Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1868-02-27
Arrest of Gen. Thomas.

On Saturday morning, upon the affidavit of
Mr.. Stanton, Judge Cartier issued warrant
for the arrest of Gen. Thomas, and he repaired
with Marshal Gooding to the City Hall, where
he gave bail in the sum of $4,000 for his ap-
pearauce on Wednesday morning.
TIE VIOLATED SECTION.
The fifth section Of the Tenure-of-ofice law
which Gen Thomas isaccused of violating, and
on which Mr.. Stanton's affidavit is based, reads
as follows:
SEC. 5. That if any person shall, contrary to
the provisions Of this act, accept any appoint
ment to or employment in any Office, or shall
hold or exercise, or attempt to hold or exercise,
any such Office or employment, he shall be,
and is hereby, declared to be guilty Of high
miSdemeanor; and upon trial and conviction
| thereof, he shall be punished by fine not ex-
ceeding $4,000, or by imprisonment not eX-
/ cceding five years, or both said punishmentS,
in the discretion Of the court.
Passed over the Presidents veto.
1t is proper to state that on Friday when
Gen. Thomas called on Mr. Stanton to show
him his authority the latter asked time TO re-
move his private papers, which was granted,
but he changed his mind and remained in the
office all night Messrs. Schenck and Thayer
remaining with him.
We copy from the Eceaing Express an &C
count of the occurrences on Saturday.
hterrie,o Bef,ceen General Thomas and Mr.
| IN
HIS Room as Adjutdnt Generdl.- General
Thomas Refuses to Obey.-BOM Ac'ing as
Secretary Of HGr.- Gen. Grant at The Ilar
Office.
After Gen. Thomas was released on bail he
repaired to the Presidents House, and informed
the President that he had been arrested on
charge made by Stanton.
Gen Thomas said to the President that he
would now go and take possession of the War
Department at any hazard. The President re-
piled " do so"
Gen. Thomas then went to the War Depart
ment. Net Mr. Stanton in the private Office
room.
Mr.. Stanton said, Whats your business in
this office ?" General Thomas replied that he
was there by virtue of his Office as Secretary of
War al interim.
Mr.. Stanton then ordered him to his office,
as adjutant general. General Thomas refused
said he was Secretary of War, by virtue of the
order from the President.
Mr.. Stanton inquired who had appointed
him Secretary of War. The General replied,
1.-The President of the United States" Mr..
Stanton rejoined, Il do not recognize any such
authority, aud will not obey any orders from
him."
Mr. Stanton then repeated the order several
times, and to all the orders General Thomas
paid no heed
Mr. Stanton then issued an order to all the
employees of the War Department not to obey
General Thomas as Secretary of War, and Gen.
Thomas countermanded the order
General Thomas then said he would continue
to act as Secretary of War, and would not re-
cognize Mr.. Stanton The latter reiterated
that he would do the same.
At this interview between Gen. Thomas and
Mr. Stanton several members Of Congress were
present and notes of the conversation were
made by the Hon. J. X. Moorhead
After the interview Mr. Stanton sent for
Gen. Grant, with whom he had an hours con-
yersation.
At o'clock Gen Thomas was at the Exccu-
tive Mansion while Mr.. Stanton was still at
the War Office, with soldier sentinel at the
door. and his Office now filed with number
of Congressman.
At few moments after two o'clock Mr..
Stanton ordered the doors of the War Depart
ment closed, with instructions to the sentinel
to admj; no one unless by his special orders.
LATER FROM THE WAR DEPARTMENT.
Among the visitors at the War Office Satur-
day were Judge Fisher, who was there at ten
o'clock and again at two, and a third time at
three o'clock. Considering that Judge Fisher
is one Of the judges of our Criminal Court, this
proceeding is indecorous to say nothing more
Mrs. Stanton called at halr-past two and
her husband made his appearance on the side
walk and had an interview with his wife, who
remained in her carriage. Sentinels pace up
and down in front Of tie different entrances of
the War Department. The doors are all lock-
ed, and the orders are to admit no one, but that
is not construed to apply to the Secretary's
friends.
There is a rumor on the street, which, how
ever, we are not able toverify thatorders have
been given by the President to General Thorn
as to take possession of the War Department.
1t is understood that General Thomas, holding
to his duty as a military man, viii obey the or
der of his superior officer.
General Thomas appeared at twenty min
utes before four o'clock at the Department, and
the armed sentinel refused him admittance,
saying it was by special order of Mr.. Stanton.
General Thomas then returned to the Executive
Mansion.
THE PROCEEDINGS OF CONGRESS on MONDAY.
There was nothing of importance done in the
Senate on Monday. The proceedings of the
House, however, were highly important. the
subject pending being. the resolution of the re-
construction committee 10 impeach the PreS-
dent for "high crimes and misdemeanors." A
protracted debate ensued, and the resolution