Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1868-02-27

ton with Mr.. Johnson.
The move on the part of the Presi-
dent is very generally attributed to the
influence of the men brought here by
the meeting of the Democratic National
Committee.
There is delegation of Maryland
men from Annapolis here, who are
talking in ABOUT the style of the old
secessionists, in regard to what Mary
land will do if Thomas is kept out OF
the War Office.
1t became known at an early hour
this morning, that the debate in the
Senate, though for the most part mod
crate and dignifed, at the same time
manifested great frmness, and indicated
that the Senate was determined to
stand upon its rights, and insist that
the laws should be obeyed.
Mr.. Stanton, as is known, remained
in the War Office all night, has not left
during the day, and will not leave to-
night Most of the time last night was
spent in consultation with various
prominent Republicans upon the situa-
ton and the course to be pursued in
certain contingencies. Chief Justice
Carter was of the number. As soon
as Gen. Thomas had gone far enough
in his attempts to get possession of the
Office to bring him clearly within terms
of the section making interference in
such cases criminal, Mr.. Stanton, in
consultation with several lawyers pres
ent, made affidavit before Chief Justice
Carter, of the Supreme Court of the
District, to the effect that Gen. Thomas
had violated the Tenure of Office bill,
and asking that writ might be issued
for his arrest. The section under
which the complaint was filed is as fol-
lows:
"If any person shall, contrary to the
provisions of this act, accept any ap-
pointment or employment in any Office,
or shall hold or exercise, or attempt to
hold or exercise any such Office or en-
ployment, he shall be deemed and is
hereby declared to be guilty of a high
misdemeanor, and upon trial and con-
viction thereof he shall be punished
therefor by fine not exceeding ten
thousand dollars, or by. Imprisonment
not exceeding five years, or both of said
punishments, in discretion of the
court"
This request for warrant was grant
ed about o'clock A. NJ, but was not
served till seven this morning. Gen.
Thomas had but few hours before re-
turned from a masked ball where he
appeared in the full uniform of Major
General. At this ball official notice
of the action of the Senate had been
served upon him. Upon being notified
of his arrest he at once accompanied
Marshal Gooding and Assistant Mar
shal Phillips to the City Hall, three
quarters of mile distant. Those on
the streets at that early hour, not gen
orally knowing of the proceedings, were
astonished and perplexed to see Major
General in full regalia marching be-
tween two officers of Court, and evi-
Oently under arrest.
Upon arriving at the Court he asked
to be sent to the White House to have
a conference with Mr.. johnson. This
was granted, and the distinguished
prisoner walked between his guards for
the mile back to the Presidents. At
the White House there was hasty
conference, Mr.. johnson seeming to
wake up to full realization of the fact
that he had been again outhanked, and
all he could do was to refer his new
Secretary ad interim to the Attorney
General. Gen. Thomas in his excite
ment, and probably wishing to sooth
the President, declared that in some
way he would get Stanton out before
night he had to put him out by force.
After obtaining an agreement from
Attorney General Stanbery to appear
and defend him, Gen. Thomas was
marched back to Court, where Judge
Garter bailed him in five thousand dol
lars to appear on Monday at ten O'Clock.
This was subsequently changed to
Wednesday.
1t was about 4 A. NJ. when bail was
finally obtained and the prisoner dis
charged. He went directly to the
White House, and at noon to-day Gen.
Thomas presented himself at Mr.. Stan
tons private Office in the Department
where four or FIVE members of the
House were visiting. He seemed a
little embarrassed, but directly remark
ed to Mr.. Stanton that he had been ar
rested.
"Yes," said Mr.. Stanton, 81 heard
you had"
Some little conversation about the
proceedings at Court followed, and
Gen. Thomas then said, that he had
come by order of the President to take
possession of the War Department as
Secretary of War ad interim.
"You are not Secretary of War ad
tnterina," said Mr.. Stanton, "but Adju-
tant General of the Army, and your
place is down stairs"
Gen. Thomas again said he came by |
orders of the President to take posses
sion of the office.
Mr.. Stanton again responded that he
was not Secretary ad interim, and that
he would not allow him to exercise the
duties of the Office.
: To this Gen. Thomas replied that he
was acting in obedience to positive or
ders of the President. He then went
across the hall into Gen. Schriv er's
office, and soon sent word that he
would like to see Mr.. Stanton privately
a few moments.
The Secretary went in, and General
Thomas a third time said his direct in
structions from the President were to
take possession of the Office, and exer-
else the functions of Secretary ad inter
im
Mr.. Stanton third time responded
that he would not be allowed to do any-
thing of the kind, adding that he would
do well to return to his Office and 90
about his duties as Adjutant General.
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