demanded by
the proprieties of the occasion. He evidently strove to repair the
error of his former address. He now diminished the number of
gratulatory allusions to his own career, and made appropriate and
affecting reference to his predecessor. He spoke with profound emotion
of the tragical termination of Mr. Lincoln's life: "The beloved of all
hearts has been assassinated." Pausing thoughtfully he added, "And
when we trace this crime to its cause, when we remember the source
whence the assassin drew his inspiration, and then look at the result,
we stand yet more astounded at this most barbarous, most diabolical
act. . . . We can trace its cause through successive steps back to that
source which is the spring of all our woes. No one can say that if the
perpetrator of this fiendish deed be arrested, he should not undergo
the extremest penalty of the law known for crime; none will say that
mercy should interpose. But is he alone guilty? Here, gentlemen, you
perhaps expect me to present some indication of my future policy. One
thing I will say: every era teaches its lesson. The times we live in
are not without instruction. The American people must be taught--if
they do not already feel--that treason is a crime and must be punished.
The Government must be strong not only to protect but to punish. When
we turn to the criminal code we find arson laid down as a crime with
the appropriate penalty. We find theft and murder denounced as crimes,
and their appropriate penalty prescribed; and there, too, we find the
last and highest of crimes,--treason. . . . The people must understand
that treason is the blackest of crimes and will surely be punished
. . . . Let it be engraven on every mind that treason is a crime and
traitors shall suffer its penalty. . . . I do not harbor bitter or
resentful feelings towards any. . . . When the question of exercising
mercy comes before me it will be considered calmly, judicially--
remembering that I am the Executive of the Nation. I know men love to
have their names spoken of in connection with acts of mercy, and how
easy it is to yield to that impulse. But we must never forget that
what may be mercy to the individual is cruelty to the State."

This speech was reported by an accomplished stenographer, and was
submitted to Mr. Johnson's inspection before publication. It contained
a declaration intimating to his hearers, if not explicitly assuring
them, that "the policy of Mr. Linc