New-York tribune., 1868-04-23

In attempting 10 TehhoNe otantOn, inc IIeSi-
dent was, therefore, guilty of high crime,
by reason of his usurpation of power not
granted in the Constitution. For this he would
deserve conviction had no Tenure Of Office act
been passed, and without regard to its cOnsti-
tutionality, or whether Secretary Stanton comes
within its provisions.
Nor can the President plead that because
Mr. Stantons resistance fOiled his plans there
fore he is not guilty. As well might burglar
claim an acquittal because compelled to drop
his plunder, and seek safety in fight. All the
Presidents part of the crime was finished. 1t
lacked only Stanton's participation. The Pres
ident, if possessed of a true and manly pride,
would not allow his counsel to beg for his ac-
ouitta on a plea which would leave him in
debted for his escape to Secretary Stanton's
resistance to his purposes
The fact that the Constitution only gives 20
the President alone the power I" to fill such
vacancies as might happen during the recess
"of the Senate" clearly excludes all power to
FIJI even accidental vacancies while the Senate
is in session, still more to create and fill such
vacancies at all times by removing and ap-
pointing at his pleasure. If we allow johnson
to remove one officer, he can remove all,
whether in the army, navy, or civil service.
And if he may appoint to one Office al INTERIM
he can appoint to ALL And if he can make the
interim week, he can make 1t year.
To yield to his claim to remove and appoint
officers ends, therefore, exactly where his clam
to construe the law for himself ends-in abso-
lutte monarchy No other President has ever
claimed such powers. Johnson finds himself
driven to do so only by the passionate frenzy
in which he has determined to override Con-
grcss, the laws, and the Constitution itself.
His unprncipled course relative to appoint
ments in the Revenue service alone has cost
the country $5O,OOOOOO a year. lie appoints
every sycophant, however knavish, who sus-
tains his usurpations, and removes every
official, however honest who condemns them.
The attempt of the President to plead the
advice of his Cabinet, while declaring in his
answer that he would have removed Stanton
had he advised him that the Tenure Office
act was constitutional, is pitiful in its weak
impudence. He first cOnquers his Cabinet then
asks their advice as to his right to reign over
them, and then pleads their plant assent to
Justify their subjugation. Napoleon III. has
done no more toward the French people.
What is the advice of such Cabinet worth
The President has debauched all who served
him, and attempted to ruin all who opposed.
Were he allowed to succeed in such career,
the country would soon be made up of two
classes, those whom he had corrupted, and
those whom he had crushed. 1t is not parti-
san feeling that condemns to infamy those
who join with the President in his crimes. In
great crises, where the interests OF the country
are at stake the people demand fidelity, and
will forgive none who f0rsake their country 10
serve a usurper.
johnson blindy sought a tool among the
great soldiers of the army. For, having no
principle, he could not detect it in Others. But
they spurned his Overtures with noble scorn.
He then fell back upon the supple Thomas
and the senie Ewing, whose appointment would
have been equivalent to perpetual vacancy.
When the unlawfulness of the attempt to re-
move Stanton and appoint Thomas is adj
mitted or established, all cooperation of the
President and Thomas to compass that end
becomes a criminal conspiracy The fact that
Immediately upon making the order Of removal
he sent for Gen. Emory, inquired about the
available troops Of the District, denied the
c0nstltutl0nallty OF the law WHICH requreu HI
orders to Emory to issue through Gen. Grant
and evinced every inclination to use military
force if Inc could obtain it, establishes the
charge of forcible intent. That such wild
and bloody frenzy was thwarted, and that our
National Capital was spared from witnessing
an attempted coup detdt and revolutionary riots,
which would have cost Andrew Johnson not
merely his Office but his life, he and the
country owe not to him, but to the modera-
ton, frmness, and courage of Mr.. Stanton,
of Gen. Grant Gen. Emory, and Congress.
His mere removal from Office will be an easier
escape than he deserves in view of the dangers
to which his villainy have exposed the country.
But it will give the country the peace it so
much needs. With that attained we are con-
tent to leave the name of Johnson to its historic
infamy.