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HarpWeek Commentary: Andrew Johnson was defeated in 1869 when he attempted
to return to the Senate from Tennessee. He was successful in the 1874 election, but died
on July 31, 1875, not long after his March 1875 reappearance in the Senate. |
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NOTES
The defeat of Andrew Johnson as Senator from Tennessee is a subject of general
congratulation. It is not conceivable that he would have said or done a single wise thing
in that position; and if the Opposition must elect a Senator it is desirable that he
should be at least intelligent and courteous, qualities which the warmest friends of Mr.
Johnson will hardly claim for him. If it were not for the condition of Senator
Brownlows health this defeat would undoubtedly be the political demise of the
ex-President. But whether he reappears in public life or not, his name and career will
always be a warning to the Republicans. There is something politically wiser than
superficial expediency. The nature, character, habits, and training of a man are more
powerful than any apparent change of opinion. They will control him in the long-run, and
the party which would intrust him with place and power must not be surprised if he utterly
deceives it. If the Republican party had selected a candidate for the Presidency in 1864
for the same reasons that persuaded them to nominate Andrew Johnson for the
Vice-Presidency, where should we be to-day? Character is as much more valuable than
profession in politics as it is in every other sphere; and if Andrew Johnson serves to
impress that great truth upon party managers he will have been of real service to the
country.
Articles Related to the Remainder of Johnson's Term
and Life:
The Democratic
Convention (Give me another Horse) (cartoon)
July 25, 1868, page 480
All Quiet on the Potomac (cartoon)
October 31, 1868, page 695
Andrew Johnson
March 13, 1869, page 162
The Political Death of the Bogus Caesar (cartoon)
March 13, 1869, page 164
A. J. Returns to his First Love (cartoon)
March 6, 1869, page 160
"Farewell, A Long Farewell, To All My
Greatness!" (cartoon)
March 13, 1869, page 176
Preparing To Go Out (cartoon)
March 13, 1869, page 171
Home At Last (cartoon)
April 24, 1869, page 267
Notes
November 6, 1869, page 707
"Poor Andy" (cartoon)
November 20, 1869, page 752
Mr. Seward
March 20, 1869, page 178
The Whirligig Of Time (cartoon)
February 20, 1875, page 164
Death of Andrew Johnson
August 14, 1875, page 655
The Late Andrew Johnson (illus)
August 14, 1875, page 665