The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1868-01-21
The President and Secretary Stanton.

Ever since the organization of the Government of
the United States, it has been conceded and acknow
lodged that the President had the right and privilege
choose his Cabinet--his confidential advisers in
public matters In obedience to this time-honored
and just practice, President johnson time ago
removed Secretary Stanton from the War Office, and
appointed Gen. Grant in his place. In accordance
with the Tenure of Office BILL (passcd by the pre-
sent Congress, and intended to cramp the Presdent)
removals from Office by the President must be ap-
proved by the U. S. Senate The Senate, last week,
refused to approve of the removal of Secretary Stan
ton, and consequently Mr. Stanton again took his
position Secretary of War, although it is well
known that President johnson does not want him in
that position. Without consulting the President,
Gen. Grant vacated the Office and turned it to
Stantonan uncourteous act, to say the least of it,
We not adnirer of the manner in which
President Johnson has conducted his administration,
but think he has been treated in shameful man.
ner by the Senate, and if he had the courage that
he ought to have, he would not submit to it.
The following dispatch announces the commence
ment of the disgraceful proceedings:
WASHINGTON, Jan. Electrified copies of the
Senate action regarding Stanton's suspension Ore
fusing to concur in the suspension) furnished
to the President Grant and Stanton last night. Grant
! and Stanton had conference late last night, and
IN again this morning at the War Office. Grant
left the office afterwards and Stanton remained
Stanton received calls from various officers of the
Department, but up to noon had not formerly COM
menced business up to which hour the President had
taken action i'll the premises.
Stanton issued order this afternoon, informing
the employees of the War Office that he had again
taken possession of the portfolio of the War Office
lie drew nearly So 600 from the pay officer being his
salary during suspension. 1t is understood that the
President will in no way recognize Stanton
WASHINGTON. Jan. 15.-There an extra session
of the Cabinet to day for two hours. Grant and
Sherman had long interview with the President.
1t is officially denied that Secretary Stanton drew his
salary during suspension.
\ Washington correspondent of the Richmond Dis
patch makes the following statement
JANUARY l4th-At 1l:30 to-day the President re-
ccived note from Gen. Grant as follows:
..Sir-I have the honor to enclose herewith copy
of the official notice received by last evening of
the action of the Senate of the United States in the
of the suspension of Hon. f. NJ. Stanton Secre
tary of War. According to the provisions of section
ID of the act regulating the tenure of civil officers,
my functions Secretary of War ad interim ceased
from the moment of the receipt Of such notice"
just one hour before this note handed the
President, General Grant had surrendered the War
Department to Stanton, Notwithstanding his positive
agreement with Mr. Johnson-sevcral times repeated,
the last time Saturday-that he would either hold
possession of the office and force Stanton to test the
constuonality of the law in court, or he would give
the President timely notice of his intention to resign
as Secretary I'D Interim that another might be ap
pointed by the President before final action in the
Senate. Grant has not satisfactorily explained why
he failed to keep his promise.
We have doubt that Gen. Grant acted mcanly in
the affair but President johnson is about as unre-
liable as Grant. If the whole concern were put in
bag. and the most unprincipled man called for
there is no telling which would come out first.