Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1868-02-25
EXCITEMENT AT WASHINGTON.

ueEGuI
From the Federal capital we have news.ot
the most startling character. The.Fresidents
in the exercise of his constitutional right mas
ordered the removal of Stanton from the War
DEPARTMENT, and appointed Gen. Lorenzo
Thomas to succeed him. We prefer to give
the details of the momentous events now
Transporting, as We gather them from the daily
papers, to presenting any views of our own.
We copy from the Baltimore papers of Sat
urday and yesterday
.WAsuINoroN, February 21.-There has
been to-day more excitement, speculation,
misapprehenson and confusion of facts in
consequence of the removal. Ct. Mr.. Stanton
from the office Of Secretary of War, than has
been observed, probably, heretofore, in refer
ence to any important occurrence in the cap
ital. The action of the President became
known generally about two o'clock, and
instantly the news spread all over the Capitol
and shortly after was known. in all parts of
the city.
The first impression among the opponents of
the administration was that the direction OF
the Executive to Gen. Thomas military
order, that it was to beearried out, if executed
at all, by resort to military force. This i'm
preston yet prevails TO some extent, aaa it is
stated that the Senate was induced to so lm-
mediately into executive session in conse-
oueuce Of the same erroneous idea Of the pur-
pose of the President.
All kinds of extravagent rumors are atloat
tonight of what has taken place and of what
is to be done. One report says the Senate,
which was in session until about 8 so tonight,
bod 70 inf
that he must not give possession of the War
Department to Mr.. Thomas. Another, that
all military officers in the District are ordered
TO report for duty tonight to General Emory,
commandant of this military Department.
Another Just now comes that Gen. Lorenzo
Thomas has been arrested by order Of Gen.
Grant
These are the specimens Of tho many rumors
afloat at / l o'clock tonight. The real facts
are that the Presidents action in all that has
been done today is purely of a civil character,
and in nowise partakes OF the military. His
purpose is simply to remove one officer and
appoint another al interim, and if the first
refuses to obey the order, then probably, to
test the matter by regular legal proceedings
in the civil courts, or getting possession of
the Office through his nd interim, appointee,
to compel Stanton to seek his remedy byacrt
quo Udrranto or other procedure that may
be lawful to bring the matter before the courts
General Thomas being in possession of an
Office in the building of the War Department.
he is appointed Secretary odinterinp, and an
order is issued removing Mr.. Stanton, and
directing him to turn over to General Thomas
the papers, property, &c. Gen. Thomas calls
about noon upon Mr.. Stanton, informs the
latter that he (Thomas) has been appointed
Go and has accented.
Mr.. Stanton Inquiries, civilIy, 'Do you pro.
pose to take immediate possession, or shall
have time to remove my papers!' Gen
Thomas replies, 81 am now Secretary dd in
term and have possession; you can have SUIT
ficient time to remove your papers, and SO
the interview ended.
Afterwards the President notified the Sen
ate as n matter of courtesy, Of what he had
done. The Senate went into executive session,
and after pro:racted debate, adopted the
following and sent copy to the President,
which was received at 1870 tonight:
SIN E,recutire Session, Senate ot'thc United
States February 81, 1668.-Whercas the
Senate has received and considered the com
1nunication of the President, stating that he
had removed Edwin N. Stanton, Secretary of
War, and had designated the Adjutant ZEN
cral of the army to act as Secretary of War
al tHtertm, therefore.
',Resolved, That under the constitution
and laws of the United States, the President
has no power to remove the Secretary of War
and dcsignate any other officer to perform tho
duties of that Office ad Interim"
The following is the order of the Presi-
dent, addressed to Stanton, notifying him of
his removal
EXECUTIVE MANSION.
Washington, d. e., February 81, 1865.
Sir: BY virtue of power and authority YES
ted in me as President by the constitution
and laws Of tue United States, you are here
by removed from Office as Secretary of the
Department of War, and your functions as
such will terminate upon receipt ofthis COM
muncation.
You will transfer to Brevet Major General
Lorenzo Thomas. Adjutant General of the
Army, who has this day been authorized and
empowered to act as Secretary of War ad IN
ferim, all records, books, papers, and other
public property now i'll your custody and
charge.
Respectfully yours,
ANDREW JousoN, President.
To the Hon. Edwin NJ. Stanton, Washing
ton, D. G.
LATER.
Lirre.t of General Thomas and Release on.
BuH-Ercitement IN Washington
riew of Gen. Thomas aoih 4HT, Station
Refusal to .Surenaer-tNr. Stant0" SAL
Il. Observation-Disclosures tciM the President,
DC, dc.
WAsH1NdroS, February %.
The War Office excitement famed out
aflesh in the city at early hour on Satur-
day morning, having been kept up all Friday
night in Secretary STATIONS office in the War
Department building. The events of Fri
day, it will be remembered, closed with the
announcement Of the action of; the Senate, in
executive session, refusing to confirm the