The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1860-04-06

from tue presidential ONCE would De Involved,
but, what is OF infinitely greater importance 10
himself, his character, both in The eyes of the
present and of future generations, might poss-
bly, be tarnished. The disgrace cas-; uFon him
would IN some degree be reflected upon the
character OF the American people who elected
him. Hence the precautions adopted by the
Constitution TO secure fair trial. On such
trial it declares that ''lhe Chief ustice shall pre-
side" This was doubtless because the trainers
of The Constitution believed il to be possible that
the Vice President might be biased BY the fact
that, sin case of the removal of the President
from Office" ''the same shall devolve on the
Vice President"
The preliminary proceedings in the House
in The case OF charges which NAV involve i'm
parchment have been well and wisely settled
by long practice upon principles of equal Justice
both 10 the accused and 10 the people. The
precedent established IN the case OF Judge Peck,
of Missouri, in 1891, after a careful review OF
all former precedents, will, | venture TO pre-
dict, stand the test of time. In that case Luke
Edward Lawless, the accuser, presented petit
ton 10 the House, in which he sci forth min
utely aud specifically his causes OF complaint
He prayed ''that the conduct aud proceedings
in this behalf of said Judge Peck may be inqui-
clson made thereon as to your wisdom and JUS
tce shall seem proper" This petition was re-
ferred TO the Judiciary Committee. Such has
ever been deemed the appropriate committee to
make similar Investigations. II is Standing
committee supposed to be appointed without
reference to any special case and at all times
is presumed 10 be composed OF the most eminent
! lawyers in the House from different portions Of
! q Totp .tyf,ps
| proceedings and whose habits OF investigation
| qualify them peculiarly for he task. No tri-
! bunaI, from their position and character, could,
/ in The nature OF things, Be more impartial. In
/ the case OF Judge Peck the witnesses were So
! lecied oy the committee itself, with view to
! ascertain the trn!h Of the charge. They were
cross-eXamined by hun, and everything was con-
! Quoted IN such a manner 10 afford him no
! reasonable cause of complaint.
| In view Of this precedent, and what is Of far
! greater importance, in view OF the Constitution
and the principles of eternal Justice, in what
manner has the President oil the United States
| been treated by the House Of Representatives (!
| Mr.. John Covode, representative from Penn
! sylyania, IS the accuser Of the President. IN
stead OF laIiOwins the wise precedents oil for
lner times, and especially that m the case Of
/
| Committee on the Judiciary, the House have
made my accuser one Of my Judges.
| To make the accussr the Judge is violation
ofthe principles of universal justice, and is con-
demard by the practice OF all civilized nations
Every freeman must revolt at such spectacle
| an to appear before Mr.. CovoGe, either per-
sonaly or by a substitute, to eross-examine The
witnesses which he nav produce before him
! a. SfaIp 10 pSf
aud perhaps even this poor boon may be denied
TO the President.
And what is the nature Of the investigation
which his resolution proposes to institute? 1t
! is as vague and general as the English language
affords words IN which 10 make 1t. The com
mittee is to inquire, not into any specific charge
or charges, but whether the President has, by
t'moneJ, patronage, or other improper means,
sought TO influence not The action of any in
J diy :dnal member or members of Congress, but
| "the act!oh OF the rutIre hsdt snt f1InUrass''
itself, 'or any committee thereof" The Pres
ldent might have Tad some glimmerIHg of the
nature OF the offence to be investigated had his
accuser pointed to the act or acts of Congress
which be sought to pass or to defeat by the en-
| ployment of "money, patronage, or other I'M
proper means" Bnt the accusation is bounded
! by no such limits. 1t extends to the whole
circle Of legislation to interference .sfor or a.
galnst the passage of any law appertainng to
The rights of any State or Territory" And
what law does not appertain 10 the rights of
some State or Territory And what law or
! Lax has the President failed 10 execute These
might easily have been pointed out had any
such existed
Had Mr.. Lawless asked an inquiry 10 be
made by the House whether Judge Peck, in
general terms, had not violated his judicial du-
ties, without the specification OF any particular
! act, do not believe there would have been a
| single vote in That body IN favor OF the inqui-
| ry.
! Since the time OF the Star Chamber and4BF
| general warrants there has been no such pro-
ceedng in England.
| The House OF Representatives, Tho high inn
| reachiog power ofihe country, without consen-
| ting 10 hear word Of explanation, have endor-
sed this accusation against the President, and
made it their own act. They even refused TO
| permit member 10 inquire OF the Presidents
| accuser what Were the specific charges against
hIm. Thus in this preliminary accusation Of
'high crimes and misdemeanors'' against a CO.
ordinate branch OF the Government, under the
| lmpeachlng power, the House refused 10 hear
single suggestion even in regard to the correct
mode OF proceeding but, without moments
delay, passed the accusatory resolutions under
the pressure, Of she previous question.
In the institution ola prosecution for any of-
fence against the most humble citzen-and |
claim for myself no greater rights than he en-
Joys-the Constitution OF the United States and
Of the several States require that be shall be in
formed, in the very beginning, of the nature.
and cause of the accusation against him, in or
der 10 enable HIM TO prepare for his defence.