Herald and tribune. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1869-current, 1871-03-23
THE GRANT SUMNER InBRO-
CLIO.


As has been seen by our reports of the
proceedings in Congress, Mr.. Charles Sum-
ner has been removed from the position
he has so long and honorably filed as
Chairman of the Committee on Foreign
Relations, and Mr.. Cameron put III his
place. This action of the majority has
created considerable excitement through
out the country. In New England. espe-
CHILLY, the feeling of indignation has been
quite strong, and several public meetings
have adopted resolutions expressing sym
patty with the deposed Senator and show
ing rather an unfriendly spirit toward the
Administration. The Democracy are ju-
bilant over what they consider a perma-
asnt split in the Republican party and in
consequence entertain strong hopes Of
e~lecting a Democratic President in 1872.
This hope is strengthened by the late Dem
ocratic triumph in New Hampshire. and
they now consider what was before
more than doubtful an absolute GER
tainty. That they have some grounds
for hope, considering the attitude which
some prominent men in the party seem
to occupy with respect to the Admin
istration, it were useless to deny: but
we have no reason to believe that the
present differences will result in q perma-
nent disruption of the party. While we
doubt the ~expcdiency of removing a man
of Charles Summers ability, learning and
experience, from the important position
which he so long occupied, we are not
among those who consider it a sufficient
cause for declaring war against the Presi-
dent. 1t is said that owing to some person.
al feeling between the parties, Mr.. Sumner
was not Oh speaking terms with the Pres
ident and some members of the Cabinet.
Hthis was the case the removal is to some
extent justifable, as his position as Chair
man of the Committee on Foreign Rela-
tons brought him face to face with the
President and Cabinet every time any i'm
portant question of Foreign policy was I'M
der discussion. 1t will readily be seen
how necessary it is that the most friendly
relations should exist between them. But
be all this as it may, and admitting Mr..
Summers claims to the highest considera-
ton that could possibly be given them, it
seems to US the height of foolishness to all
low the personal interests of any individ-
ual to cause any one to abandon princi-
pies acknowledged to be correct, and es-
pouse others which he cannot but de-
pise.
If the principles of the Republican par
ty were right in the beginning they are
right now because they are unchanged /:
and no man can vote with the Democratic
party without forsaking what he knows
to be right and adopting that which he
knows to be wrong. Men who can 80 ca
silly change their course, either had very
little faith in what they prOfessed at the
beginning or else allow their personal feel
ing to outweigh their sense of right and
their devotion to principle.
We are very much mistaken in the
character of Mr.. Sumner if he would coun-
tenance or encourage any scheme looking
to the defeat or disruption of the Repub-
lican party no matter how much he may
Quarrel with the Administration. If be
vsrs capable of entertaining such q propo-
sition for . moment he would be entirely
unworthy of the sympathy that has been
expressed in his behalf. Such q course on
his part would convince every one of the
truth of what has been often said of him.
/. e. that 'he is a bad leader and q worse
follower"