Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1868-05-05
Mr. Sfanbery,s speecIl.

The following is the conclusion Of St2nbery's $
Speech In the Impeachment case - ] s.,
ssNow listen for moment toone who under
stands Andrew Johnson better than most of
you, for his opportunities have been greater.
When nearly two years ago he caEed me from
the pursuits of my professional life to. take a
seal. In his Cabinet, / answered the call under
sense of public duty. came here almost a
stranger.to him and to every member of the
Cabinet, exceptsMr Stanton. We had been
friends for many years. Senators, need L tell
YOU that all my tendencies are conservative.
You, Mr. Chief Justice, who have known me
fol-, a,thire of century will bear me witness
that law, mot arms, is my professions. From
the moment that { was honored with q seat in
the Cabinet Of Mr. j ohnson, not a step was
taken that did not come under my observation,
not a word was said that escaped my attention.
regarded him closely in Cabinet, and still
more 10 private and confidential conversation,
saw him often tempted with bad advice. 1
knew that evil counselors Were once more
around him. Iobserved him with the most
intense anxiety, but never in word, in deed,
anything but loyalty to the constitution and
laws He stood firm as arock against alltemp-
tation TO abuse his own powers or TO exercise
those which were not conferred upon him.
Steadfast and selt-refant In the midst of all
difficulty, when dangers threatened, when
temptations were strong, he looked only to the
constitution OF his country and to the people,
Yes, Senator'S, have seen that man tried as
few have been tried. | have seen his conf
dence abused [ have seen him endure, day
after, day, prlvatlons such as few men have
ever been called upon to M eet. No man could
have net them with more sublime patience. -
Sooner or later, however, knew che explosion
must tcome And when it. did come my only
wonder was that it had been so long delayed.
Yes, Senators, with all his faults, the Presi. ]
dent has been more ,sinned against than sic
ming Fear not then to acquit him. The con-
stitution OF the country is as safe in his hands
from violence astit was In the hands Of Wash
ington. But If, Senator'S you condemn him, if
You strip him of the robes Of office, If you de-
grade him to the utmost stretch of your power,
mark the prophesy The strong arms of the
people will be about him. They will find
way to raise him from any depths to which you
may consign hun, and we shall live to see him.
redeemed and to hear the majestic voice of the;
people, We'll done, faithful servant, you shall
have you reward" .asaa a}35,sst g ts{ ~ ~
But ID, Senatofs,as cannot believe, but has
been boldly said with almost official sanction,
your votes have been canyassed, and the doom
Of the, President sealed, then let. that judg-s
ment not be pronounced in this Senate cham,
berjast<here where our tCamilus, in the hour
ofloury greatest peril, single handed, met and
bafled the enemies of the republic, not here
where he stood faithful among the ,faithless
not here where he fought the good fight for
the Union and the Constitution, not in this
chamber whose walls echo With the clarion voice,
that IN the days ofour greatest danger, carried
strong as an army with banners. No. not heie..
Seek out rather the darkest aud gloomiest.
chamber in the subtereanean recesses sot;the
capitol where the cheerful light of day never
enters. There erect the altar, and immediate
the Vic,im s3&G 8