The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1867-10-11

GEy. 5t;RANr's Posrrios DEVISED ny
Hos. E.B. w.sHsuKsE-The s'aismen, OF
the view. and posiiion Of Gen. Grant made
'by Hon. T. u. Wasllburne ut Galena, ILL.,,
is somewha, fuller than that expressed by
him a short time ago. Tie declares that
Gran, was member Of the old Wing par.
~, ms his father was, and never was a DEM
ocrar. lie advocated Mr. Lincoln re.clcc'
ton in letter which was widely published
at the time. lie was openly and strongly
for both constitutional amendments With
regard to Gen. Grants present official posi-
ton. Mr.. Wa.hbune is reported as speak
ing rs follows: f.-.
seen Grant occupies At the present time the
position IL Secretary Of War I'D interim In the
Cabinet Of Mr.. Johnson. Ills action in accept
ing that position had been the subject of a
great deal Of comment, and excited the fears
Of many good and loyal men. IL invoked the
denunoiation Of enemies. and brought forth
the excuses OF friends. lie accepted that posi-
ton not, as has been alleged. in obedience to
the commands ct superior officer, but from
the stern sense OF duty TO his country. The
President had determined TO remove the Score
tary Of War at all hazards, and without excuse
or Justification. Tho President thought to re
lieye himself from the odium OF Mr.. Stanton's
removal, and draw attention from that action
by offering the place 10 Gen. Grant. What
was 10 be donel Should the General step into
the shoes Of Mr.. Stanton and WELD oil the 10.
ultimate powers uf the department In aid oil
reconstruction and In support OF the district
commandersl In the management OF the III
dian war and supervision OF war contracts,
should he be there 10 resist the raid OF the
thieves and plunderers and war-claim agents
whom Stanton had held at bay, and who were
waiting to thrust their arms into the Treasury
TO flch untold millions OF the public money
Or, should he refuse. and permit that most I'm,
portant position TO be fllei by copperhead
and a johnson man, who would hintcr recon-
struction, who would demirailc the army,
who would sanction fraudulent and bogus
claims Of rebels and bring reproach generally
upon the public scryicel General Grant dld
not, therefore, hesitate to accept the position
and all Its responsibilities, and his action had
the concurrence Of Mr.. Stanton. Indeed no
steps were taken in that whole business, except
upon full consultation and understanding be-
tween these two distinguished men. Under
such circumstances the loyal men OF the coun-
try would have had good cause to censure Gen.
Grant had he refused the position The very
men who had censurcd him most for taking u
would now have been censuring him for not
taking Il. They would have said that, profess
ing to be in sympathy with loyal men and In
favor OF reconstruction. he shrank from the
responsibility Of q place offered 10 him In
which he could have been OF inestimable ser
vice to the country, and by such refusal the
War Department went into the hands OF an en-
envy. But the General wants no other Vindi-
cation for his action than will be furnished by
his record when II shall see the light, and by
his official acts. He can afford to walt