Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1866-02-02
why BreVet-BrIgHdIar Baker was
.." DeQraded. ID a. ,.. . ~


Washington Correspondent Richmond Times.1 w
The notorious Government detective,
General L. G. Baker, ceases to be Briga-
dier General with this day. By the terms
of an order from the War Department his
commission was cancelled on the 10Th in
slant, and he is mustered out of service"
1t should be borne in mind, however, that
the military officers here diselain Bakers
right to recognition as of the military SER
vice proper; since he did not receive his
title of Brigadier General by reason Of
meritorious conduct In the field, nor on ac-
count of service In the army of the United
States. His "promotionp TO q brigadiership
was the work OF Mr.. Stanton, upon inn
portunities of Baker, who asked the dis
tinction as sort of healthy covering TO
hide his disreputable conduct whilst acting
in the capacity of chief-thief-eatcheI, etc.,
for the Government. This detective has
had his day now his trouble will COM
mence, for he can no longer, at his own
bidding, bring to his aid the strong arm Of
the Government to protect him from the
vengeance of outraged citizens who have
been sufferers in person and property from
the unconstitutional and utterly Illegal acts
of this man. 10 mo fs3
Baker had become so impudent, and felt
so entirely secure from the reach of all
men, save the Secretary of War, that he
actually attempted to play the detective
upon the President and his household some
weeks ago. There is scarcely a doubt,
however, that this last specimen of inde-
cency and wonderfuHmpudenc was en-
cOuraged, If not suggested, by some OF the
Presidents Radical friends.n The "Great
Detective" made an utter failure of his
espionage upon the executive mansion, for
it was somehow discovered by Mr.. john
son, who sent messenger to bring Baker
Immediately into his presence. The de-
tective dropped every other consideration,
and repaired with all haste to the White
House, totally at fault as TO the purpose OF
this summons from the President. His
name being announced, the President di-
rected that lie be at once admitted, nOtwith-
standing the presence of several gentlemen
then engaged with Mr.. johnson. The lat
ter most uncereEoniously charged Baker
with his villainOus espionage, and inform
ed him that if he again heard of his pres
ence in or prowling about the White House,
or If he permitted any of his creatures to
sneak around the premises, the Great
Detective" should himself lodge in some
one of the dingy cells in the Old Capitol,
where so many mad been incarcerated upon
the simple order of Baker himself without
warrant, or the semblance of law OF justice.
The Great Detective" was amazed at
what he heard, and remained speechless
while the President scored him. Upon the
Presidents command, ''Go sir % Baker
hastily moved toward the door; but before
hequite arrived there, Mr.. johnson added !:
Hold one moment, sir. desire that you
now 90 to the Secretary of War, and tell
him every word | have said to you; and
(shaking his finger at him) don't you ever
let me see you here again." TrH &.
The Great Detective" left instanter, and
has obeyed the last injunction of the Presi-
dent most religiously.