The New York herald., 1868-02-22
TIE PRESIDENTS VIEWS on THE SITUATION.

TIE PRESIDENTS VIEWS on THE SITUATION.
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WASHINGTON, Feb. Il. 1868.
The removal Of Secretary Stanton to-day has
taken Washington-perhaps the whole country
by surprise. 1t is regarded as q perfect Presi-
dental coup dttat, frghtens the timd, astounds
tho radicals. rejoices the democrats and electrfes
oil classes. The condition Of aifars here. indeed
strkes one as somewhat portentous Of disorder
and revolution, but think 1t safe to predict that
the country will not 60 to pieces over the matter
aud that few days will develop the fact that no
s,rious peril exists. Az am writing tonight all
sorts Of wild rumors are aAoat, such as that Mr..
Thomas has been arrested by order Of Stanton.
that Grant is to be removed tomorrow. and that
Hancock has been summoned here to take CON-
mand Of the new Department Of Washington. Dis
credit all these stories from whatever quarter they
come, and be assured that they are circulated by
spectators to affect the gold market. Instead Of
Thomas being under arrest, the truth Is that he is
now at grand masquerade enjoying himself most
heartily. The President, OF course, is an object
Of great interest tonight. Crowds Of people called
to talk with him. but he was not at his Office, be-
ing engaged in discharging the agreeable duties Of
host to number Of distinguished diplomats and
officials.
Your correspondent, however, had m interview
with his Excellency tonight after the state dinner,
and found him not stricken with fear or trembling,
but smiling and radiant in better humor and spirits
than for many months. Tho President received
your correspondent after the usual hour for visi-
tors, and granted him half m hours interview.
After the customary salutations your correspond.
ent remarked that the country was somewhat
taken by surprise by the sudden removal Of Stan
ton and the appointment Of Thomas as Secretary
Gd Interim.
Tho President smiled and inquired, "well, what
do the people say? l suppose they are surprised;
but I have only done what had determined upon
long ago."
Correspondent-The removal then, Is not In
pursuance Of . recent determination on your part.
Mr.. Prssidsnt!"
Tho President--"Not at all. sir. Tho people
seem to have mistaken my course altogether In
this matter. Inever had but ono determination
on the subject, but have acted carefully. pru-
IDENTIFY aud moderately. Perhaps have been too
rlow about removing Mr.. Stanton, but not because
feared the bugbear Of impeachment. or that
dreaded anything that Congress might do.
Nothing that body could attempt or carry out
would intimidats or surprise me. / know they are
capable Of doing anything. delayed final action
solely TO let the country see and understand the
position Of Mr.. Stanton. We first intimated to him
that ws would like him to withdraw from our
privy council. He did not take the hint. We
then suspended him, under the constitutional
power which we have to suspend or remove Q
member Of our Cabinet. The act Of suspension
was also not in conflict with the Tenure Of Office
bill, though We did not therefore recognize its con.
stitutionslty. As o matter Of courtesy we sent
reasons for our action TO the Senate. That body
and assumed to reinstate Mr.. Stanton In Office.
Wei. We still waited, hoping Mr.. Stanton would
see the rropriety Of resigning himself. General
Sherman and General Grant offered to go to Stan
ton and advise him to resign. Here is letter
which indicates what they proposed
The President here allowed your correspondent
fol I.tt e.
Sherman
32a X srRxEr WARRINGTON
Jan. lS-Satsrday. I
neglected this morning say that I had agreed to
TO down TO Annapolis " spend Sunday with Admiral
Porter. Geusral Grant has 20 leave for Richmond ON
Monday morning. at six A. N. Alta conversation with
the Genea al after our interview, wherein offered TO 70
With HIM Monday morning 10 Mr. Stanton and
cay that u was our Joint opiaon he should
resign. i was found impossible by reason Of
his going 90 Richmond and my going to Annapolis.
The General proposed this courss:-Hs win call on you
to-moros and cer TO 20 TO Mr. Stanton TO say for the
good Of the service and Of the country he ought
siga. THIS on Sunday. On Monday will again call on
you, and Il you think 10 necessary viii do Mo same
call on Mr. Stanton and tell him he should resign II
no will not then will be time conrive uiteror mea-
sures. In the meantime IL happens that nsces-
ssy exists for prsc,p'tssing mattsn
Yours truly,
". r. SHERMAN Lisu,snaBt General
The President then continued, After waiting
. reasonable time We thought proper to-day TO
order the removal Of Mr.. Stanton and to appon,
General Thomas Secretary Of War ad interim
This is the whole story"
Correspondent" Was this step discussed in the
Cabinet Counsel, Mr.. Presidentg'
The President" No. sir; not precisely. A
general policy was agreed upon some time ago,
and the removal to-day is in accordance Herewith.
have just received copy Of the resolution adept
ed BY the Senate tonight in executive session."
The President hero read the resolution printed