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majesty of the law, and the people of Maryland will not
be wanting in any proper demonstration to the President
of the United States. [Applause.] But, sir, this is not
exactly the meaning of this occasion. It was intended to
mean that and more than that. [Applause.] It was in-
tended to convey to you and to the country the approba-
tion of this Convention and of this State, for the meas-
ures adopted by your administration for the restoration
of the Union. [Enthusiastic applause.]
These measures, inaugurated for that purpose, and to
bind up the wounds of a bleeding country, were received
throughout the State of Maryland with universal accept-
ance. It was the policy of a wise statesmanship. It was
the promptings alike of patriotism and philanthropy.
[Applause.] 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
to the State of Maryland. 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 o»e mind and one heart. [Applause.] Mr. Presi-
dent, I will not detain you, after the exhausting tour you
have gone through, with more remarks. It is sufficient
that I should repeat to you the cordial welcome which you
have here received. [Great applause.]
RESPONSE OF PRESIDENT JOHNSON.
Mr. President: In being presented here today, under these
peculiar circumstances, and upon ground that, at an early
period of our country's history was consecrated to free-
dom, I feel incapacitated to make acknowledgment in that
language which would be most appropriate and grateful.
But, notwithstanding I have been thus incapacitated, I
cannot refrain from making an acknowledgment, in my
crude and broken way, of the striking demonstration of
kindness which has been manifested towards me. To
visit the State of Maryland on this occasion, and especial-
ly the city of Annapolis, is peculiarly gratifying to me;
and, among other reasons why it is so, is because the
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