The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1867-08-05
THE REMOVAL OF SHERIDAN,

FROM me NelU York Citizen
=, General Sheridan seems to be undisturbed by
the rumors OF his Impending removal, and con-
unues to remove further "impediments" to the
lawful execution OF the Reconstruction act of
Congress-this time through "a readjustmentn
oil the Boards of Aldermen and Assistant Alder
men OF the city of New Orleans. There can be
no question raised, we presume, as to his au.
thorty 10 perform this act under the amended
ACT Oh Congress. Neither can his action in the
removal OF Governor Threckmorton be called
| IN question on any grounds except those of
policy, and IN regard to this there can be little
| doubt that his action is fully justified by the
| facts.
The only grounds, then, of the contemplated
| removal of Sheridan, are his acts previous to
| the passage OF the amendatory Reconstruction
| act. In regard to that we apprehend there is
| little difference OF opinion. The rashness and
inconsderateness OF that action, and its uniusti-
| habeness on any principles of legal construc-
| tion, is conceded with unanimity only equaled
| by that with which 1t has been finally and
| substantially approved by the people We
regard it as unfortunate, as a great mistake that
| the people and Congress should deliberately
have put aside the question of the legality of
| the action OF military commander, where no
| stress of military necessity could be urged in
| justification of his action, and should have
| legahzed it by express act subsequently. But
| this is government OF the people, and the tact
| of such action on their part is unquestionable
| and conclusive. Wu
On what grounds, then shall the Pres s,asa.
60 back OF this authorization by Congress of
| acts confessedly illegal at the time of their
committal? Shall IL be for the purpose Of
| vindcating the law =? The lawma1ing
| power has already condoned that offense'
! and has placed in the hands of the Offending
| military commander the full power which
was lacking at the time the acts complained
| of were performed. Certainly the executive
is relieved thereby from all responsibility,
and has only to see that the law as it stands
is faithfully executed. Shall it be on grounds
Of policy? The reopening of the issues
settled by the late legislation of Congress
Will only exasperate anew public opinion,
and pave the way for more extreme and
proscriptive legislation. In the present con-
dluon of public sentiment we are fully
assured that nothing could be more ill-advised
on any showing of facts that Is open to the
pubic, than the removal of Sheridan; and we
90 not credit the reports that have been sent out
from washington That il is seriously contem-
plaIed' IL is for his conduct under an act OF
OohRress, 4 at ALL that he is to be called to
account But CONGRESS has triumphantly sus
lalned the officer arraigned. Doubtless the ex
Rlanatory act was an afterthought, but with
tnat we cannot see that the executive, as such,
} mas any concern. While deprecating the mode
, OF reconstruction adopted by Congress- we be-
J neve that good policy and good faith alike
demand that the fullest force should be given tC
It's acts and that, above all, every appearance Of
1 sition should be avoided. 'N''o 'PpO