clear space clear space clear space white space
A
 r c h i v e s   o f   M a r y l a n d   O n l i n e

PLEASE NOTE: The searchable text below was computer generated and may contain typographical errors. Numerical typos are particularly troubling. Click “View pdf” to see the original document.

  Maryland State Archives | Index | Help | Search
search for:
clear space
white space
Proceedings and Acts of the General Assembly, 1866
Volume 107, Page 4   View pdf image (33K)
 Jump to  
  << PREVIOUS  NEXT >>
clear space clear space clear space white space

4 JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS [Jan- 10,
so wisely guided the nation through its perilous pathway,
and so long and anxiously awaited the dawning of the peace-
hour, fell, the measure of his fame full to overflowing, by the
murderous stroke of the assassin. In any one of the monar-
chies of the old world such an event, at such a time, would
have been followed by convulsion and bloody wars—but the
strength of our own Government was never more signally
illustrated. The nation bowed its head in sorrow—old men
and children, young men and maidens wept together, but not
a ripple disturbed the harmonious working of our grand re-
publican system.
Scarcely had the reins of power fallen from the nerveless
grasp of the dead President when they were gracefully but
firmly seized by his succeseor, and the State, shrouded in
shadow and gloom, was guided with a master hand in safety
through the fearful crisis which threatened it. As the sad
realization of war gave way to exultation at the return of
peace, so the deep sorrow at the death of Abraham Lincoln
became merged into thanksgiving to God for the gift of
Andrew Johnson. History affords no such instance of colos-
sal grandeur and sublimity as that of the man, who, elevat-
ed by his own unaided merit to the loftiest civil distinction,
stood forth in the hour of his country's peril, unswayed by
prejudice, unseduced by flattery, undismayed by menace, and
dared to do his duty; checking the tide of personal animos-
ity, calling back with gentle words of exhortation the erring
sisterhood of States, and, while maintaining unimpaired the
dignity of the Government, persevering in the labor of re-
construction upon the enduring principles of conciliation, for-
bearance and fraternal concord. Not a year has elapsed since
Andrew Johnson assumed the office rendered vacant by the
death of the lamented Lincoln, and already has he impressed
the world by the greatness and magnanimity of his achieve-
ments, and made himself a reputation lasting as time itself.
What then, Senators, are the teachings of the hour? How
stand our relations to the nation and the State? As citizens
of this great Republic, anxiously desiring to restore the na-
tional character, and bind more firmly together the States of
our glorious Union, it is, in my judgment, our first duty to
lift up the hands of the nation's President and sustain un-
falteringly the policy which he has so consistently pursued,
and which has already accomplished such marvelous results.
The man who throws himself in the path of the Administra-
tion, must look to it that he is not swept away by the advan-
cing surges of popular indignation. We must realize that
the war is over, and that measures, and opinions, and preju-
dices which were inseparable from years of conflict for the
life of the Republic,, now that life is secured, can no longer
be entertained or enforced with propriety. An earnest desire

 
clear space
clear space
white space

Please view image to verify text. To report an error, please contact us.
Proceedings and Acts of the General Assembly, 1866
Volume 107, Page 4   View pdf image (33K)
 Jump to  
  << PREVIOUS  NEXT >>


This web site is presented for reference purposes under the doctrine of fair use. When this material is used, in whole or in part, proper citation and credit must be attributed to the Maryland State Archives. PLEASE NOTE: The site may contain material from other sources which may be under copyright. Rights assessment, and full originating source citation, is the responsibility of the user.


Tell Us What You Think About the Maryland State Archives Website!



An Archives of Maryland electronic publication.
For information contact mdlegal@mdarchives.state.md.us.

©Copyright  August 16, 2024
Maryland State Archives