Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1867-12-24
GEN. GRANT.


President in relation to the removal of Sec
rotary Stanton aud Generals Sheridan and
Sickles, has been brought to the light AID
spread before the public. In commenting
upon it, the Lynchburg Republican, says that
it is in all respects one Of the most remarka-
bic and unique illusions that has ever yet
been submitted to the scrutiny and judgement
of the world. Whether viewed with regard
to its tangled construction and eccentric gram.
mar, its temper and spirit, its peculiar logic
or 'ts extraordinary conclusions, it stands
without peer and rival and the last faint
doubt as to Gen. Grants status it effectually
remOved-bOth with respect to his stutemuu-
ship and ability, and his views on the promi-
nent issues of the day.
With Gen. Grants ideas of rhetoric, and
Of the respect aud Difference which are due
his superior officer, we have nothing to do
1t is no concern of ours that he butchers the
Kings English, and addresses the Comman-
der-in Chief of the army aud navy in dsre.
spcctful and dictatorial tone. Bat the posi-.
tions he assumes with respect to the powers
of the Executive, aud the views he advances
as to the policy of Southern Reconstruction,
are matters which affect the country at large.
No labOred or rigid analysis is required to cx-
pose the weak foundation on which his argu-
ment rests and, that argument, in the light
of subsequent events, is most completely
answered and destroyed by its own results
and application. Gen. Grant proceeds on
the principle that the will of the people is
the supreme law Of this land, and his protest
against the removal Of Stanton and Sheridan
isgrounded upon the trust and affection which
the people reposcd in and cherished for them
Let the voice of the masses, as spoken out in
the late Northern elections, decide which man
had the strongest hold on the popular heart,
Andrew johnson or Edwin Stanton! As for
Sheridan, We believe that the administration
of no Southern district commander did more
than his, or as much as his, to disgust and
alarm the thinking people of the North
His martyrdom was confidently expected and
energctically welded to excite the sympathy
Of the people and to break down the admins
tration. The effort met with a failure COM
plete and inglorious; and the very cities
through which the would be hero and martyr
passed, were those which rolled up the largest
majority in support of the President and his
policy. Gen. Grant is thus refuted out of
his own mouth. 1t was not the people, but a
mad and wicked Radical faction that sustain
cd and trusted Stanton, and applauded Shcr-
idan's infamous career. The people have
passed their emphatic verdict upon both, and
have pronounced them unworthy of the posi-
tions they occupied. The President thus is
fully sustained and supported by the very tri-
bunal to which Gen. Grant would submit his
conduct.
We own chat We are much surprised that a
man Of Grants pretensions should be deceived
By the silly and extravagant stories told of
rebel outragcs and cruelties in Texas. These
reports are all made, as n matter of course
by Bureau officials and others, whose services
are only retained, at an immense expense to
the government and people, because of the
unsafe condition of Union men and negroes,
as falsely reported by these very officials
Sheridan to justify his own unscrupulous and
lawless administration, endorsed these foolish
tabricatiOns, and rescued them from the ridi-
cule and discredit with which they would
have been otherwise received. 1t certainly
speaks badly for Gen. Grants intelligence
aud penetration, that he too accepts aud re-
iterates these infamous ISLANDERS ut the expense
Of subjugated, impoverished and helpless
community.
This letter goes to prove that no military
chiettain, whatever his ability and distinguish
ed public services, is fit for high civil re-
sponsibility. Gen. Grant conducted the ar
mics of the United States over many bloody
and hard-tought fields to a splendid and per-
feet triumph. But no civic laurels are wo-
ven in the wreath that adorns his temples, and
history will sigh with regret and disappoint-
ment as she turns from the annals of his proud
achievements in battle, to look for the an
swering record of his victories won in peace.
In contrast to his narrow-minded and sell.
fish course, the recent example of Gen. Ham
cock stands in marked and conspicuous relief.
lie at least appreciates and admits that the
free people can only be bought by maguani-
nous and honorable dealing. Long after
Phil. Sheridan is consigned to kind oblivion.
and Grant is remembered and honorcd only
for the victories associated with the army
which he led, the noble policy of Gen. Ham
cock towards the people of the 9th military
district, vii! stand as an enduring monument
Of fame aud honor
EE5- Fhe King of Denmark thinking that
the sale os the Islands of ST. Thomas and St.
John to the United States was cousummated
by the interchange prelim:naries, has issued