Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1869-03-04
The Retiring President


This day closes tie eyentiul administration
II Prcs;den. johnson. and usbers in that Of
Gen. Grant. In reviewing the past four years
of his chief magistracy, we are bound to ac-
cord 20 the retiring President all that his course
in his high position deserves. II would be
strange. passing strange, that an Independent
Journal should not have noticed and recorded
acts in his administration, that it could nor
couscientiously endorse or defend, especially,
when it is remembered by what adverse lnfu-
ences he has ever been surrounded, and how
his bands have been tel by the Tenure-Of-Of-
fce-Act and oth.r acts Of Congress, which had
continually and iersistently adhered to a line
Of policy Numerically opposed to him. Such
variances between the Legislative and EEecu-
tive departments Of our government are ever
TO be deprecated by any man, who rises above
all party utilization, but especially so, when we
consider the state Of public affairs that have
existed since the termination Of the Rebellion,
calling for the highest and n0blest efforts Of
true craftsmanship.
Even the enemies Of the Ex-President must
accord to him the merit Of ever having acted
under the constitution, as he construed it, con-
scientiously and faithfully, notwithstanding
the onslaughtoi the solid Iegionsof Radicalsm.
When he vetoed the Freedmen's Bureau Bill,
he well knew what howl would be raised by
Sumner and his cohorts, yet knowing and
proving incontestbly the unconstitutionality
of tie measure, with patriotism and purity
Of purpose worthy Of the best days Of the Re-
public. he refused the vast amount Of executive
patronage and influence the bin offered him,
and maufully maintained his integrity Of pur-
pose. Aware that they could Lot bend bis inn
perial will to their purposes, or corrupt his
Spartan patriotism, the great leaders Of the
party plotted, and successfully put through
both houses Of Congress the Impeachment Ar
ticles, in the hope that, at last they would thus
get rid Of the Executive, whose great crime
was. not that he loved the party less, but that
he loved his country more History viii re-
cord with an impartial pen the records Of that
trial before the High Court in the Senate Cham
berthe bitterness and applicability Of bis
prosecutors.-the noble, eloquent and conviu-
- cling arguments Of bis defenders, and above all
the calm dignity with which he bore himself
throughout that trying period. Even after his
triumphant acqui,al Of the charges brought
against him. in spite Of all the undetermined
measures used 20 influence the votes Of Sena-
tors. and the prayers Of certain clergy in be-
hall Of the Weakened and flltering, when it
was asserted by the principal Radical papers,
that johnson had at last Welded 20 the pres
sure.-that a new Cabinet would be formed In
ton would go on in obedience to it, and as
Stevens said truly "outside Of and above the
Constitution, even then, he stood true 10 the
great landmarks Of the past, and did all that
man could DO, TO steer the ship Of State, clear
Of the breakers ahead Down % the end Of
lis eventual term he has still maintained bis
course. Acts Of clemency have crowned is
closing scenes with the halo Of that charity
that sufgcrs,h long and IS kind, and whose
grateful influence will soothe the sorrow round
many bearth-stone. Andrew johnson retires
from the White House a wiser and better man
than when be entered it,
he lays aside the official robes Of the Chief
Magis,racy Of the Republic without the slight
est faint upon them, closes its term, marked all
through with the most disgraceful populations
Of officers who 6ichei millions Of the peoples
money-unCorrupted and iucorruptble To-
day he hands over the seals Of office to his sue
cessor with the proud consciousness Of having
CONSTANTLY enjeavored % administer It's high
functions for the good Of the Republic.
Tae oath Of Office mas been taken by the IL
lusirious General who Ellis his place We do
not doubt that be fully feels the solemn respon-
sibiiity resting upon him, and that, actuated
by an ardent desire for peace, he will interpret
the Constitution for himself, and not by the
hgh. Of modern, progressive Radicalism.
The Bond-Holders' Benefit.