Delaware gazette. [volume] (Delaware, Ohio) 1855-1886, 1868-02-28
TmpeaonmenL

Speaking of the Alabama election The
New York Independent fixes the re-
sponsibIlity for its results upon the
triekster ofthe White House and points
out the remedy for this kind Of mis-
chief. It's argument for impeachment
applies with double force since John
sons more recent and fragrant violation
Of the law Of the land. The Independ-
ent says:
The vote shows the formidable and
defiant opposition which the whole
South means to make against the con-
gressional or any other just plan of re-
construction. This opposition, If not
conquered and disarmed, boldly and
prom pity, threatens the safety Of the
nation at the next Presidential election.
The prime author of the terminated
rebellion in the South is Andrew John
son. 1t IS solely through his leader
ship that the cOnspiratOrs Of the COnfed-
eracy are still cOniving against the Re-
public. Defying Congress himself he
stimulates the rebels to defy it. Break
ing the law himself, he invites the
Southern people to become banditti of
anarchists. Welding the power of one
third of the government, and doubling
this power by leaguing himself with
the enemies of the Union. he is proved
-
governing force in the South to-day
than the entire Congress, with the help
of the entire army, has known how to
become. Left to himself, the President
viii grow every day stronger. In fact he
may yet achieve the absolute and total
rOut Of Congress. Holding the Demo-
cratic party of the North in one hand,
and the rebel majority Ofthe South in the
other, he may yet find a sudden chance
to fling these weights, like two mill
stones, to crush the Congress rival plan
of reconstruction, and destroy it. The
only safety is in his immediate i'm
peachment. Heretofore, it was said,
''Why impeach him He cannot do
any harm. He is powerless." But the
Alabama election shows that Andrew
johnson s. the chlef power OF TIRE Gov
ernmeut in the work of reconstruction.
POwerless? Who is more powerful
He has thus far signally defeated Con-
gress in reconstructing the Union. Does
not this show power enough If he had
more power, he would destroy us utter
" Let the scepter be gmitten out OF
his hand The puplic safety demands
it. A speedy restoration of the Union
cannot be effected without it. Common
sense dictates it. Justice waits for it.
There has been a futile expectation
that Congress would succeed in over
ruling the President. This is impossi-
bic. The Presidents coworkers are too
many; his opportunity is too stupend
Gus his Influence is too universal; his
power is too regal. Congress cannot
reconstruct the Union while Andrew
Johnson sits in the presidential chair. !
If Congress expects to accomplish its |
work, it must get rid of ITS hinderance. !
The President destroys by night what |
Congress builds by day. There is but |
one remedy-put him out OF the way ! |
The American people hold Congress re-
spOnslble for just, safe, and speedy /
of the Union. If Congress !
fails to achieve this, and achieve il soon |
shame and dishonor shall attach to its |
mem bers and its history. But it never /.
San be achieved while Andrew Johnson,
one-third of the government /
rs his destroying weapon, stands fight
ng against it, as last week in Alabama.
firmuess, and promptness !
DIN their three voices in crying, Of
with his hand