The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1867-08-07

TIE Secretary Of War Oecfsses chs Pres'-
denrs I.vitsiisa 70 Rs~ixs.
Mr.. Stanton has declined the Presidents tnvi-
tation 70 retire from office" Grave public con-
siderations," be writes, in reply to the fres'-
dents letter, "constrain me to continue IN
the position of Secretary Of War until the
next meeting Of Congress-" 10 some circum-
STANCES il would seem q mere matter OF pro-
priety and personal dignity that member
of q ministry should retire when his Views Of
public policy were no longer in harmony with
the views OF his official associates, and more
particularly when he held position Of direct
antagonsm with the constitutional Executive
In this view, therefOre-whioh is indeed the true
view Of the courtesies and proprieties Of the
relations Of Cabinet officer in their natural
stste-a letter should hardly be called for; a
mans own perceptions should carry him out
Of Office. But this would be narrow view Of
the case to take ct the present time. and the
country must regretfuliy acknowledge that this
delicaOy would be worse than wasted on Mr..
johnson. He would not only misunderstand
this conduct, but be would dangerously abuse
the position in which such course would
place him; for. we are ofopinion that inc sugges-
ton Of devOlving Mr.. StautOn's duties on Gene
raj Grant doe, not Indicate the Presidents pur-
pose. That is an idea arttally thrown out TO
chsnge-to render the people less dissatisfied
with the notion ofgetting Stanton out of tho
way for since Grant is accepted as the
stanchest champion Of popular rights, the
hint that be will succeed to the Secretary's
duties is expected to spread the idea that the
son and Stanton ia not owing to any difference
in principle relating to reconstruction. but
rather to such smaller matters az personal
pique. This ia the purpose Of the statement that
Stanton will give way to Grant. 1t ia to com
mend the change to the country; while behind
il, no doubt. is a real intention TO put in Mr.
STATIONS place man who can be used al
easy tool in . new game tor tho obstruction Of
the Congressional plan for the restoration Of
the States.
Mr.. Stanton has held to bis place through
many storms with peculiar tenacity, aud be
the Executive from the course Of Con
gress In passing the Tenure Of Office bill
Congress declared its want of confidence in the
President II declared that the safety of the
country would not permit that be should retain
the power which usage and the law had alike
assigned to his Office, and it tied his hands by
law against which no respectable protest was
heard. That law was intended to cover just
such case as this. and Mr.. Stanton must stand
upon it now. His resignation would be Just
what the President and his party most desire;
for they have so little confidence 10 their case
that they fear 10 push it to direct issue Let
Mr.. Stanton rest distinctly on the law, that we
may see and know what there is in it, and have
nothing covered up. In view Of the threaten
ings that have been Illuminated against Stanton
and Sheridan we doubt il the President will
dare to follow up his game if he finds the Secre
tary resolute and determined to test his right.
But il he has the courage, let the issue be fairly
made He proposes, it Is said. If Mr.. Stanton
win not resign, to remove him, and depend
for his justification upon the clause Of tho
law that retains . Secretary Of War in Office
for the term of the President By whom he Is
appointed, unless sooner removed, with tho
consent Of the Senate. and calling attention
to the fact that Mr.. Stanton was appointed BY
Mr.. Lincoln.
We see here that the President proposes to
rest his case upon bubble, and has proba-
bly, had advice on the subject from that illus
trious quibbier, Mr.. Stanbery. Doubtless Mr..
Stanbery could argue all around the law. and
GOULD even prove 1t demonstrations" If
called upon but people have taken the law
in its plain meaning, and they cannot see how
Mr.. Lincoln could form Mr.. Johnson's Cabinet
fit suited Mr.. johnson to accept the Cabinet
left by Mr. Lincoln, such acceptation was a
practical rsappointmsnt, and cannot be other
wise regarded.