The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1867-08-31

visions of this act. In the capital no one APP
pears TO understand the problem. The Presi-
dent wavers in his assertion of the dignity of
his Office and its fundamental power and
slowly feels his way in the dark. General
Grant, uncertain whore he stands, makes pro-
test as a Cabinet officer, and reluctantly
Obeys. Far more soldierly had it been had lac
obeyed without question; for the President is
responsible to the people through Congress
not through General Grant.
If we are to have a dictator, let us have
General Grant. We prefer him to any other.
be is mild and generous in his nature. He
would appoint the pToconsuls who are to
govern the several districts from our best
army officers. These, perhaps, taught in
subordination, might soon free their districts
from the irksome authority of the central
power and give the people an enlarged liberty.
1t took seventy years of civil war in Rome to
culminate in a dictatorship. We may boast
that, with telegraph, railroad, and steamboat,
we can move faster. We may bring ours to
focus in seven years, or even less. This
will prove how rapidly we have advanced in
civilization.
Rome went on from step to step until poll
tical necessity forced Caesar to the surface.
The wars of England produced Cromwell
before the mad passions resulting from civil
turmoil could be quieted The French revo-
luton ran its race, and was only forced into a
regular orbit by the strong hand of Bonaparte.
In the United States we have gone on in our
republican theories until we have, North and
South, engrafted upon our political tree
enough ignorance to uproot it in such gale
as that which we are trying to weather. In
telligence is no longer the foundation prinoi-
pie of the republic; for, with the engrafting of
the negro element upon the ignorance which
already existed, we have given ignorance the
power-the majority rules Shall we halt
and try to correct our mistakes, or march for
ward to a military dictatorship? If Grant
were to carry out the orders of Congress in
the spirit which dictated, them he would i'm
mediately become the exponent of usurping
power. Fortunately, thus far our great Gene
raj obeys orderA General Sickles gives place
to Candy, and General Sheridan reports, in
accordance with the orders of the Commander
in-Chief president Johnson), to relieve Gene
raj Hancock. The latter will assume command
| Immediately at New Orleans and carry out the
Reconstruction laws of Congress.
1t is impossible for Congress to strike at the
executive power without giving a worse thrust
at the vitals of the Republic. So long as we
desire to uphold the present form of govern
ment we must sustain the President in full
executive authority. If he thwarts the laws
made by the people through their Congress,
then impeach the President. Do not go behind
| him to teach insubordination and overthrow
principles instead of the man; otherwise we
kill where we would cure. Andrew Johnson
as man, is of little consequence to our people
We may overturn and replace him; but how
are we to overturn and replace the principles
| which we have voted that he shall protect
Therefore, let it be understood that he VIII
sustains the President at this juncture sustain
not the man but the executive principle. H
who upholds the opposition which Congress
would force upon General Grant sustains
military dictatorship, and must prepare him
self for its results.