Sunbury American

Jackson and Sheridan.—When General Jackson assumed the defense of New Orleans he put the city under martial law. Nor did he relax any of its severity after his great victory over the British. He received the news of a treaty of peace between the two countries, but for prudential reasons continued the exercise of martial law. He arrested a private citizen and held him under military authority. Judge Hall issued a writ of habeas corpus, but Jackson not only refused to recognize it, but sent a guard of soldiers to escort the Judge outside the city limits. A few days after civil authority was restored Judge Hall returned, and summoned General Jackson before him to show cause why he should not be punished for contempt, &c. First, in his arrest of a private citizen; second, in his refusal to recognize the writ issued; third, in his unlawful expulsion of the Judge. Jackson claimed that all his acts were founded on public necessity. His defense was not sufficient for the Judge, who was trying his own case. He was fined $1,000, which he promptly paid out of his own pocket. Years after the payment, the fine was remitted by Congress on the ground that General Jackson acted in the interest of the public good and for the public safety. The Democrats, who now denounce General Sheridan for doing less than Jackson did, should remember that every stone cast at him is one thrown at the hero of Democracy. Sheridan, like Jackson, has the firmness to do his duty, and the enemies of law and order in Louisiana would do well to recognize that trait in his character before they feel its hand.—The Republic.