said, he never read any other work. In view of the great effect produced on Mr. Johnson's mind and career by the book alluded to, I am happy to add a couple of facts in this connection on the best authority.* The exact title of the work was The American Speaker, published in 1810. His favorite speeches were those by Pitt and Fox. The former who, as he said in the reply to Walpole, labored under "the atrocious crime of being a young man ;" would naturally awaken the sympathy of a youth weighed down by circumstances; but that which most particularly impressed him was Fox on Democracy.

Mr. Johnson's triumph over the aristocracy in 1828 was ratified by subsequent re-elections in 1829 and 1830, and his being chosen Mayor of Greenville in the latter year, a posi tion he held for three terms. Strengthened by success, through their ardent advocate, the workingmen felt and assumed their power; and their antagonists, wearying of the contest so gallantly conducted, admitted the representatives of the mechanics to their legitimate influence in the councils.

Thus, in his onward career, Mr. Johnson illustrated the ennobling fact that energy and self-reliance are the surest means by which an aristocratic, idle and overbearing class are made to respect the claims and fear the united action of the honest and upright people who live by the sweat of their brows. Journalists, North and South, in the interest of spurious aristocracy and disloyal speculators, have sneeringly referred to Johnson's carly life, as though in America it were a disgrace to live honestly, and assert one's independence in the noblest way it can be asserted, by contribut ing to the social and moral character of the community by industry and honest labor. These flippant apologists of

The author takes pleasure in stating that the interesting information was received by him from Mr. Johnson since his elevation to the Presidency, in response to inquiries made on the subject.

idleness and aristocracy sneer at Mr. Johnson because he was born poor and became not in his youth a burden on his neighbors; and at the same time are vociferous in declaring they are the followers of Jefferson, who, in the Declaration. of Independence, asserted the truth to be self-evident" that all men are created equal."

As Madison said, in 1832, "It is remarkable how closely the Nullifiers (secessionists), who make the name of Jefferson the pedestal for their colossal heresy, shut their eyes and lips whenever his authority is ever so clearly and emphatically against them." But we can scarcely expect the enemies of the Republic to be the friends of those who made the Republic great-the workingmen!

It was about this time, and before Johnson had fairly made his entrée into the public arena, that the Nullification controversy arose between the Federal Government and the State of South Carolina; and it became necessary for Andrew Jackson, then President of the United States, to issue his proclamation exhorting the South Carolinians to obey the law, and comply with the requirements of the Constitution.* As he has since told us, in the great debate in the Senate, February, 1861-when he vindicated the action previously taken by him against the traitors,

Jackson's first bomb-shell into the ranks of the Nullifiers was his celebrated toast-"OUR FEDERAL UNION: it MUST BE PRESERVED"-given at the Anniversary Celebration of Jefferson's Birthday, in Washington, April 13, 1830. An interesting account of which, by his Secretary, Major Lewis, is quoted by Parton. Lewis also relates a suggestive scene which occurred in Jackson's office, between him and a South Carolina member of Congress, who called to take his leave. "The General received him with great kindness, offering his hand, and begging him to be seated. After a few minutes of conversation, the member rose, and remarked to the General that he was about to return to South Carolina, and desired to know if he had any commands for his friends in that quarter. The General said, 'No, I believe not;' but immediately recalling what he had said, remarked: Yes, I have; please give my compliments to my friends in your State, and say to them, that if a single drop of blood shall be shed in opposition to the laws of the United States, I will hang the first man I can lay my hand on engaged in such treasonable conduct upon the first tree I can reach.'"-Parton's Life of Jackson, Vol. 111.

on that floor-Johnson then planted himself upon the principles announced by General Jackson. He believed the positions then taken by the soldier of two wars for the independence of the United States, were the true doctrines of the Constitution, and the only doctrines upon which the Government could be preserved. From that period to the present, he has been uniformly opposed to the doctrine. of secession or of nullification. He believed it a heresy in 1833, an element which, if maintained, would result in the destruction of the Government. In 1860-61 he maintained the same doctrine, and, in so maintaining, flung himself boldly and heroically against the traitor phalanx on the floor of the Senate.

2

CHAPTER II.

1834 TO 1845.

CONTINUED Confidence in Him Elected to the Legislature Opposes the "Internal Improvement" Scheme - Its Temporary Popularity and His Defeat on the Issue. His Views Vindicated - Re-election- Presidential Elector Elected to the State Senate Sent to the United States Congress - Defends Jackson - Taxes and Texas - Favors Retrenchment aud Annexation Gallant Defence of the Catholics, and Advocacy of Civil and Religious Liberty.

THE results of Mr. Johnson's reforms in Greenville were extensively felt in the community, and his character received commensurate testimony of approval in the offices bestowed upon him. The County Court elected him a Trustee of Rhea Academy, which office he held until he entered the State Legislature.

Mr. Johnson took an active part in securing the adoption of the new Constitution (1834), which greatly enlarged the liberties of the masses, and guaranteed the freedom of speech and of the press; and through the earnest solicitations of the mechanics of Greenville, he was induced, in the summer of 1835, to offer himself as a candidate for the House of Representatives in the State Legislature. The district embraced the counties of Washington and Green; and his first opponent, Matthew Stephenson, was a worthy, highly respected gentleman, and a popular Whig politician; who had been in the Legislature, and was familiar with the people and the history of State legislation. The young Ex-Mayor knew nothing of the latter, and his knowledge of the people was confined mainly to Greenville. He, however,

announced himself as a Democrat, and while his friends and the young mechanics of the district, among whom his reputation had naturally extended, were ardent in his support, the old political leaders of the party, and those who exerted influence by reason of their wealth and social position, doubtfully shook their heads, and gave but little encouragement to the nomination.

With characteristic energy Mr. Johnson prepared for the contest, and almost immediately opened the campaign. At the first meeting all doubt of his capacity in the position, either as a speaker or tactician, vanished. Arraigning the political career of his opponent, he threw that gentleman completely and at once on the defensive; astonishing not only the audience, but Mr. Stephenson himself, by his knowledge of his political life and acts. The advantage gained on the opening was daily improved by Johnson, until his competitor's chances were completely negatived, and finally resulted in an overwhelming defeat.

The Legislature assembled in October, 1835, and of course, Mr. Johnson took his seat at the opening of that deliberative body. With a commendable sense of selfrespect he was at first rather a silent member, watchful of the measures introduced, and attentive to the necessary rules and routine. The Constitution having been but recently amended, many difficult and perplexing questions arose on the re-organization of the State Government. These overcome, and having familiarized himself with the rules, Mr. Johnson assumed his share in the current debates, and commanded a consideration from all, that might well have inspired pride in older and more experienced members. He became especially prominent by his opposition to a vast scheme of so-called "internal improvements," which embraced a system of Macadamized and turnpike roads, and involved a State indebtedness of about four million dollars. He vigorously condemned the mammoth scheme; and in