The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-01-14

be absurd for the President to disclaim re-
sponsibility for himself by asserting that he
knew nothing of them until he saw the news
papers the next morning, and to disclaim all
responsibility for Sheridan on the ground
that he was not in command until several
hours after the military interference.
Sixthly, the Presidents apology for the
officers of the army is virtual admission
that they mistook their duty. ''The army"
he says, sis not composed of lawyers, capa-
BILE OF judging, at moments notice, of just
how far they can 60 in the maintenance of
law and order" If this means anything it
is confession that the officers of the army
overstepped the limits of legal authority. 1t
would be irrelevant to plead their ignorance
of law as ON excuse for their action if the
President believes they have done nothing
which the law condemns
1t is clear that President Grant has re-
treated from the position he assumed when
despatch, and the country is to be congratu-
lated on his adoption of more sober and de-
fensible opinions. Whether the change be
due to the protests of certain members OF his
Cabinet or to the widespread expressions of
public indignation it is fortunate for the
President that he has reconsidered his first
determination and been induced to change his
mistaken policy. He falls back upon alleged
wrongs and outrages alleged to have been per-
petrated against the negro voters of Louisiana.
1t would, perhaps, be unkind to deprive him Of
this refuge or this subterfuge but if it be
true that Mr.. Foster, of the Congressional
committee which conducted its investigation
at New Orleans, had long interview with the
President on Saturday evening and attempted
to disabuse him of his false impressions, there
is no good excuse for those parts of the Mes
sage which charge the Louisiana conserva-
the President does not maintain that these
alleged atrocities are a justification for
military interference with q State Leg
islature. He tries to clear himself on
the ground that he knew nothing of the
transactions until the next day he tries to
clear Sheridan on the ground that he did not
assume command until several hours after the
interference with the Legislature had taken
place; be apologies for the army on the
ground Of it's ignorance Of law, and he at
tempts to shift the whole responsibility to
the shoulders of Governor Kellogg, whose
right to interfere be admits to be ''debat-
able" We rejoice that the President has felt
constrained to publicly wash his hands, in
the face of the country, oS this unwarrantable
transaction.
1t is but simple justice to the President to
concede the truth of his statement that he has
repeatedly asked Congress to direct his action
in this unfortunate Louisiana case and relieve
him of painful responsibility. II have
heretofore urged the case of Louisiana upon
the attention Of Congress" the President says,
'and I cannot but think that its inaction has
produced great evil )" and he closes the
Message by earnestly asking 'that such action
be taken by Congress as to leave my duties
perfectly clear in dealing with the affairs of
Louisiana" We hope that Congress will at
last comply with this perfectly reasonable
reuueSt