Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1883-01-09
WASHINGTON, ID. c., Jan. 5, 1885

WAsHNGToS, ID. c., Jan. 8, 1888.
Editors Of the Kenne5ee Journal:
The ordinary dull routine of the Senate
has been greatly enlivened, the past few
days, by the proceedings growing out of the
Fitz John Porter case, especially by the very
able speech Of General Logan, which has con-
tinued from day to day. Seldom has sena-
tor had more brilliant and interested audi
ences, or more quiet and attentive listeners.
The wide celebrity of this case, and the differ
ences of opinion of very eminent men who
took part in the late war. make the matter
one of national importance and interest
The opinions of Lincoln and several of his
able generals, that Porter wa. lucky in get
ting of without being shot; the opinion of
General Grant, when President, that there
was nothing in the later developments or
testimony that demanded or suggested re-
opening of the case; the slip-shod manner in
which the matter was handled when the case
was re-opened, and the sudden and unex-
planned turn-about of Gen. Grant in Porter's
i"'"f, AN t"ccc iacts go 10 make up a curl
Gus, mixed and problematical subject for
congressional and public consideration. The
lapse of time and the persistency of the ac-
cused have undoubtedly somewhat weakened
the condemnation and opposition which have
beset him; and he has hoped, and still hopes,
that, with the aid of the democratic members
(who will always vote for a dubious war
general) and a few powerful allies like Gen
Grant, to overcome this state of affairs
Whatever may be the truth in this matter,
and whatever the outcome il is but fair and
just to say that Logan has sincerely, and
with strong conviction of right, entered into
the fight against the restoration of Porter to
his rank and emoluments. And anyone who
hears or reads his speech cannot fail to be
convinced that he has very strong arguments
and testimony to back him. Logan reasons
from facts and evidences as they existed at
the time Of the occurrence, while others, like
Grant, take newly developed theories with the
IFS and might hare beens thrown in Logan's
main effort is to show, not that Pope might
or might not have been de Gated with Porter's
aid but that Porter diso5eyed the orders of
Pope and therefore is at once and Justly,
guilty OF the offence charged. II. as Gen.
Grant seems to intimate in his article on this
subject in the North American Review, a
Division or Corps general is clothed with dis
cretionary power to obey or not to obey. when
ordered to move, then much of his own mill
tary experience must be set up as a contra
diction to his theory, for his own general.
were expected to quickly and fully obey any
orders emanating from his headquarters. and
he justified Sheridan in relieving Gen Warren
from the 9Th Corps under similar circum-
stances, and himself relieved several general
officers for like misconduct.
SO that IL ever subsequent developmeut,
prove, as Gen. Porter alleges, that his failure
to obey orders, or rather as he puts it, failure
to immediately advance, saved Pope from a
more disastrous defeat, this fact would not
justify his action.
Gen. Logan is nervous, rather sharp
toned speaker, and has a reputation (mostly
among his enemies) of putting the Kings
English to the blush; but if may be allowed
to criticize, as a listener to this late powerful
argument. his style and language will COM
pare favorably with the large MAJORITY of our
public speakers both in and out of Congress.
He is terse, fluent, quick as a fash at retort
and sharp as needles point in a thrust. II
anybody in the Senate expects to get ahead
of him in these elements they must get up
pretty early in the morning.
The length of time required in the DISPOSE
ton OI THIS case retaTux Otuer more 1mpOr-
tant matters in the Senate and should it pass,
would go to the House and still further OBJ
stract legislation. 1t is a pity that il should
be in the way during this short session.
The admission of Dakota as a State is
likely to be made a prominent question before
Congress ere the session closes. The little
cloud which looked like reputation on its
past has passed away, so that Senator Hale
and a few other doubling republicans have
no longer reason for opposing its admis-
sion. In population and all the other ele-
ments necessary to constitute State it is not
found lacking, and there is no reason except
its politics (if that is q reason) why il should
not take rank as the thirty ninth State in the
Union. Ii it 10 not admitted. the country
may be assured that the possibilities of its
being republican in politics, has barred il
out Of its rights. 1t is an odd idea that DO
litical opinions should prevent an American
territory from becoming = State. Yet this
is not the 6rst time that such a reason has
been hroached and interposed. Our own
State had such an experience, and the Kansas
events are still fresh in our memories.
The death of Elisha H. Allen, formerly of
our State and late Minister from the Sand
wich Islands, created quite a sensation and
led to much inquiry and comment relative to
the deceased, bringing his life and ser.
vices more prominently before the public.
He was held in high esteem both BY officials
here and in his adopted country. He was 4
remarkably well preserved and healthy look