 1 5 tf A. ILTANG, Millinery and Fancy Goods, AT NEW YORX PRICES. 262 KING STREET, Opposite Uufaln Street, CHARLESTON, SO. CA. | March 1 6 tf i DRS. B. & J. L..W0FF0RD OFFER TIIEIR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES to the citizens of the Village and I surrounding country. One or both of us will | be found constantly in the offioe at the STORB, during the day, and at our Residence, opposite Wofford College (Church Street) At night. I Feb IS 3 tf #