Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1867-09-03

reeting me to assume" tho Ofhee, still he has
sense enough to add, ''in notifying you ofmy
acceptance." Now subordinates do not ac-
cept orders; they obey them.
Let rs hear no more Of Grants being oblig,
ed to take this Office, as, it was said. he was
obliged to accompany johnson on that dis
graceful Western tour. On both occasions
such statements were only himsy excuses in
vented by Grants toadies, to cover up the
mistakes and servility of their idol.
The Offering of such empty excuses gives
US painful doubts of the mood in which Grant
and his friends are at this moment. Congress
represents the republican party. Stanton be-
longs to it; that is his offence in JOhnson's
eyes. If Grant is republican, by what rule
of party fidelity does he accept the Office out
of which Stanton has been turned simply for
being n republican. According to all the
we'll known rules of parties, Grant declares
himself not republican. Any one who re-
members Tyler's time will recall facts proving
this.
The President put Grant into StantoD's
place only to divert public attention and soft
EN- the Indignation ut StantOn's removal with
the content ut Grants appointment. Grant
will serve to bridge over from Stanton to
Steedman, or some other hanger-On of the
White House.
No doubt the President intends to remove
the District Commanders. Then he sees
Grant must either hold on and be responsible
for it or resign and make way for some of
JOhnson's creatures. The only other alterna-
tive is that Grant should submit to Sheridan's
removal and still hold Office under the plea of
preventing more mischief.
This is the pen on which Stanton has re.
mained in Office. He has worn it to rags.
This course is a sacrifice of all personal
honor. 1t degrades a man from a Cabinet
officer into spy. Atsuch time as Buchan>
ans last six mOnths-the whole government
hOneycombed with treason-such a course is
allowable as it is in war. But in ordinary
times no honorable man would stOop to it,
In ordinary times no theory of citizenship
calls on man to spy and listen under the
windows, and stand before the world respon-
sible for policy he abhors, in order, by such
degradation, to serve his country. "I'll die
to serve my country" said the old Scotsman,
''but will not do a mean thing to save her."
1t is time Americans learned this lesson
Forgetting it,. was the poison that ate out all
national character in time past.
Besides, honest men cOnsorting with knaves
in ORDER to prevent their doing mischief, is
false philosophy. 1t is the presence Ofh"nest
men in the crew that enables it to do mischief
If two years ago Stanton and other reputa-
BILE men had quilted johnson on the plea,
which they privately allowed, that he was a
traitor, he would have been checkmated aud
thrown overheard.
To day, if Grant had answered the Presi>
dent (according to what is asserted to be his
private opinion) :-"Sir you have no authori-
ty to suspend Stanton, and denying that right,
as we'll as detecting the policy which leads
you to wish his suspension, decline to accept
the place" johnson could not have suspended
Stanton. Cheered, taught and sustained by
such an act on Grants part, the public would
have exhibited such Indignation ut johnson,
and such approval of Grants gallant fidelity
to his comrade and his principles, as to have
overawed johnson. Ifafter that he had dared
to suspend Stanton. no decent man would have
accepted the post; and the moment Congress as
sembled johnson would have ceased to reign.
To day Grant is the staff which holds up
the traitor President. Without him johnson
could neither stand nor walk. Grant to-day
enables the President to 90 on and remove
Sheridan. 1t will be in vain for Grant to re-
sign when the act is done, and cry out, 81
disnPprOve." AS we'll might the accomplce
who hands the dagger to the murderer cry
out, when the victim is dead, II disapprove."
WENDELL PHILLIPS.