New-York tribune., 1868-03-23

of the President. They have been compelled
TO pass the Tenurc-of- Office law in order to Sc
cure in Office men who, even at the risk OF con-
fict with their superior officer, would enforce
the laws which he was endcavoring to nuliify.
They have been compelled, step by step, to inn
nair tle usual and time-honored functions OF
the Presidency TO the utmost verge allowed
them by the Constitution, to prevent thelr
fragrant misuse by the acting President. But
all these steps are disorganizing and unhealthy
as precedents, and do not secure the desired
end, viz. harmony between the executive ana
legislative branches of the Government, the
neoccful enforcement of the laws, and the
speedy reconstruction of the Union. These
cannot be secured 50 long rs the two branches
of the Government are wasting their strength
in war with each other. 1t is necessary, there
fore. for the incumbent of one or tho
other of them to he removed. FOR
ceascless wrangle between them not only
DELAYS reconstruction, but invites civil
war. There is no power vested in the
President by the Constitution to remove Con-
grcss, and if he could do so the people would
elect another of the same kind. Congress,
therefore, represents the people, and is ire
movable. The President represents an e1cte
and exploded political prejudice, which Is the
offspring of Slavery and has beer legisated
out of existence. The Constitution vests III
Congress full power to remove the President
He has furnished the occasion by his will
full violation Of law and the justification
by his long course Of resistance to
the law. As matter of political
necessity and craftsmanship this, after all,
is the highest reason which should influence
Congress-thc laws relative TO Reconstruction
and all collateral subjects hare got TO be JatiH
faithfully, and tearlessIy erecHed, and this can
not be done so long as Congress allows AN
drew johnson to remain in power.
We prefer the impeachment and removal OF
Andrew johnson as the legitimate and thor
oughly constitutional mode of bringing about
that obedience to the law which alone Is ne
ccssary TO Reconstruction, rather than any OF
the indirect modes which Congress has rcsorted
TO as means of preventing the President from
abusing his powers. The law-making power i
clothed by the Constitution with the high pre-
rocative of removing from Office all who are
insubordnate TO its laws. This Is regu-
lar. legitimate, and will Immediately
introduce harmony into the Government. IL
will do away with all those indirect measures
which have aimed to leave the bull in the china
shop and prevent him from smashing things by
padding his hoofs and horns. Every hour OF
| Mr.. JohnsOn's presence in our Government
threatens riot. insurrection, and civil war; The
| Senate owes it to the country that his case De
decided speedily. If he is to be acquitted,
then let Mr. Stanton resign and Congress with
draw all opposition to the enforcement OF the
Constitution"-for no one will then expect
any Execution of the laws" Worse even
than acquittal will be a weary trial extending
through the Summer and wearing out the
patience of the nation. The country looks to
! the Senate Let the Senate do its duty. Above
| all things let there be no delay.