The Portland daily press., 1884-02-04
Fitz John Porter.

AS we'll as it can be done by Act of Con-
gress, FiIz John Potter is likely to be reha-
bilitated with the reputation of a faithful
soldier. But in spite of all that can be
done, especially in spite of all that may be
done, as this is done, by the vote of ma
jority composed largely of men who fought
against the Union arms, or who busted them
selves during the wal declaring that it was
both needless and dishonorable, and that
those who carried it on were tyrants, the
doubt will remain. History, reviewing
the events of our day with some
advantages in respect of prejudice,
but also with some disadvantages,
may confirm the verdict of Congress,
but that will not confirm the propriety of
seeking vindication under present circum-
stances from such combination of judges.
Porter will never be fully exculpated until
he is exculpated by the willing and volunta-
ry agreement of those who are themselves
| above suspicion of hostility or indifference
to the cause he was bound to serve. That
| is not the case when, after suspension of
more than twenty years, he is restored TO the
army by vote nearly nine-tenths of which
is given by Democrats, and almost one half
by men representing the States which were
| in rebellion.
There are two propositions which we
think will not be seriously dispu ted. One
of them is that the political party which now
votes unanimou sly to vindicate Porter
l.
did, granting that he was as remiss as has
been alleged. 1t is the party which apothe-
osized the dilatory Mcclellan and anathema-
tized the energy of Grant, the party which
condemned the Union T. eague and nourished
| The Knights Of the Golden Circle, which in
trigued to embarrass Morton and Andrew
and succored Vallandigham; which con-
demned emancipation and has ever been
ready to extend to Jefferson Davis an am
nesiy he win not ask for; which Immediately
upon the close Of the war resumed its politi-
| cal alliance with the men who had drenched
| the land in blood, and undertook to obtain
| their restoration to power without apologies,
| penalties or guarantees. 1t is fit that the
| political party which has treated the Union
men Of the South with consistent hostility
Fitz John Porter. The other proposition
concerning which there can be no doubt is
that if Fitz John Porter had been Republic
can instead of Democrat, not even General
| Grants great name would have secured any
| attention to his case from Democratic
| Congress.
| We are not unaware that many Republic
| cans, men whose fidelity cannot be ques-
| toned, have reached the conclusion that The
| punishment of Porter was undeserved.
| There was never any danger that the opinion
of these persons would not receive all the
consideration to VIII ich it Is justly entitled,
| aud in time it might have prevailed among the
men whose loyalty was never impunged.
| When that time came justice would have
| been done to Porter's fame --even If he were
dead. Rnt since he has preferred an earlier
| yindcation at the hands of ex-Confederate
soldiers, and men whose ardor for the Union
cause was never hot, he may have to wait
| longer. To some men it NAL es difference in
| whose sight they appear to be honorable
What effect this ion will have on the
discipline of the army remains TO be seen.
| But the members of the next court martial
| which has TO try General for disobedience
Of orders inthe face OF the enemy, is warned
that if they finds him guilty the only way to
escape having the offender take advantage OF
political mutations to secure his acquital, with
implied condemnation OF themselves, is to
sentence him to be shot. Dead men do not
| lobby With politicians for a Yndication.