Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1867-06-27
Matters and Things I'm the National
Capitol.
WASHINGTON CITY, D.. c.,
Junp oD 1QH7

.. June %, 1867
To me Editor Of He belmont Chronicle:
SIR: Believing that u brief account of
matters and things transpiring in the
National Capitol would not prove unin-
teresting to your readers, | have vcntur-
ed to prepare short letter, which is at
your service for publication, if you deem
it worthy of II place in your columns.
The latest political sensation here is
the eAttorncy-General's opinion, defining,
and, so far as in him lies, determining
the powers and duties of the several Dis
trict Military Commanders, assigned to
duty in the late rebelliOus States, under
the provisions of the Reconstruction
acts of Congress. The President and his
Cabinet had that opinion under review
on the 18th instant, and have endorsed
it in ertensO, Mr. Stanton being the only
member of the Cabinet taking issue with
the views of the Attorney-General.
Already we see foreshadowed the dis
astrous results likely to flow from the
PRONUNCIATION, by authority, of Mr.. STAN
bery's opinion, in the proffered resigna-
ton of Maj. Gen. Sickles-perhaps the
able, administrative officer of any of the
five Military Commanders. He declines
to accept the construction of the acts of
Congress under which he holds his office,
as enunciated by the Attorney-Genera
and tenders his resignation and demands
a court of inquiry.
This conflict of opinion between the
Administration and the District Military
Commanders, who are no doubt carrying
into execution the laws of Congress re-
lative to reconstruction as the trainers
of those laws intended they should be,
will undoubtedly necessitate session of
Congress in July next. And it is to be
hoped that when Congress does re-as-
sembled, no further hasty, crude, and
| incomplete legislation upon this all-im-
portant subject will be allowed to pass
into laws. The country looks for, nay
demands, that something tangible and
conclusive shall be enacted law so
clear and comprehensive, that che who
runs may read" Let whatever is done
in the premises by Congress be done
wisely, maturely, and thoroughly, leaving
no shadow of chance for demagogues
and political charlatans, be they who
they may, to misconstrue the plain letter
and meaning of the law, and thus inn
pede practical reconstruction, and keep
alive turmoil, confusion, and dissension
The President, Secretary of State, and
limited number of personal friends left
the city yesterday morning en- route fol
Boston, ostensibly to witness the laying
of the cornerstone of q Masonic Temple
or something of the sort. But few as
sembled at the Depot to see his Excel.
lency start on a train.
The trial of John III. Surratt has been
in progress the entire week, and from
present indications will continue fol
several weeks to come. The prosecution
il making out a strong case against the
notorious John, and unless the defense
can prove an dlibi beyond oil reasonable
Doubt conviction win inevitably follow
am personally acquainted with many
of the Jurors, and am free to confess thai
better selections could not have beer
made. 1t is composed of our very bes
citizens men of unquestionable loyalty
intelligence and integrity; in who's,
hands, l feel fully convinced, justice
complete and entire, will be done, re
gardless of consequences.
am panied to announce that tn,
Head of the Agricultural Department
Isaac Newton, ESQ, departed this life OF
Wednesday evening last. Mr.. Newtor
was plain, practical Pennsylvania
farmer, genial, unpretending, and warm
hearted,-i religious belief he held I,
the sect of Quakers-a worthy class O
Christians. by the way, not appreciates
by the American people, as they shoul'
The position of Chief of the Agricul
, tural Department, Is one of no ordinar,
: importance, especially in such gloriou
agricultural country as ours, and shoul
; be filed by man not only theoretically
| but practically qualified to creditabl
, perform its arduous duties. Col. Capron
} of Illinois, is spoken Of to fill the va
+ cancy. Why cannot Ohio, in view {
1 her leading position as an agriculture
: State, receive the appointment? Gu
: State, nay the Sixteenth Congressional
A District, can furnish man in every 4,
$ sion. Our able and popular Represent,
v tive, Hon. John A. Bingham, is no,
4 here, and, If the right man is presented
/ will undoubtedly use his best endeavol
Q to secure to Ohio the heappointment.