The New York herald., 1866-04-10


Secretary Harlan and Modern Political
Honor.
There Is great deal Of mystery about Sec
retary Harlan remaining in the Cabinet and
at the same time using his position to thwart
the measures Of Mr.. Johnson's administration.
The fact that he does remain there, and il CO.
operating with the radicals, is proof Of the po-
litical decentralization among our public men.
He not only retains his position. In opposition
to the wishes Of the President, but uses the
patronage Of his department to assist the radi-
Gals in their efforts to defeat the policy Of the
administration of which he il member. This
is the first time in the history of our govern
ment that Cabinet officer could be found who
would openly oppose the policy of the Presi-
dent and yet retain his position in the Cabinet.
At no former period have our public men shown
so great want of self respect as to remain
in Office under such circumstances A disa-
greement with the Executive on even trivial
matter of policy by a Cabinet officer was
always followed by the resignation of the latter.
That course was considered absolutely neces-
sary to protect their own honor and retain pub
lie respect But it seems that this rule no
longer exists. Instead of resigning their posi-
tions the modern politicians only take that as
an excuse to cling to their Offices with all the
greater tenacity.
Such appears to be the rule which governs
Secretary Harlan in his political career. Not
only does he conspire with the radicals in
Congress to defeat the policy of Mr.. Johnson's
administration, but his own subordinates 60
about the streets of Washington and openly
denounce the President as a traitor. All this
takes place every day, and yet Mr.. Harlan
offers no rebuke, but to all appearances en-
courages them to indulge in such demonstra-
tions He, at least, gives them an excuse by
his example. They know that he will find no
fault in their saying what he, by his acts, ap-
proves The Secretary knows that he holds
his office, even if the President removes him,
until his successor is confirmed by the Senate,
and upon this mere circumstance he holds on
in order to accomplish all the mischief posi-
BILE. Mr.. Harlan, we believe, once claimed to
be minister of the gospel, or, at least, took
upon himself the duty of pointing out to sinful
man what was necessary for him to do to secure
the salvation of his soul. Having taken upon
himself that highest of all duties the public
supposed that 6e would have too much sense
of honor, of consistency and Of respect for
himself to pursue the course which he now
does. We are surprised, therefore, that man
of his pretensions to purity and ability should
stoop so low as he is now doing.
But President johnson il treating the dis
cordant element in his Cabinet with altogether
too much leniency. They are embarrassing
and weakening his administration, and If they
cannot be brought to recognize the fact that
decency and proprety call for their voluntary
retirement, then he ought TO remove them at
once, and let the Senate take upon itself the
responsibility before the people of rejecting
them if that body choose. Amove of that kind
would strengthen the President and increase
his popularity. Let him try the example on
one or two members Of his Cabinet by remov-
ing present incumbents and appointing conser-
vative republicans in whom the public have
confidence, and he will soon find that refusal
to confirm will arouse a storm of indignation
throughout the country that even .ha Senate
cannot resist. Mr.. Johnson has everything to
gain and nothing to lose by move of that
kind. He cannot commence too soon for his
own reputation or for the success of his admin
is.ralion.
TIE Asy.TiC CUorFpA AT UNJEAx-The ac-