The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-09-27
THE ARREST OF BLAIR AT ST, LOUIS

From the st. Lonis Democrat, Tuesday.

From the st. Louis Democrat. Tuesday.
The arrest of Col. F. p. Blair, Jr., by
order of Major General Fremont, on Sum-
day evening, has given rise to great deal
of excited comment In our city, and will
be received with profound establishment
throughout the country. The particulars
OF the case, as we learn them are to the
following effect:
Colonel Bair's chief offence is the writ
ing of certain letters to the President, mem.
bers of the Cabinet, and other leading par
ties in Washington City, complaining,
among other things, of the inefficiency and
ncOmpetency OF Gen. Fremont, speaking
disrespectfully of him, and asking for his
removal from the Department of the West.
This, as subordinate officer, according to
military regulations, he had no right to do,
and consequently became amenable to the
military law providing for the discipline and
good order of the army. 1t was doubtless
at the urgent demand of Col. Blair that
James o. Broadhead, Esq, of this city,
made visit to Washington City few days
ago to lay before the Cabinet the case OF
Gen. Fremont, and to urge bis removal );
and it is probable, upon these representa~
lions OF Col. Blair, through Mr.. Broadhead
that Montgomery Blair, OF the Cabinet, and
Gen. Melgs, of the Quarlermaster's Depart
ment, were appointed commission to pros
coed to the Department OF the West and
made inquiries into the nature of the charges
against the Commander in Chief OF the
results of this commission we know nothing.
g Cd SC Lo FIJI \
General Fremont in this matter, and such
investigations as may have been made
were undoubtedly conducted with rigid Hl~
partianty. This commission, however, as
tar as we understand it, does not affect in
the least, the question of the arrest of Col
Blair. He was at liberty, as an officer Of
the army to prefer charges against his eu-
peror III command, but there is a manner
OF DONG this. specla ~ described by milita-
ry law, which Col. Blair did not choose to
adopt. The evidence OF bis INSTRUMENTATION
as expressed in letters and communications,
we understand, is of the strongest cbarac-
ter. 1t is rumored that some Of Gen. Ere
m0nt's staff, and a large number OF sub0r-
dinate officers who owe their commissions
| to the Influence of Col. Blair, are impIcat-
ed in this effort to remove General Fremont,
aud have been imprudent in their daily
speech and action. The evidence against
them is also in proper hands.
The case which is so seriously regretted
in this city and State, where Col. Blair is
so well known, and where he has spent the
better part Of his life 10 honorable public
effort and service, is not without its pecu-
llarities and embarrassments. The question
arises whether the arrest is proper, since
Col. Blair has no military commission 1t
will be remembered he denied his Colouen.
cy dprn2 the session OF the last Congress,
and since that time, we understand, has not
accepted an army commission, yet he has
been the acting Colonel Of the First regi-
meht of Missouri volunteers, has signed
himself as such, has been industriously en-,
gagged in converting that regiment into an
artillery corps, has worn the uniform of a
Colonel, and in all respects assumed the
full responsibility of that office. Still, it is
Colonel Without commission, and is he
subject - m litary arrest The case may
not present these difficulties to any one bet
ter acquainted with military law than our
selves.
In reference to the course to be pursued
by Col. Blair, we know nothing. 1t would
be in consonance with the pluck and manli>
ness of his character should he meet the
charges against him with fair stand up
fight as an army officer. Many OF his
friends, however, claim for him an entire
exemption from military arrest, on the
ground that 10 this matter he has acted
simply as a civilian. or at most, as the Cons
gresslona representative OF this district
The examination, which will be OF a private
character, WILL not take place, We under.
stand, for several DAYS.