Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1867-07-24
Mr.. WOODBRIDGE OF VERMONT ON I'M
PARCHMENT.

Mr.. Woodbridge said ] never rose to vind-
cate myself, and would MOI do so now if did not
believe that my private reputation was involved
At the close of the last session Of Congress the
Judiciary Committee which was charged with in
vestigation as to the Impeachment OF the Presi-
dent, deemed it its duty 10 hold an adjourned
sion. 1t held such session and devoted itself la
boriously TO the examination Of the question be-
fore IT for period of four five weeks About
the conclusion Of that session resolution was
brought before the committee that on the testi-
mony then before it, there was not evidence to
justify tie Intervention u the impeachment power
against the President. | voted for that resou-
ton, and it went forth under the orders of the
committee to the public, in order that the public
mind might be satisfied far as the committee
was concerned Subsequently, at the desire of
members Of the committee all of whom, have no
doubt, acted with integrity, additional subpGnas
were issued for other witnesses to appear and give
their testimony. At that time, very unlike my
friend from Pennsylvania (Mr. Williams, had
not determined what my ultimate vote would be
on this great question. | had not determined as
he had, when we adjourned in June, that | want
ed no more cyidence-that | had made up my
mind-a sentiment which shocked me as coming
from so able and so honorable a man as the gem
tleman from Pennsy lyania, sentiment more
worthy Nero or Joffreys than the Honorable
gentleman from Pennsylvania When this great
Law Committee ofthe House, | received il not as
a partisan | was responsible only to the Consti-
tuition, to my oath to my God did not ask my %
self what my party demanded, or what public opin-
ion would Justify. / received this question in a
Judicial capacity. 1t is known that was opposed
to the general policy and many acts Of the Pres
ident, but when the question was committed to
me | was determined that / would give him those
privileges which the law of the land guaranteed to
him | would not allow myself to be the member
OF any party, or any organization, but only to be
Representative Of this great nation, charged I'M
der my oath to do my duty. Since the assembling
otCongress at this session the public journals OF
the country have stated | was vaccillating and
doubling TO the course which l would ultimate
ly pursue
say here that up TO that time, and now, from
the testimony which has been adduced before the
committee, and under the law as ! understand il,
there has been no matter to Justify the impeach-
ment of the President | know that this country
can endure the impeachment even of the President.
| know that people which has carried its flag in
triumph through the bloodiest and most expensive
war which the world has ever seen--a people which,
when the President murdered in theatre,
still carried the wheels Of the Government with
out any creaking, and without any fall in the pub
lie securities -conld en- re the Impeachment, Of
the President of the United States. But when
the time comes, ii it does come, when in my iudg-
htHl, unuei me law ana the testimony, AHureW
johnson should be mpeached, | will be the first
man in the committee to stand up, regardless OF
consequences and vote for his impeachment. If
the day ever comes when political considerations
are regarded by Congress, then / shall despair
despair iorever-of the safety and stability Of our
institutions. The papers have said that | could
not sustain myself at home, politically. Coming
from The little State Of Vermont, noble State
as any in the galaxy, | may not sustain myself
but how poor-how infinitely poor-will this offer
ing be when believe that | have done my duty.
Conscientious convictions of duty are of far more
consequence at least in the hour of death than all
the political chapets that may crown ones brow
in the pathway from the cradle to the grave. |
express no opinion now as to impeachment. |
hold my judgment as Judge until these inve0ti-
cations are completed and when completed shall
act up to the convictions of my mnd--whether |
live or die-whether | stand or iall-before the
people Of this country, or before my immediate
constituents, who have honored me heretofore,
and who will honor mobereafter, if | prove wor-
thy OF their confidence.