Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1869-03-24
A northern Democrats Notions.

V.
What is to be the result of the present
conflict between Grant and Congresss
THE, to be sure, is pregnant ques-
tion-very difficult to answer, and per-
haps useless to ask. Oliver Cromwell
once summarily settled a similar conflict.
Put,iug himself at the head of host OF
Puritan Roundheads, he marched into
the Parliament halls, and put the stub
born legislators to precipitate fight, and
proclaimed himself Protector. The
question was of easy solution to him, and
his swashbucklers needed no encourage
ment to aid him. Louis Napoleon once,
but few years ago, brought to deter
inmate conclusion contest Of much the
same nature, in as abrupt and summary
manner. His toadies and favorites held
lucrative places in every department OF
the government the army, particularly,
engaged his personal solicitude, and il in
turn was ripe for any emergency that
would ensure benefit and renown to the
magic name of Napoleon. The denoue-
ment of the conflict between the Pres-
dent and the French Congress was
reached BY the expulsion of the legisla-
tors from their seats by the rabid soldlery, |
and the assumption Of an Emperor's
authority thereafter was only matter OF
ceremony.
Now there is no man-unless it be the |
venerable Jesse R., his father-silly |
enough to believe that Ulysses the Little |
is Cromwell or Napoleon; or that he,
by his own volition, will initiate either OF
those usurpers, and assume dictatoral
authority over the Government. But the
contest between him and Congress on the
Teuure-of-Office bill presents very inter-
esting features; and if we recognize the
army. with Sherman and Sheridan at its
head, as Of any consequence, it will
cause apprehensons Of serious nature
to a thinking mar. Entertaining such
apprehensions may be idle folly. Dean
Swift has said that all sublunary happi-
ness consists in being well deceived. /
hope that ! erjoy that happiness.
This conflict between Grant and Con-
rress is simply one for the mastery.
Grant wishes the Tenure-of 0 flee bill re-
pealed, so that be can appoint and re-
move ofice-holders at his pleasure. Con-
gress. evidently having no confidence in
the Radical idol, and fearing bis dog.
matte and obstinate disposition, refuse
to comply; not so much that they con-
slider the law constitutional, but that they
may the more participate in the distribu-
ton of the spoils and Government
patronage. That educated lunatie, Sum
uer. is the most persistent opponent OF
the repeal II will be remembered that
he also began the Radical war upon
johnson. Sumner is the suthor of the
Radical party, and furnishes it all its
ideas; and the rank and file, although !!
they may treat his advanced dogmas
with contempt OF first, invariably succumb
and follow 10 bis idiotic wake. He OPP
posed the repeal of the Treasury law of
1889. no. because he really thought IT
was right and proper, but because this
opposition to it accorded with his insane
temperament to contend with anything
and everything bat negro equality. He
is now the leading spirit IN the opposl-
ton to the repeal of the Tenure Of Office
law. And although the Radical press is
quite unanimous az yet in support of
Grant, they will eventually, and | think
quite soon, declare war on him, and
follow their political god. Sumner; and
we will have something like repetition
of Johnson's troublesome eareer-with
some exceptions.
Exception first: Grant not possessing
a modicum OF Johnson's brains. and none
of his political experience, will De en-
tirely helpless, and will not comprehend
his difficulties; not possessing broad
and liberal mind, nor the cultivation of
a statesman, be will not seek the advice
of experienced men, nor learn lessons {
from precedents. As be began with
blunders, so will be continue to the snd,
unless is made, as is to be feared,
Exception second: His party having
deserted him and become his enemies,
and not possessing the magnetism to at
tract followers ison epother party, he
will naturally, as q man OF military IN
stincts, resort to the army for support
and sympathy. And there ct bis elbow
stands bis personal funkey Gen. Raw
Inns, Secretary OF War, ready, with his
imnenge power and patronage, TO do bis :
masters SLIDING. Gen. Sherman, com
mauder of the srsy, naturally an AFRO
CANT despot-a soulless MAJ, si.h IS lit
tie humanity in him as q Sepoy-in I'M
stinots q monarchisi, stands ready to sub
vert this Government into an empire 80
absolute as that of Russia, And there is
Gen. Sheridan, next 10 command, who
wants but permission TO make this fair 8
land bristle with an Emperor bsyOnets (
-he to be the grand cock Of the walk. {
Is csowRelfs turbulent and courage
Gus spirit still deiunc,2 Napoleon still /
lives; will our little aespots take hint
from him ? NORTHERN DEHoogLT.