The sun., 1880-12-13
MARCHING ON At WASHING TON.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 12. - Gradually and
stealthily the army 10 planting deep founda-
ton at the capital. under the direction OF Gen.
Sherman aud the military chiefs. acting In con-
cert with. II not under the inspiration OF the
Republican managers. Year after year the
country Ia told the army ought to DO increased.
and that the force now provided is insufficient
to guard the frontior against Indian depreda-
tons. At the came time Congress 10 assured
that the Indian problem Ia substantially solved.
and that the hostie tribes are seeking peace.
The contradiction Of these official reports.
coming from the same Administration. does
not disturb tho authors OF them In tho least de-
gree. They move on rs II in perfect harmony.
not caring for the effect OF such glaring mis-
representation on tho public mind. The Mill
tary Ring keeps steadily in view the one great
object OF terrifying the position OF the army in
every possible way. That aim IL never lost
sight OF. and IL enters into the social life OF
Washington as an element OF organized power
to operate on both parties.
The last movement Of Gen. Sherman and his
associates is to abolish the old arsenal at tho
capital long depository OF stores. and to con-
vert IL into q regular military post with tho
headquarters OF the Second Artillery. which arc
to be transferred there from Fort McHenry.
Four companies of this regiment will be per-
manently stationed ut Washington. Barracks.
stables. and all tho necessary outfit 70 accom-
modate n much larger force are now under way.
People will naturally nsk. What is the mean
ing OF this changer If there be no need for
these troops. except for parade at the capital.
why not cut them Off the Army bil2 The mill
tary chiefs are fertile in resources. and 1t costs
them no effort to invent pretences. which are
too often accepted at more than their worth.
The whole tendency OF the Republican organ
ization ls to strengthen its hands by the aid OF
the army and navy. Conscious Of overstepping
the limits Of the Constitution. and designing to
build up o centralized power at Washington,
the desperate leaders look forward to contin-
Rencies. when the exertion OF military force
may become q necessity to the execution Of
their designs.
They know that the Great Fraud OF 1876 was
only made possible by the use OF the army. A
body OF troops was collected at Washington be-
fore the meeting Of Congress that year. as a
menace 10 the Representatives. Though fairly
defeated. the Republican managers did not in
tend to give up possession OF power. or TO sub
ject their conduct to scrutiny. Rather than
submit to the peoples will. they were ready for
bloodshed and 10 initiate civil war.
Until recently the inauguration OF Presi-
| dent had always been civic ceremony, more
| or less simple. Jefferson set the example OF
riding to tho Capitol unattended. and Of enter
| ing the White House a simple citizen. in
| trusted with the duties OF Chief Magistrate.
| This simplicity did not suit the tastes or the
| ideas Of the imperialsts. At Grants last innu-
Ruration the course OF instruction ut West
Point was arrested. In order that tho cadets
might by their presence add to the pageant. in
| company with regular and volunteer troops.
| 1t lis intended that the inauguration OF Garfield
shall exceed all former experience in display.
Large bodies Of regulars have been ordered to
| be prepared for that occasion. which, externally
at least. will havo the pomp OF great military
show These signs arc full of momentous
meaning. They make manifest the plans OF
| ambitious leaders to strike down the republi-
can system. and to erect upon its ruins n strong
@ Tt66 t66 III 81 thh he
damentnl principles. Lot us DO warned in time
| for the danger is not distant.