Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1866-09-19
Johnson Criticised by n Friend Of
His Policy.

Johnson Criticised by n Friend Of
His Policy.
The New York Evening" Post has not only
become disgusted with Andrew Johnson,
it is quit. enraged with him. After having
done what it can to divide and demoralixe the
Republican party, it finds that the disgraoeful
course of the President is every day adding
strength to, and consolda Ting, that party all
ov.r the country. In its issue of last Tuesday
it says
To the little club of politicians whom their
opponents have dubbed radicals" the Pres-
dent has been great card. Without his as
sistance, without his violent speeches, his inju
dicou. conduct, without his wild denunciations
of the motives of those opposed to q sound
policy, without his insulting remarks about
Congress, and his equally insulting attempts
to dictate to the people, and to impose his ill
and wishes upon them, and control the cleo
| tions by such foolish means as Wholesale re-
movals from office-without all this, We do
not believe the line Of policy advocated by MIR.
Stevens and the Tribune would have had at
this time even a remote chance of success be-
| fore the people.
However that may be, it is worth while for
him to remember that in politics, as in war,
success is the test of merit, and he has certain
| ly by bis language and conduct for some months
past, taken the surest means TO disgust the
| people of the Northern States, not only with
himself, but, what is of far greater moment,
with the sound policy VIII lch has the misfortune
TO have his countenance. Ii is melancholy
reflection to those who have found it their du-
ty to support that policy, that their most dam
I =
makes jadcious course so hateful to the pc j.
| pie, tina, 40 argument is listened to, and no
appeals to reason, to the Constitution. to COM
mon sense, can gain hearing.
The Post says of the people
They suspect the good faith of Mr. johnson
they believe he harbors secret designs in favor
of tie late Shareholders they believe him 10
be false friend to liberty they are persuaded
,ha. he means to misuse the great power and
influence of the Presidential office for ends in
furious to liberty and to the welfare and honor
of the nation. 1t is quite useless to argue
against these convictions. The retort comes
quickly ." If he is true man, why does he
appoint the most notorious copperheads to
office ? Why does he insult again and again
the Congress, a coordinate bra Ech OF the gov
ernment, the direct and immediate representa-
tive Of the nation Why are his chief sup
porters. like Montgomery Blair, going about
| the country revilipg the most faithful defend
ers and supporters Of the Union Why does
Mr.. Johnson himself consort with men who,
during the whole course of the war, had only
scorn and hate for our soldiers and for MIR
| Lincoln ? We confess that these are questions
hard to enswer. We leave them to Mr.. Sc
ward, who, alone of the whole public, So far 3
We know, thinks the Pre- sdent the wisest of
! nd nd bo baD h.
a reason for the faith with which he is filled to
overhowing.
Mr. Johnson would do well to remember
that, whether tor good or evil, he must take
hi. place in history. HIS administration nav
be blessing 10 the country 1t may be even
greater curse than that of James Buchanan
Thus far be has only succeeded in raising up
against himself and the pollcy which he tavors
a tremendous opposition. 1t is q feat o.
which he will not hereafter be proud-a man
of far less ability would have done this much
as we'll as he. If he has wisdom and Capacity
to 4uell the storm, to regain the ooni Ience
he has sacrificed, il is high time TO begin. One
thing is sure; without the support of the
twenty loyal States, and of the twenty-five
millions OF loyal people, whose bravery, endur.
ance and devotion to the Union saved Mr.
Johnson from being homeless refugee, aod
gave him country to be President OF, without
their confidence and support, no plans. how
ever wise, no policy, however, Just, that hs may
favor, succeed The people VINO tough,
out the great war will have their say upon toe
question o: recJnstruc,lon and 1t is the part
OF wise statesnanship 10 persuade toem-f,r
they cannot oe driven or compelled.
The Post is certainly right in affirming tna
- the people VINO fought out the Will have
their say on the question of reconstruction /; ,
and not only the President, but tue Post and
knared papers, will s,o1 learn tia, tact oy IL.
emphatic announce neni ID all the fall &C
tions.