The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1868-04-17
Tmpeaohment.

Radical mcmbcrs.
Mr.. Butler called witness named
Wood, who was sworn and examined,
and afterwards cross-cNamincd by Mr..
Stanbery.
Mr.. Blodgett, another witness, from
Georgia, was next called and briefly cX-
amincd by Butler. The substance of
their testimony was unimportant.
General Thomas letter accepting the
position of Secretary of War al interim
was also offered in evidence, and admit
ted without objection.
Judge Curtis, at quarter before one
O'Clock, arose to open the argument for
the defense. Nearly every Senator
was in his seat, while the House Man
ayers, including Mr.. Stevens, were pre-
sent ut their table, and seemed to realize
the strength of the mastery effort of
the distinguished jurist, who was stat
ing the law and the facts of the case 50
calmly, dispassionatcly, and forcibly.
The learned counsel had not proceeded
far before ii become apparent TO all that
he had completely annihilated the
charges contained in the articles rclat-
ing to the removal of Stanton and the
appointment Of Thomas. His citation
of authorities bearing upon the conSti-
tutional power of the Executive to re-
conclusive upon that point; while his
review of the tenurc-o of-ofice law, with
| the legislative history of its enactment,
seemed to settle, beyond the possibility
of doubt, the important fact that the
case of Mr.. Stanton is not met by any
of its provisions.
After speaking until twenty minutes
past two o'clock, the learned counsel
yielded in order to allow a recess which
was accordingly taken.
Judge Curtis then resumed his argu-
ment and spoke with even greater effect
than at the opening. The managers on
the part of the House, lookod perpleXed.
Butler whispered to stevens, Williams
and Boutwell, gaZed at each other,
Bingham and Wilson, seemed engrossed
with the argument, while Logan glanc-
ed now and thenat the galleries. Among
| the Senators who seemed to pay par
ticular attention to all that fell from the
lips of the learned counsel who was adj
dressing them, were MCssrs. Edmunds,
| Fessendcn, Fowler, Grimes, Frelinghuy-
sen, and several others on the Republi-
can side of the Chamber. Judge Curtis
allusion to Buffers opening argument,
and the views expressed therein, was
exceedingly lorcibe and damaging to
the prosecutors. Butler, it will be re-
membered, in the course of his speech,
admitted that the President ought not
to be impeached for simply removing
an officer in order TO test the constitu-
tionality of the law, until which the re-
moved official claimed to hold the office.
But he objected to the manner in which
the President removed Stanton, de-
cared that he (thc Presidcntl had sent
a defQRt message to the Senate, etc. etc.
| I 4 a, hnt y
and arguing logically therefrOm the ir-
resistible inference was drawn that the
removal of Stanton was not the sole
cause Of this proceeding against the
President. This much, Judge Curtis
contended, is admitted by Buffers ar
gument. Judge C. further continued
his remarks until twenty minutes to
four o'clock, when he said he had reach
ed point in his argument where he
would like to rest for Il while, owing to
the exhaustion occasioned by the
physical and mental labor he had been
compelled to undergo. Mr.. Reverdy
johnson, moved that the Court adjourn
until tomorrow, which was unanimous
~ agreed to.
The "lligh Court of Impeachment"
was called to order shortly after twelve
o'clock to-day, by the Chief Justice OF
the United States, and the trial of the
President resumed. Gems. Sherman and
Hancock, and Hon. Thomas Ewing, ST.,
of Ohio, occupied seats in the Senate
chamber. The House managers ap-
peared at ten minutes past twelve
| o'clock, and were soon followed by
| Speaker CollaX, and little band Of
| Radical members, whom the Sergeant
| alarms announced as the "HouSc Of
| Representatives" After the reading of
the journal of yesterday, Judge Curtis
arose and resumed his argument in de-
| fense of the President. lie spoke in Il
louder tone of voice to-day, and review
ed the allegations contained i'll the
several articles Ofimpeachment, one by
one. His argument commanded the
undivided attention of nearly all pres
ent, and was generally conceded to
have been both able and exhaustive.
He concluded at II quarter past two
o'clock, having spoken just five hours
in all. The Senate, or "lligh Court, ]"
then took o recess. After order had
been restored, Mr.. Stanbery called Gen.
Lorenzo Thomas, Secretary of War dd
interim, and that gentleman appeared,
and was sworn as Il witness. lie an
swered all questions in clear, straight
forward manner, which gave evidence
of the honesty and sincerity Of his state
ments. After detailing what occurred
between Mr.. Stanton and himself on
the day he was appointed Secretary dd
to state what was said in the conVCrsa-
ton he tthe witness) had with the
President Immediately after Mr.. STAN
ton refused to vacate the War Office.
This question was objected to by Mr..
Butler. Mr.. Butler then proceeded to
argue that the proposed testimony was
inadmissible, on the ground that ii was
simply allowing the President to make
evidence for himself, after the com
mission of the act with which he stand.
charged, ETC., etc. Mr. Stanbery replied
that it was designed to show that the
President never directed Gen. Thomas
to use any force to get possession Of The
War Office, and therefore admissible in
order to negative the allegation that he
contemplated the election of Mr.. Stanton
from the War Department by farce
Butler in the course of his remarks gO
sadly out of temper, exhibiting bat
manners rs well rs bad ideas Of the law
Of evidence. The Chief Justice submit
ted the question for decision to tht
Senate. The yeas and nays being OF
) dered thereon, resultcd--yCas y, nay
10; 50 ii was decided that Mr.. Stanbery
+ might ask the witness what was said bN
the President after Mr.. Stanton had re
fused to vacate the War Office. There
suit Of the vote, on the proposition
| surprised nearly every body present
, Even Sumner voted in the affirmative
and when he responded faye" to th,
call Of his name, there was a supprcsscC
laugh, both on the floor and in the gal
leries. The witness stated that th'
5 President never directed him to us
4 any force whatever to gain possession
f of the War Department. He simpl.
= desired to have the matter settled b,
the courts. His narration of what oc
a CURED at the War Department, ,betweei
Mr., Stanton and himself, when he de
1 manded possession thereof, was exceed
ingly plain and 81 imple;, the account h
:, gave Ofhow Stanton followed him int
II General SchriVer's room, asked for TIN
IA latter's bottle DOurpd ont what liuuO