The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1868-05-14
How II. President Feels.

The Washington correspondent OF the Bos-
ton Post, writing under date OF May 10, says.
The probable result Of the great impeach-
ment trial is the universal topic of converse
ton in all circles Of society here and elsewhere,
but the great wonder 30 frequently expressed
"a "How does President Johnson feel; What
doss he think of. the chances Of conviction or
acquittal ?" To crafty this very natural curl
osity or wonder on the part Ct the people, your
correspondent sought Information at 5Ie sne ea- sa
ecutive mansion, where he was cordially re.
ceiyed by the President, who, with perfect
fionchalanoe, inquired "What news to-day;
/ how stands impeachment p NO one could
have suspected tnat the party who propounded
these questions was himself the party lmpeacn.
ed, End then on trial for "hlgh crimes and
misdemeanore." Mr.Johuson has never look
ed better than he does to-day, and his fine
flow Of good humor indicates anything but q
troubled mind. After briefly replying to his
questions, your correspondent ventured upon
/, his work directly and without clrcumlocution..
ssI would be pleased to learn your views OF
the situation, Mr.. President; what do you
think of impeachnent2" ,o,
The President promptly replied "Oh, 1haye
never allowed myself TO believe or feel that the
American Senate would prostitute its great
power of impeachment to base party purposes,
and / shall not believe it until l know the vote
of conviction has been recorded. SucE ls my
abstract opinion Of the Senate; but whatever
their Judgment may be, shall cheerfully DOW
s.But, Mr.. President, it was suggested by MI.
Bingham in his closing argument that 1t was
doubtful whether you would obey the mandate
Of the Senate if the judgment be one OF conWc-
ton"
was perceptible as if about springing to his
feet. Smiles and pleasant looks were gone,
..-Is &.ny, % day6
suggestion OF MIR. Bingham was base one,
but, nevertheless, one in perfect harmony WITH
the CHARGES and suggestions contained IN the
eleven articles of impeachment. Why should
I not obey the mandate of the Senate If all the
forms end requirements OF the constltutlon are
complied withp If senators abuse their trust
they are not responsible to nae, but to the peo-
nile. who hold the sovereign power. The peo-
Die have placed me in charge OF one OF the
great departments OF the government, with oil
it's duties and responsibilities, and the same peo-
ple have placed senators in another department
also, with grave responsibilities and with Ine
power to try impeachment, and render 1uog-
ments thereon. If senators misuse OF apuse y
| thls great power thus entrusted to them, u ls
not for the party impeacned and conVlcted 10
attempt to set aside the judgment OF the Sen::
| ate. The people alone can settle with tne!I
agents for any abuse Of their great trust: Mr
Bingham weli knows that have never Iaueo u
| yield 8 cheerful compliance Win au tuo fequaSS
ments Of the constitution. have endeaVored,
to the best of my ability, to protect, defend and m
preserve that great chart OF our liberties ano
am more than willing to surrender my omclal
responsibility whenever called upon 30 to &c
according to the forms and requirements o'
that sacred instrument"
The President spoke with considerable
warmth Of feeling, and added that he had every
confidence in the honesty and Patriotism o.
the great mass Of the people, and whatever
the judgment Of the Senate might be the peo'
pie would do him justice. he lelt that ms re-
putation was perfectly safe in the hands OF pos
terity. It is yory evident the President re. o.
CARDS the whole impeachment proceeding 81
simply trial Of the constitution, and one N
which he feels q deep interest as an American
citizen. There was no indication, by LOOK { OF
word. that he felt any special interest ID tae %
result on private account. He spoke OF the
trial precisely as he would speak Of any otnei
public matter involving the public 1nterest
General Rousseau and several members o1
Congress called and held lively conversation
in which MIR. Nelson, Of the Presidents co9n.
sel. participated. A number Of iades alse
called and paid their respects. These last were
quite overpowering in their compliments OF
the President's fine 10 ,ks and good humor.