Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1861-11-15
The Administration and Gen. Fremont


mirable article on the removal of Gen.
Fremont which expresses our own views so
forcibly that we copy it and give 1t
hearty endorsement. However much we
nav have admired Gen Fremont, and
however unjust we may have thought much
of the treatment that he has received from
various sources, yet now that he has been
displaced we cannot allow our regard for
the man to stand between US and the cause
of the Union which we all have so near at
heart. Some of Gen. Fremonts friends,
very unwisely we think, denounce the Ad-
ministration for removing him and claim
that gross outrage has been committed.
u must be remembered that while they
are not in full possession of all the facts,
the Administration is, and it is presumed
to have acted with full knowledge of
them all and only for the best interests of
the country. If any wrong las been done
Gen Fremont time viii set it right and
he will emerge from under the cloud which
now dims him, all the brighter, purer and
greater 1t is, therefore, the duty Of ev-
cry good citizen to yield cheerful acqui-
escence to the action Of the Government
and stand by it in what it has done, trust
ing 90 the future to make everything even
between it and Gen. Fremont. The fol-
lowing is the article alluded to from the
Times
Nothing could possibly be more admir-
able in tone and temper than Gen. FIRE.
mont's order to his troops announcing his
withdrawal from their command. It is
manly and patriotic, and will confirm that
confidence in his character and ability
which is so widely felt throughout the
Western States The order for his reno
val found him in the midst of preparations
for battle surrounded by troops full of
faith in their leader AM themselves, and
eager for an opportunity to vindicate it by
their acts. 1t was the most trying posi-
ton in which a popular General and for
midable army could be placed ;-b
both have come out of it with conspicuous
honor to themselves and the country.
Their example will be initiated by the
hundreds of thousands throughout the
country who believe Fremont to have
been the victim of a conspiracy, and whose
confidence in him remains mistaken by
she act of the Government in removing him,
or the reasons which have been given to
the public for doing so. They will recog-
nize the imperative necessity, in time of
war, and for the sake of the country, Of
yielding implicit obedience to the Govern
ment, and throwing no obstacles whatever
in the way of its plans. Whether the re-
moval of Fremont was right or wrong, it is
too late for remedy or complaint. His ar
my has another commander, and it is the
duty of every citizen to strengthen bis
hands and aid his endeavors in the pro-
motion of the common cause. Unques-
t,onably the time will come when all who
have taken part in this matter will be held
to their just rcsponsibility,-wben the con
duet of Fremont will be submitted to the
close scrutiny of an impartial tribunal
and he will receive from the people the
verdict which he merits. But that time is
not now. Other Interests of far greater
moment than the claims or the merits o.
any individual demand attention A gi
gantic rebellion threatens the existence o
the Government; it is the first duty O
every citizen to crush that rebellion anc
save the country