The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1867-09-04

it of reconciliation. His administration OF
the Department Of the Cumberland will
certainly compare most favorably with
that Of General Sheridan insthe Fifth MILF
tary District. There affairs appear to be
in disturbed condition. and bitter feeling
of antagonism seems to have resulted from
General Sheridan's management. He has
rendered himselfeSceedingly obnoxious by
the manner in which he has exercised even
the powers conferred by Congress, and
still more SO by resort to authority not
granted by law, nor necessary to its faith
full and efficient execution. His rule has,
in fact, been one Of absolute tyranny, with.
out reference to the principles of our gov
eminent or the nature of our free institu-
tons. ~ 3
The state Of affairs which has resulted
from the course he has pursued has seri-
ously interfered With harmonious, salts
factory and speedy execution of the acts
of Congress, and Is alone Sufficient to JUS
tify a change.
His removal therefore cannot be regard
ed as an effort to defeat the laws of Con-
gress, for the object is to facilitate their
execution through an officer who has never
failed to obey the statutes of land, and to
exact within bis jurisdiction like obed-
ence from others. It cannot be interpre-
ted by the uhteconstncted element in the
South, those who did all they could to
break up this Government by arms, and
now wish to he the oily element consulted
as to the method Of restoring order, as
Triumph, for as Intelligent men they must
know, that the mere change of Military
Commanders cahnot alter the LAW. and that
General Thomas will be as much bound by
its requirements as General Sheridan. II
cannot embolden them to renewed opposi-
ton to the viii Of the loyal masses, believ-
ing that they have the Executive with
them, for they are perfectly familiar with
the antecedetts of the President, and know
that he has not INSTRUCTED the faithful ex-
ecution ofany act Of Congress-.
| No one, as You are aware, has a higher
appreciation than myself, of the services Of
General Thomas, and no one would be less
inclined to assign him to command not
entirely to bis wishes.
Knowing him as we'll as I do, ! cannot
think that he will hesitate for a moment to
obey any order having in view complete
and speedy restoration of the Union, in the
preservation ofwhich be has rendered such
important and valuable services.
| General Hancock, known to the whole
country as gallant, able and patriotic sol
dier, will, have no doabt, sustain his
high reputation in any position to width
ne may be assigned. If, as you observe
the department which be will have, is q
complicated one, feel confident that, un.
der the guidance dhd instruction of General
Sherman, General Sheridan will soon be.
come familiar with its necessities, and will
avail himself Of the opportunity afforded
by the Indian troubles, forthe display o.
the. energy, enterprise and daring, which
|, gave him 50 enviable reputation during
our recent civil struggle. as
4 In assuming that it is the expressed wisl
!, of the people that General Sheridan SHOULD
, not be removed from his present command
you remark that "this is q Republic, wher
5 the will Of the people is the law Of tn
. land" and beg athat their voice may b
heard" This is, indeed. q Republic. base.
9 however, upon q written Constitution
! That Constitution is the combined and es
pressed will of the peonle. and their yoic
is law when reflected Il the manner whic
that instrument prescribes. While one q
its provisions make the President Con
i mander-in Chief Of the army and navy. al
other requires that he shall take care tha
I'll the laws be faithfully executed Believin
i: that change ID the command Of. the FIT
E Military District is absolutely necessary fo
= a faithful execution of the laws 7 have !,
q sued the order which Is the subject Of thi
g correspondence, ahd in thus Exercising
:. power that inheres In the Executive titde
: the Constitution as Commander-ip- Chief {
4 the military and fYayal forrceerr. / an, di,
J. charging duty required Of me by the wi
o of the nation, as formerly declared in tb
supreme law Of the land By his oath tb
i Executive IS bound, to the best Of hi
. ability, to preserve, protect and defend Ii
: Constitution and although in times {
5, great excitement it may be lost to publ
. view, it is his dnty, without regard to Ii
. consequences to himself, to hold sacred on
/ to enforce any and all Of its provisions
y Any other course wonld lend to thead
It struction Of the Republic, for, tie Const
le tuition once abolished there would be \
/. Congress for the exercise Of lepisla;,
d powers; no Executive to see that Il
: laws are faithfully executed no judicial
% ~, y snola y .ne cl''1gn Pro!ectlon LOT ~
= itahlv follow md dssnot;sm h % f;ved u =
- On tho naonla IA v;o,et;nn oe,,,a;r cor,h;
d ed a. and do expressed , will y;