The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1868-02-25
FROM WASHINGTON.

what General Thomas Intends to do
The "Grnnd Army of the Repnb-
lieu Takes Sides with Congress-
General Ewing Nominated - The
Maryland Militia Prefer their Ser
yIses-Probablc SettlemeEt without
Force.
NEW YORK, February 24.-The her
AIDS Washington special states that APP
pearauces last night indicate that the
War Department trouble will resolve
itself into legal struggle, wherein the
most belliperent parties will be the law
yers. and the final judgment be rem
dered by the Courts instead of by a san
gninary contest of armed bodies.
General Thomas stated to the Herald
correspondent last night, in concluding
an interview relative to his intention
to-day, as follows:
shall 90 down to the Wax Depart
ment at the usual hour rs Secretary OF
War ad interim, TO all intent and pur-
poses, without any reservation or doubt
that my powers as such are as perfectly
legitimate as those of General Grant.
shall, as such, set about the business OF
the department, issue orders in the name
of the President, give instructions to
subordinate officials and direct the gen.
eral work of the department. IL VIII
be very unpleasant for me TO ma ON
GERS there who may be prepared to dis
regard my orders-it may, perhaps, hap
pen to be some personal friends OF my
own, but | have no other resort than
to use the power conferred upon me and
order them under arrest If they refuse TO
obey the legitimate authority.
"But what aboat the Great Mogul
himself. Is Stanton to be left severely
alonef That's the question !"
He has already refused TO yacate, and
suppose he will persist in his refusal.
On nv own option should decline TO
use any force, but if the President in
structs me to employ forcible persua-
sion. must be consistent. To do so,
however, shall await the further de-
yelopments of this disagreeable busi-
ness before saying what shall do.
In an interview with Secretary Stan
ton with the same correspondent, the
former stated he had not issued any Of
der to prevent General Thomas entering
the War Department. lie also stated
that it was impossible to say what ac-
tlOn he WOulOl JdhC IL va
assuming the duties of the War De-
partment. His action will depend al
together on the movements OF General
Thomas.
The same correspondent is Informed
that numerous dispatches have been
received from the Grand Army of the
Republic, a secret military organization
with posts established in all parts OF
the country, endorsing the action Of
Congress. The general tenor OF these
dissatches is that the members OF the
Grand Army of the Republic will not
see Congress oYerthrown, and If violence
is used in rejecting Mr.. Stanton 100000
men are ready to come to Washington
and put him back. Tue order Is re-
ported as in a great state of excitement
and is unanimously resolved TO take
sides with the policy of Congress and
defend it i'll all its measures If affairs
are thought to he in such an extremity.
On Saturday the message which went
to the Senate after its adjournment,
contained the name of Mr. Ewing for
confirmation as Secretary of War Be-
ing too late for action that day 1t was
withdrawn, and will again be sent on
Monday.
Mr.. Ewing has notified the President
that he will not accept the appolHt-
ment. An army officer, on duty at the
War Department, intimatcd yesterday
that orders frem any other person than
Secretary Stanton wOuld be disregard
ed by any army officer.
The militia of Maryland have prof
fered their services to Il prominent mil
itary supporter of the President, so 1t
is reported, and this report is given a
color of truth from the presence OF Gov
ernor Swami, of Maryland, who has had
an interview with the President,
General Lew Wallace has arrived
from the West, in obedience to the call
of the commander of the Grand Army
of the Republic, and is in close consul
ration with GeAeral Logan.
General Thomas willapply this mora
ing for writ of quo WGrrGRto.
Attorney General Stanbery states that
the whole affair will b. settled without
force, but great deal rests with the
prudence of those at the head of affairs.