The Carson daily appeal. [volume] (Carson City, Nev.) 1865-1870, 1868-01-17
THE FORTIETH CONGRESS WAKING

in which he is engaged, often distin'
glishes himselff for daring in subsequent
fights. He would rather brave DANCE!
than encounter the imputation of cow
ardice. Congress seems now to be
making reparation for showing the
white feather upon the impeachment
question. Its members are beginning
TO appreciate the force of the saying
that "the people will forgive anything
in a public man but pusillanimity."
Indeed, Congress is displaying some
such q spirit as it might, if standing at
bay. The country is glad of this Illus
tration of Holmes lines
When once their sumbering passions burn,
The peaceful are the strong.
The prompt manner with which Ben.
Wood was silenced and rebuked will go
far toward convi acing him and bis fell
low Copperheai Is that there is latent
spiri. in the Republican majority which
itwon't do to trife with.
The time is short wherein to make
certain of the preservation of this Re-
public from its enemies. The manner
of reconstruction has been admirably
devised. A sure guaranty that the plan
will be carried out is what must be had.
There must be no mincing of words-no
halfway business about it. The Presi-
dent must be dealt with as malignant
public enemy upon whom courtesy and
generous dealing are worse than wasted.
He has escaped the punishment he de-
serves SO long that he may dare to pro-
coed to such an extremity as is promised
by bis organ, the National Intelligencer,
and put Grant in arrest if he should
attempt to carry out the contemplated
plan of directing the military govern
ment of the subjugated "Coufedera,e"
territory. We may be sure that the
Presidents rebel advisers will stop at
nothing that promises trouble to the
country. Indeed, johnson plainly in
,imated, in his annual message, that he
had contemplated resort to force as q
measure of resistance to extreme Con-
gressional action. 1t is matter for
serious consideration whether he might
not prefer to attempt the demolition of
the Government, at the risk of perish
ing ia the ruins, rather than live to see
the Republic restored upon the Radical
basis.
1t has been but too evident that Con-
gress has felt constrained to deal with
Johnson as with a man of ordinary in
centives to prudence, caution and the
other conservative attributes that actu-
ate mankind in not proceeding to deeds
Of blind, destructive desperation. They
have thought be could be held by law.
Their error lies ia the fact that they are
dealing with the mad, depraved head of |
the remnant of the Rebellion. His pro-
acts and messages are the
deliberate determinations of COnfede-
rate Congress which holds its sessions q
a the White House aud which works I
with as much industry and unanimity
Is the Reconstruction Committee at the
as. end of the Avenue. The danger to \
.e apprehended is, that failing to cat .
naneuyer Congress, Johnson viii at t
empt to overthrow its authority by q
,o,d and desperate clutch at the machi-
iery of the army and its use, at a time :.
.ad in directions which men who respect ;,
be laws and love peace never would f.
iream of. Congress must deal with the
resident es With man who needs to v
10 kept under constant guard. o
We welcome the signs OF increasing
ourage and bolduess of spirit manifest
i by Congress. Such temper is
Tor,hy of the representatives Of the ;,
oyaiiy Of this Nation. So long as it is "
ustained, it will be applauded by the h
dice OF the people. The plan of re-
obstruction has been Enthusiastically ap- Ii
roved by the country. Having decided m