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walls, consecrated by so many of the proudest recollections of
the past, we may enjoy the privilege here, in the State of
Maryland, at least, while not forgetting our duties as States-
men and Christian men, of doing honor to Andrew Johnson,
for in this we renew our pledges to the Constitution which
comes down to us from our fathers of the Revolution to
which this distinguished man, this uncompromising advo-
cate, and I may say, the friend of popular government
throughout the world, has devoted his life.
Then allow me to present these distinguished men to the
Convention.
REMARKS OF HON. R. B. CARMICHAEL.
Mr. Carmichael said: Welcome, Mr. President! Thrice
welcome to the Capital of the State of Maryland! This
greeting throbs in every heart of this Convention, and
would have utterance from every lip if it were in the
rder of procedure. The resolutions which were com-
nnieated to you by the Governor received the unanimous
vote of this Convention. You are thus assured that, in com-
ing here you are in the midst of your friends—friends of
your policy and your person. In a well regulated Govern-
ment a respect is paid to those who have the administration
of the law that does not attach to their private persons. It
is a homage which is paid to the majesty of the law, and the
people of Maryland will not be wanting in any proper de-
monstration to the President of the United States. But, sir,
this is not exactly the meaning of this occasion. It was in-
tended to mean that and more than that. It was intended
to convey to you and to the country the approbation of this
Convention and of this State, for the measures adopted by
your administration for the restoration of the Union.
These measures, inaugurated for that purpose, and to bind
ap the wounds of a bleeding country, were received through-
out the State of Maryland with universal acceptance. It was
the policy of a wise statesmanship. It was the promptings
alike of patriotism and philanthropy. It is not pertinent to
this occasion, nor does time serve to enter into any discussion
of the merits of that question. History will record its
facts —posterity will judge. But it is proper to say
that it was welcome here. It poured oil on the troubled,
waters of this State. It brought men together who had
held life-long differences in political opinions. It bound
up broken ties of former friendships, and made them firmer
and faster. It made us one people, as you here find us of
one mind and one heart. Mr. President, I will not detain you,
after the exhausting tour you have gone through, with more
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