Note 138 — Chapter IV

McPherson, 135. The following is a good example of the manner in which Johnson lowered himself to the level of the disorderly element, who made a bedlam out of some of the meetings he attended. The extract is from the Cleveland speech: “Who can come and place his finger on one pledge I ever violated, or one principle I ever proved false to? (A voice, ‘How about New Orleans?’ Another voice, ‘Hang Jeff Davis.’) Hang Jeff Davis, he says. (Cries of ‘No’ and ‘Down with him!’) Hang Jeff Davis, he says. (A voice, ‘Hang Thad. Stevens and Wendell Phillips.’) Hang Jeff Davis. Why don’t you hang him? (Cries of ‘Give us the opportunity.’) Have you not got the court? Have not you got the Attorney General? (A voice, ‘Who is your Chief Justice who has refused to sit upon the trial?’ Cheers.) I am not the Chief Justice. I am not the prosecuting attorney. (Cheers.) I am not the jury.