The state journal. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1883-1885, 1884-03-29
The Fitz John Porter Case and the
Shame Connected Herewith.

a subject Of any other country would
have paid the penalty of his outrag-
eous conduct by ignominious death.
Not only he but his leading bench
men, instead of which course the
North extended its leniency and
spared this villain to gloat in after
years over his course, and to add that
he would again enact the same roll if
opportunity offered. In this case the
kindness proved a lasting reflection,
which will never be eradicated if
Davis, known enemy, conduct was
crime, how much greater then was
the crime of Fitz John Porter, who
was accredited friend 10 the North
and the cause for which so many of
our noble brethren fought, bled and
died. How a Republican Senate
could conscientious!y vote to pardon
and reinstate to a commission in the
army man whose grossly disobeyed
the orders Of his superior officer, and
thereby placed in jeopardy the grand
institutions and destiny of the coun-
try is something we cannot fathom.
1t is on the other hand quite plain
why the exrebels (who because of
another or continued freak of lenien-
cy are permitted to help make laws
and govern the country which they
so earnestly tried to Destroy should
have voted and labored for his par
don in neglecting the interest of the
country or party he was sworn to
serve, he was serving their interest
and encouraging them to more des-
perate deeds or endeavors to over
throw or dissolve this union. Had
the following order from Gen. Pope
to Fitz John Porter, which is plain
enough for primary scholar to have
understood, been obeyed he would
not only have spared himself much
mistrust and disgrace but would
doubtless have saved many lives and
perhaps shortened the conflict: Sim
mediately upon receipt of this order,
the precise hour Of receiving which
you will acknowledge, you will march
your command to the field of battle
Of to day, and report to me in per
son. You are to understand that you
are to comply strictly with this Or
der, and to be present on the field
within three hours after its reception,
or after dsybreak tomorrow morn
ing" As this matter presents itself
we can only attribute his failure to
obey the order to greater love for the
party whom he pretended to oppose.
After all this fragrant outrage he is
by Congress granted pardon in the
face, too, of the impartial findings of
court marshal. Already enough
has transpired to cause our martyred
President Lincoln to turn with dis
gust in his grave. This state of af,
fairs is certainly great shame. Sen
ator Logan made a ten.strike for
right justice and self in his magnif.
cent opposition to the passage of such
an unkind act. Unkind to the mem
DRY of the Union soldiers and our
cause. To President Arthur we all
look for more encouraging action
than that offered by Congress. He
certainly has an opportunity to en-
nance bis already great popularity
with the soldier, the patriotic citizen
and the North generally. We pray
that be may avail himself of such a
glorious opportunity and thereby
show to his loyal followers that he
does not approve of treason, especially
in such a trying crisis, when our
homes and every interest are threat
ened by devastation, General Grants
opinion to the contrary notwithstand-
ing. The loyal people of this coun-
try await with high pitched anxiety
and hopefulness the action of the
President, and may they not be dis
appointed.