The Pulaski citizen. [volume] (Pulaski, Tenn.) 1866-current, 1868-02-28
'NOw CONES THE TUG OF WAR. ="
A Revolution on Hand.
Exciting News from Washington.

OlueI removing Stanton from the war De-
partment, and appointing Adj .tant- Gene
raj Lore: 70 Thomas. Secretary of War, I'D
Interim. Stanton asked for time 10 remove
his pa. ers, which was granted, and in
the meantime he communicated with the
Senate, asking whether he or Gen. Thomas
was the Secretary, and in response to The
inquiry a committee OF that body called and
instructed him to hold the office, and not
surrender it to Gen. Thomas. The same
committee visited Gen. Grant, and it is
supposed that their action met his appro-
val. Subsequently the Senate passed a
resolution declaring that the President bad
no right to remove Mr.. Stanton.
In the afternoon, Thomas demanded
possession Of the War Office, showing his
order from the President, and ordering the
Department closed 90 Saturday in honor
of Washington's birth day, but Stanton re-
fused to surrender.
Friday morning, warrant was issued by
Chief-J Justice David K Carter, for the ar
rest of Gen. Thomas. based upon an aft
davit of Mr.. Stanton, charging that Gene
raj Thomas, was about to take forcible pos
session of the War Office, and deprive
him (Stanton) of his authority rs Secreta-
~ of War. Thomas was arrested and
bound over in bond of $4,000, for his
appearance before the Chief-Justice on the
Goth. After his release, he again appear
ed at the War Office, and announced his
determination to discharge the duties as
Secretary by authority of the President of
the United States.
Mr.. Stanton replied he could do no such
thing, and ordered him to his room to per-
form his duties as Adjutant General. Gen.
Thomas replied he had been ordered by the
President to be Secretary of War adj inte-
rim, and he intended to do l.. Mr. Stan
ton again replied he should not, and again
ordered him to his room, and denied the
power of the President to make any such
order. Gen. Thomas said he would not
go; that he should obey the order of the
President, and not obey the orders of Mr..
Stanton.
Mr.. Stanton remarked GAS Secretary
of War, order you to repair to you own
place as Adjutant General"
Thomas-"I shall not do 500
StantOn-"Then you may stay there as
long as you please, if the President orders
you, but you cannot act as Secretary of
War;
Thomas Fshall act as Secretary OF
War"
MI. Thomas then withdrew into a room
opposite, being the General Receivers
room.
Mr.. Stanton Immediately followed him.
After some conversation, Mr.. Stanton said :
Then you claim to be here as Secretary
of War, and refuse to obey my orders"
Thomas-"I do, sir. I shall require
the mails for the War Department to be de-
livered to me, and shall transact all the
business of the War Department
At this juncture, Gen. Grant and aid
came in. Gen Grant said playfully to Mr.
Stanton Friend, I am surprised to find
you here, supposed you would be at my
headquarters for protection"
and called to see the President, with whom
he had long interview.
Meantime the following proceedings were
going on in Congress
Mr.. Stevens said From The Committee
on obstruction, I beg leave t. make
the following report That. in addition to
the papers referred to, the committee find
that the President, on the 21st day of Feb
ruary, 1868, signed and ordered a COM
mission or letter of authority to one Lo-
renzo Thomas, directing aud authorizing
said Thomas to act as Secretary of War al
interim and to take possession of the books,
records, papers, and other public property
in the War Department. which the fol-
lowing is a copy:
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WAsHINeToN, Feb
ruary 81, 1885, The Hon. Edwin
M. Stanton having been removed from Of
fee as Secretary of the Department of War.
you are hereby authorized and empowered
to act as Secretary of War al interim, and
will Immediately enter upon the discharge
of the duties pertaining to that Office. Mr..
Stanton has been instructed to transfer to
you all records. books, papers and other
public property entrusted to his charge
Respectfully yours,
Signed: ANDREW JOHNSON.
To Brevet Major General Lorenzo Thomas,
Adjutapt General of the United States
[Oficial copy Respectfully furnished
to Hon. Edwin 81. Stanton.
Signed L. THoMAs.
Secretary of War ad interim.
Upon :he evidence collected by the com
mittee, VI ich is hereafter to be presented,
aud in virtue of the power with which they