The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-08-01

entered upon phase of his career that required
all the forbearance, sagacity and skill OF which
he was master. He was subordinate OF the
President, yet had been made, in some degree,
independent of him. The President was natur-
ally indignant at the situation. which was, in
deed, anomalous, and even unjustifable, ex-
cept on the ground that it was indispensable
in order to save the state. But Congress be-
lieved the President not only hostile to the
true interests of the country, but recusant
to the expressed will of the people.
The era was indeed evolutionary and
the circumstances unprecedented The time
was out of joint and Grant felt that it was
his unwelcome task to set it right. 1t was made
his duty both by law and by patriotism to carry
out policy which the head of the state sought
by every means to defeat and destroy; and
Grant determined to perform the duty. Never
theless, he succeeded even now in maintaining
the appearance of amicable relations with the
President He showed him all the Difference
due his Office, and was able to postpone for
while longer the fercest phases of that hostility
which was destined to break out at last between
the executive and Congress.
His equanimity of temper was as important
at this juncture as either his steadfastness or
unselishness of purpose. He had no anxiety
except to do his duty, and save his whole coun-
try, North and South, from further peril He
felt that it was as important not to infame
passion as to carry out policy. He was as
careful not to exasperate North or South as to
perform any other service to the state. A word
from him would have excited Congress beyond
It's own control; an lappeal to the North might
have precipitated another war. But he kept
to himself or to the very few in whom he
conhded, his knowledge of many exasperating
words and deeds; he cautioned his subordinatesj
he strove to hold in check the hot-heads in
Congress, so that even yet there were Republic
ans who doubted him and only used him be-
cause he was necessity. He felt especially
often heard him declare it-extreme reluctance
to the use of arbitrary power at the South. He
was republican In principle and democratic in
sentiment if ever man was either, and.he took
no arbitrary step, except unwillingly. But he
felt that the emancipated millions must be pro-
tected: that the recently hostile population must
be held in check, IL necessary, with the curbj and
though he was anxious to appsase passion, to
harmonic. if yet possible, the legislative and
executive branches of the government, to pre-
serve the democratic principle, to retain his own
magnanimous feeling toward the conquered, he
was firm, and if needfu stern, in holding all that
had been acquired. He treated those who had
been rebels with justice as well as mercy; he was
determined to protect the white and black union
lists; he would carry out the law, even in spite of
its highest officer. his own superior
He thus went heartily into the spirit Of the re-
construction measures. He advised the removal
of all Southern functionaries not really anxious
to renew their allegiance. but at the same time
urged the remission of the penalties of treason
in the case Of those who proved themselves re-
pentent, or, il not that, loyal lie counseed
his subordinate commanders constantly and
watched them closely. But he took care not to
transcend his powers His letters to these
officers are full of anxiety not to overstep his
own limitations But up to this time the dis
trict commanders without exception took his
advice as orders.
Under this wise and really pacific manage
ment, the evil spirit at the South was almost
laid; murder became less common. justice more
frequent. The population itself declared Its sat
isfacsion with military rule-its preferment for
tnlS TO any now practlcaDle government They
liked. indeed, to call themselves conquered, and
Rugged their hardships. For with Grant enforc-
ing the law, the South knew there was no al
tentative. In many States the registration Of
the new voters began It seemed as if recon-
struction would be accomplished, and peace was
to come at last to the distracted land. Perceiv-
ing that the President was powerless and the
North determined, the South prepared to submit
to what was inevitable. as ii had submitted be-
fore at Vicksburg and at Appomattox.
ADAM BADEAU.
Stanton's accord with Grant at this crisis Is
indicated in the following informal note, written
In pencil, which I preserved:
General have received the copy OF General
Sheridan's telegram. do not remember when
he proposed to close the registration, but think
it was the 10th or 10Th Of June. There appears
to be no necessity for any action until we can
confer together. and in the meantime General
Sheridan can let his orders, If he has made
any, stand until he gets instructions from you
Yours truly, EDWIN III. STA NTON.
General Grant. June 20. '67.''