Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1867-01-15
Proposed Impeachment of the Presi.
dent Of the United States

In the House of Representatives, on Nom
day last,
Mr.. Ashley, of Ohio, rose to question of
privilege, and said j.: l. rise, sir, to perform a
painful duty, but duty, nevertheless, which
L think cannot be further postponed. and
which cannot without erininality en- our part.
be logger neglected. l had hoped, sir, that
this duty would have devolved upon an older
aud more experienced member Of this House
than myself. Prior to cur adjournment I
asked number of gentlemen to introduce
resolution, which l afterwards offered, and
on which [ failed to obtain n suspension of
the rules. Confident that the loyal people Of
this country demand at our hands the action
provided for in the proposition that am now
about to submit
Mr.. Finck, Of Ohio, rose to a question Of
order-that there was no question before the
House.
The Speaker decided the point of order to
be well taken, and said that if it were insisted
upon the gentleman from Ohio Mr. Ashley
could not be permitted to proceed
Mr.. Finck insisted upon the point of Or
der.
Mr.. Ashley. Then, sir, on my response
bility as Representative of this House and
in its presence and before the American peo-
pie, l charge Andrew johnson, Vice Presi
dent, and acting President OF the United
States, with the commission of Ligh crimes
aud misdemeauors and now propose a res
olution. Applause in the gallery
Mr.. Finck rose to another point of, order
whether the question raised by Mr.. Ash
ley was properly question of privilege.
The Speaker decided that it was that it
had been decided upon a point of order
raised by Hon. Horace Everett, of Vermont
in the Twenty-seventh Congress.
Mr.. Ashley then presented preamble and
resolution, as follows, and demanded the pre-
vious question upon its passage:
do impeach Andrew johnson, Vice Pres
ldent and acting President of the United
States, of high crimes aud misdemeanors. I
charge him with the usurpation of power in
violation of law, in that he has corruptly used
the appointing power; in that he has corrupt
ly used the pardoning power; in that he has
corruptly disPosed'of the public property of
the United States; in that he has corruptly
intcrfered in elections; and committed acts
| and conspired with others to commit acts
which, in contemplation of the Constitution.
are high crimes and misdemeanors ThereS
FORE be it
Res0lred, That the Committee on the Ju>
dietary be, and they arc hereby, authorized to
inquire into the official conduct of Andrew
johnson, Vice President Of the United States.
discharging the, powers and duties of the of.
fee OF President of the United States, and to
report to this House whether, in their opinion.
the said Andrew johnson; while in said of,
fee, has been guilty of acts which were de-
! signed or calculated to overthrow, subvert. or
| corrupt the Government Of the United States
or any department or any officer thereof; and
whether the said Andrew johnson has been
guilty OF any act, or has conspircd with 9TH
ers to do acts which in contemp lation of the
Constitution, are high crimes and misdcmean-
ors, requiring the interposition of the consti-
tutional power of this House and that the
said committee have power to send for per-
sons and papers, and to administer the Gus
tomary oath to witnesses.
Mr.. Spaulding, of Ohio, moved to Law the
resolution upon the table, and on that motion
Mr. Finck, of Ohio, demanded the yeas
and nays The motion was lost-yess 50
nays 105.
The Speaker then stated the question to be
upon seconding the demand for the previous
question:
Mr.. bingham, of Ohio, inquired whether
if that demand were not seconded, it would
be In order to move to refer the resolution to
the Committee on the Judiciary.
The speaker said that it would.
Mr.. bingham. Then hope the demand
will not be seconded.
Mr.. Ashley. And hope it will.
On motion of Mr. Bingham, tetiers were
ordered, and the demand for the previous
question was seconded by vote of rs to 4G-
Mr.. Hubbell, of Ohio, inquired whether a
motion TO refer the resolution to the Judiciary
Committee would be in order
The speaker decided thst il would not, III.