Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1875-01-15
Sheridan and Belknap.

AAhAA a1AA oCAhnhRs
II is mark Of great distinction for one to
sign himself "The Autocrat Of all the Russias
or to be dubbed King, even Of the Sandwich
Island Are we not behind the tiines-would
II not be advisable for Congress to confer some
snch cognomens of distinction IN tile United
States2
Where are Conkling, Edmunds, Morton and
Benjamin, of silver spoons notorieiy2 Let us
have an autocrat orking. fany ofthese pro-
gressive gentlemen will propose an amendment
to the constitution or law declaring Grant
autocrat, or Sheridan king, who would doubt
for moment such measure would find in
the Republican party host OF Jealous sup
porters. If these worthy gentlemen are not
on the alert, Sheridan will throw them in the
shade; he has dcigned to sign himself ''Lieu-
tenant General TO his late expression of ad-
vice; but no sane person would think for a
moment in writing to Secretary Beknap be
realized that he was an officer in the United
States army. One would think that an educated
officer Of the United army had at least read
the constitution, aud had some vague idea of
the rights of citizens; but, from the tenor of
his letter Of advice, Sheridan betrays an utter
ignorance of the constitution and laws of this
nation, or IL wiliul inclination 10 disregard
them and trample the rights Of the people in
the dust. Senators are accused by their bro
ther Senators OF using Revolutionary lam
guage in the Senate when they ask for infor-
nation in regard to revolution slready
inouOrrafe cd hv Gra nj nd bts ~, ;t;t,r, trane
Sheridan 10 speaking Of a certain class of cli-
zens in Louisiana, Mississippi and Arkansas
says, "if Congress would pass a bill declaring
them bandilti, they could be tried by militia
ry commission This incendiary general
forgeis that banditli means in lis general sense
a robber, highwayman, a lawIess or des-
peraie fellow. Such characters have no law
to protect them, aud the criminal law Of every
State in the Union is replete in provisions for
for their punishment; hut this sangunary
general, Of Indian Slaaw notorety, does not
even presume 10 say the parties in these States
are banditii, but asks Congress to declare them
such--io pass bill declaring them such that
he might saiiate his blood thirsty propensties
What hope is left for nation when such men
as Sheridan are in power? Let us follow his
system of reason and logic. Would it not be
well for tie nation If Congress would pass
bill declaring P. II Sheridan a murderer, an
incendary, and order him to be hanged? Is
this law, Gen. Sheridan? The one stands upon
the same principle as the other, so far as the
rules of law applyin point OF facts, we make
no comparison. The people of the States nam
ed By him in his letter have their record in
history, and Gen Sheridan has his. Before
M honest jury, that great gift Of Magma Char
ia, which would stand the better chance of an
acquitta these baudltti citizens or this gem
whose hands are unstained with innocent
blood
The shark prefers 10 sport in the ~briny
waves Of the deep, free and untrammelled to
satiate his propensity for blood, rather than
be taken from his native element TO be thrown
high and dry on the land 10 perish and de-
Gen. Sheridan likewise prefers military COM
mission to grand and petit jury. The law
Of the scepter and the sword suits him better
than the poised scales Of Justice and right
AS if a second though: had crossed his mind,
perchance, an inastnct sense that he had Step
ped beyond the mark of federation. he very
coolly suggests II is possible that If the
ing them banditti." Let us apply the pre-
ceeding rules of reason and logic, and say IL
the President would issue proclamation de-
claring Sheridan an usnrper, promoter Of yio-
lence, dscord and discussion, an officer whose
letter shows his total unitness to be trusted
with position or power, il is possible that such
action would be of great service to the United
States army. Would Gen. Sheridan agree
that such action would be advisable in his
case
Our worthy Secretary OF War, Belknap, in
approving Of the action of Sheridan at New
Orleans well deserves 10 share the same fate
What has become Of that high sense of hon
or aud integrity which was once the pride Of
the officers Of the United States army? If ii
siill lives now is the opportune time TO show
itself
The newspapers, the clergy, the resident
foreigners, the bank officers, the chamber Of
commerce Of New Orleans, all unite in one
voice in disclaiming the statements Of Sheridan
10 be false and untrue. 10 plain parlance he
now stands before the American people brand
ed as liar. II such conduct in the present
era is becoming an officer, he deserves promo
ton, for no other officer in the army can claim
to vie with him in this respect If such con-
duct is unhecoming ia an officer Of the army
let an impartial court martial be convened
Let charges be brought against Gen. Sheridan,
aud if sustained, OF which there can scarcely
be a doubt, let its action he such as 10 remove
the disgrace and stigma thrown upon then--
let il be sach a warning that in future none
dare disregard. Doubtless Grant would refuse
TO approve IDS action, but with him ii is a
mere matter of time lie will be arraignsd
before a court martial of the people of the
United States, and they will consign him to
that Oblivion which be so justly deserves.
On Monday, the election for Mayor at Cum
besland, Nd, resulted in the election of John
Hnmburd, Esq, the Democratic candidate
Hopeweli Hebb, Esq, Republican, being de-
feated by one hundred and Fifty. The late
incumbent, W. r. McCulley, was Republic
can, and Cumberland has given majority for
that party for several years, and al the late
Congressional election gave majority against
Walsh People are becomiup tired of Rennh.