The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-12-24


Secretary the following message:-
"Public considerations OF q high character con-
strain me TO say that your resignation as Secretary
OF War will be accepted"
on the same day he received from Secretary Stan
ton response stating that "public considerations OF
high character" constrained him to remain in office
until the meeting Of Congress.
Then on the 18Th OF August, just one week later,
came the suspension Of the Secretary under the
Tenure-of-oce act, and the appointment Of General
Grant to the position OF Secretary OF War 0d interim.
Mr. Stanton, content to let the law take its course,
and having clear understanding with, and entire
confidence in Grant, made way for his temporary
successor and again bided his time. The President
reported his action to the Senate soon after its re-
assembling in December, 1867; but 1t was not until
January 13, 1868, that the Senate by strict party
vote OF 35 to 6, refused 10 endorse Stantons sus-
pension, and on the following day General Grant
turned over to his predecessor the custody OF the
Office.
The time passed, and the nation waited for the
next move Of the two antagonists. 1t was taken on
the 2lst OF February, when Andrew Johnson notified
the Senate that he had finally removed Secretary
Stanton, and designated Lorenzo Thomas, the
Adjutant-Genefal Of the army, to act as Secre-
tary OF War dd interim; the Senate on the same
day passing, by vote of 2S to G, r csOluton de-
claring "that, under the Constitution and laws OF
the United States, the President had no power to
remove the Secretary of War and designate any
other officer TO perform the duties OF that once dd
Interim"
Then came the great impeachment iasco, Mr.
Stanton sitting calmly entrenched in his Office at the
War Department, awaiting the issue. For nearly
three months he waited patiently and when at last,
on the 2Gth OF May, the Senate pronounced Andrew
johnson ''not guilty. on the second and third arti-
ces of the impeachment charges, and the High
Court of impeachment was adjourned sine die, Mr..
Stanton sent message to the President notifying
him that he had relinquished charge OF the War De-
partment, and the struggle was at an end.
Retiring now finally from the onerous duties
which he had discharged for full five years and four
months with General Grants brief dd interim in
cumbency as the only period Of relaxation, the
great minister then sought in private life the
repose OF mind and body which he had so long and
imperatively needed.
His Appointment to the Supreme Bench
The contemplated resignation of Justice Grier
made the choice OF his successor on the Supreme
Bench matter of much solicitude. 1t was gene
rally understood that the President intended to offer
the position to Mr. Stanton ut as proof OF his
high personal regard and as a recognition of his
eminent services in the War Department.. Public
expectation in this instance gratfed for the
reception Of Judge Griers resignation the President
Immediately requested MrStanton to fill the vacancy.
On Sunday last the President and Nce-Presi-
dent called at the residence OF the ex-Secretary
OF War and rendered him the position Of Justice in
United States Supreme Court, to occupy the seat OF
Justice Grer The office was accepted by Mr.. Stan
ton and the President said that he would send the
nomination to the Senate Immediately The name
of Mr.. Stanton was accordingly sent to the Senate
on Monday, when an executive session was immedl-
ately called and he was confirmed promptly with
out the usual reference to the Judiciary Committee.
The vote was-yeas 46; nays, II. The only Repub-
lcan who voted adversely to the contr-
nation were Messrs. Fowler and Ross,
who opposed him because OF his attitude towards
nf Tho
President johnson on the impeachment trial. The
appointment and confirmation OF Mr.. Stanton to the
Supreme Bench gave satisfaction in all sections of
the country. 1t was felt that the Supreme Court
had gained sound and able lawyer and thor
| oughly honest man, who would decide justly and i'm
| partially, without fear or favor.
His Character.
Mr.. Stanton was man of the times and man for
| the times, and it almost seems as If he were
| raised up by Providence to perform specific
work in securing the preservation OF our national
unity and that, his work being finished, he was to
| pass away and leave his record as the great War
Secretary-a career compressed into few years, but
complete and perfect in itself-for the admiration OF
posterity. Mr. Stanton's honesty, his patriotism,
and his wonderful administrative abilities all
! known and appre ciated by the American people.
| In his manner he was often unpleasantly abrupt,
| but much Of this was due to the peculiar posi-
| ton in which he was placed, the peculiar duties
| he had to deal. Pretenders and self-interested
| seekers for position quailed before him, and lost
| their impudent assurance. He had the faculty OF
| reading men, and men Of genuine merit always re-
| ceiyed from him cordial and hearty support. In
spite Of his brusqueness Mr.. Stanton was q man of
! fine sensibilities and warm feelings, which he
| allowed to show themselves on many occasions.
Like most strong characters, he had keen sense OF
| humor, as was proved on the ever-memorable occa-
sion when General Lorenzo Thomas attempted to
| take possession OF the War Department. The
most amusing in this whole history OF statecraft,
| and Mr.. Stanton evidently enjoyed hugely the comic
side of the affair. As a War Minister Mr.. Stanton
will take rank with the greatest that the world has
produced and his services in securing the suppress
| sion OF the Rebellion will always entitle him TO the
| grateful regards OF his countrymen. Mr. Stanton
| was comparatively young man, and there seemed
to be many years or usefulness still before him. AS
Justice OF the Supreme Court he would have given
dignity to the bench, and increased the confidence
of the nation in the decisions of that tribunal His
| sudden and unexpected death is the occasion fol-
sincere grief and he will be followed to his grave by
| a mourning nation.
The Death of MIR. Stanton Farther Particulars
| Despatch 10 the Associated Press.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 24.-The community this
morning was shocked by the report of the death
| of the Hon. Edwin NJ. Stanton. As his friends
only few davs before, had the announcement
that he was slowly but surely recovering his
health, the sad intelligence was the more start
ling. Many persons at first refused to believe
that the report was correct but they were soo1
convinced of the truth.
Little more than week ago he made an ar
gument before Associate Justice Swayne, il