Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1868-03-02

eraI Emory was that the reuure Of ohoe
act Was unconstitutional and there was no
crime in that. He (Mr. Kerr believed IN at
act was unconstitutional and 80 every lawyer
would believe whose mind was not blinded by
partiEan spirit. A large majority OF the Re-
publican press now declared that law uucon-
stitutional, and when reason and justice came
back 10 this land be believed the courts would
declare the law unconstitutional. Ths whole
subject OF Impeachment had resolved itself IN
10 grand farce: as much Of farce as Was ne
"otng of that letter from New York day or
10 ago upon the subject ef nitro glycerlne.
ne denied that the Democrats upon the noor
nhu ever proclaimed that the Democrats would
rush TO the rescue OF Mr.. johnson II tins House
p' rststed an impeaching hlm. The Democratic
party dld not depend upon any mere man, but
upon nnoying principles.
Mr.. Laurence (Pa5 said Mr.. Brooks and
others had said that the Democrats by SCORES
"oniu rash 10 the rescue of Andrew johnson.
mr. Kerr denied u, and challenged the proof.
When these general charges We're made he
hurled the assertion back, and demanded the
proof.
Mr.. Mccarthy IN. " read speech in favor
Of the articles OF Impeachment.
Mr. Paine tWis.) next obtained the floor ana
commenced by asking: Against whom shall the
articles Of impeachment be directed-arainst
Andrew johnson. President OF the Unltad
States, or against Andrew johnson. Vice
President and Acting President OF the United
Statesl This is an important question Tor the
consideration Of this House. in view of que.-
Of the Capitol. Upon thus question hinged thar
other question Of who shall preside at the com
ing trial Of Andrew Johnson-whether q shall
be the Chief Justice Of the United States OF the
presiding officer OF the Senate. II Andrew
johnson had been elected President. there
would be no question 20 who had the consti-
tutionsl right 10 preside; but the case as pre-
sented vas one in nvolying serious questions Ii
Mr.. Lincoln Were living, and Andrew
johnson as Vice President Were uron trial,
another constitutional question would ARISE
whether Mr.. Johnson would not have a
right 70 preside al his own trial. He
concluded, however, that under the Const-
tuition the chief justice could properly preside.
because, by the laws OF the Constitution, the
President OF the senate must succeed 70 the
Presidential chair Of the United States, and AZ
would be a singular spectacle 10 allow the
President Of the Senate 20 preside az the trial
Of an Officer 10 whose functions and powers he
would succeed If such officer were convicted
Pending his remarks the committee rose, and
the hour Of l. O'Clock having arrived. the House
ad ,ourned for the Saturday session.
The House was again Immediately called 70
order for the Monday session. and again re-
solved itself into Committee OF the Whole upon
the subject Of Impeachment.
MT. Trimble (ky.l obtained the floor and
said in the name of his constituents he solemnly
protested against the Acts this House had taken
upon the subject of impes chment The evi-
dence IN the case did not warrant the presenta-
tion of these articles OF Impeachment. As u
the alleged conspiracy 10 use the armies OF the
United States the only foundation claimed for
this charge was the testimony of General
Emory, but there was nothing I'm that testimony
upon which a charge could b. Justly and prop-
erly based. In conclusion, he appealed 70 tie
majority not 10 persist in this action which
was destined TO disturb the peace and pros
Mr.. Cullom (IlI.I next obtained the floor.
After referring TO the clause Of the Constitution
which gave 10 the House of Representative the
power of impeachment, he said Lpursuance OF
that clause the President had been lmpeached.
and the only question now was whether Mr.
johnson was guilty in manner and form a. in
dicted. He then proceeded TO argue that the at
tempted removal OF the Secretary of War while
he senate was in session was a clear and palpa-
bic violation OF the Constitution. and for which
Mr. johnson was clearly liable TO impeach-
mpnt.
Mr.. Lynch Me } said he had originally voted
for impeac hment because he honestly believed
that Andrew johnson should be punished for
the many crimes and misdemeanors of which
ne had been guilty. and subseq uent events had
justified the vote he had given upon that occa-
sion. Mr.. Lynch continued al some length, re-
viewing the acts Of Mr.. johnson and condemn
ing them, but his time expired before his speech
Mr.. Ward IN. W could have wished thar n
more stringent article had been incorporated
in those presented by the Select Conn mmittee of
Seven, but he bowed to the majority Of the COM
mlttee. Arguing upon the uestion OF appoint
ment and removal he contended that a. the
Constitution required the concurrence Of the
Senate for an appointment, the power that
must uil1ndkt- ana the president could
not OF himself effect a removal The Presi-
dents great crime was the removal OF Mr.
Stanton without the concurrence of the
Senate. He denied that the Republica
ma jority was actuated by a mere party feeling
IN this matter. The Democratic party mas used
this man; seduced him from his party and from
country, and has endeavored through him TO
break down the principles OF the Government.
IL the majority were actuated by party in this
matter. they would have removed Mr.. John
SON long ago. They would not have waited
this length of time. but would long ago have
removed him from his high office.
Mr.. Eldridge.-When
Mr.. Ward.-When he first Went into the
White House; when he first deserted bis party
and went over 20 the interests Of his enenies
he Republican party has been forbearing to
ward this man. They have hoped unul hope
of better things could not BE- entertained no
longer. They had no desire TO resort TO the ex-
treme measure so long there was n hope thar
Mr.. johnson would exhibit a better frame OF
mind. But with his last act all hone was
and there was nothing left 70 Con-
gress but 10 take summary action. Andrew
johnson had al last sunk TO the depth of infa-
my, and he would hereafter be condemned on
all sides: and his infamy would be so deep, so
damning, SO profound. that the hand of resur-
rection would never reach him.