The New Orleans crescent. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1866-1869, 1868-02-19
From Washington by NJ al.
Especial Di'pateh to the Cincinnati Enquirer
JOHNSON ON THE DEFENSIVE.

WASHINGTON, d. c., Feb. l4.-Developments
seem TO Indicate that Johnson has assumed the
offensive with the determination 10 carry the war
INTO Africa. but appearances are deceptive aud
things feariully mixed 10 the national capital
Within the past twenty-fOu hours the president
has made three important moves, all calculated %
ALARM the radicals and produce an impression in
the country that we have had rapid succession.
The nomination of Lieut. Gen. Sherman as brevet
general the creation Of a new military depart
meDt. styled the military division Of the Atlantic
headquarters at Washington, aud third, the or
dering Of Gen. Thomas, adintant general Of the
army, to his post, which has been filed the last
six years by Assistant General Townsend. The
latter order is significant 10 view Of those which
precede IT, Matters Of a private and personal
character caused Gen. Thomas 20 be detailed
for duty elsewhere. His sudden restoration has
not been anticipated.
THE RADICALS WANT AN EXPLANATION.
The second order has been followed by a resO-
luton Of inquiry from Senator Wilson, calling
upon the president for his authority for creating
new military division, while his authority, denied
in the Senate, will be found on examination full
and complete; and on this point the president is
perfectly secure. As to his purpose for thus e.
tsblishng new military division, reixing head.
quarters at Warrington, he may or may not choose
TO explain. We have now General Grant com
manding UIited States, headquarters at Washing
ton; Breyet Brgadier General Emory, command
ing department Of Washington, headquarters
here !; and Lieutenant Colonel Wallace, command
here. The radical inquiry now is, why have we
here a new military division and another gen
ersl. with headquarters at the federal capital?
but still more important is the movement 10 re-
gard TO it.
GENERAL sHERMAN's POSITION.
General Shermans movements will likely prove
embarrassing to the president and create consider.
able excitement when the facts are known. The
president has evidently been striking ia the dark
IN this matter, as telegram received TODAY from
General sherman, now in St. Louis, by his brother,
the senator, shows any thing else than an appre-
ciaton OF the high compliment paid him. The
general condemns the nomination as one which
should never have been made, and, being made
should not be confirmed.
" CONSTITUTIONS ELSEWHERE.
There is no fear that the Constitutions viii be
defeated N the other States. Gov. Holden writes
Senator Wilson that North Carolina will give 3d..
eco majority for the new Constitution. Neverthe-
less, should il become necessary the States will
be admitted with the new Constitutions regardless
Of the popular vote.
Washington dispatches Of the 18th 10 the ST
Louis Republican cay:
MOVE TO HEAD PRESIDENT JOHNSON.
bill has been prepared to-day, which will pro.
baby be introduced in Congress on Monday, de.
timing what shall constitute the military districts
OF The country, and virtually abol:shng the new
department Of the Atlantic, just created by ex.
ecutive order.
AS the restoration Of Adjutant General Thomas
seems TO be looked upon with disiavOr, aud as
having some connection with this department. |
bill has been prepared to place him on the re tired
list OF the army.
DANGEROUS THING TO WHOM?
Congressman seem to look upon the ne " military |
department as dangerous thing, and every eff ,rt /
will be made to legslate 1t out of existence In !
the meantime, the arrival OF Gen. Sherman is
anx.ously looked for to see what course he will
pursue. Bis friends have telegraphed him 10 I
come on and take command and not to resign,
GAN MCCLELLAN AND THE English MISSION.
II is now somewhat doubtful if the name of
Gen. Mcclellan is sent TO the seuate as minister
to England. Mr. Seward opposes him, and ia.
Vors, it is said, Mr.. Winthrop.
TREASURY OFFICES ALL FILLED.
The treasury officials give notice that there are |
no vacancies in the department, and that II is
useless for persons to continue to make applica-
ton for positions.
FECRETARY N CULLOCH NOT TO RESIGN.
There is not a word of truth in the story afoat
that Secretary McCulloch cOntempatss resigning
the secretaryshp of the treasury department, 10
accept the position OF financial agent of jay
Cooke Co., at London. 1t Is the old story re.
yamped, and would not be worth contradictng
save for the fact that some importance seems to
be attached to it by distant journals.