The Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1855-1875, 1868-03-12
MR. WADE'S RIGHT TO SIT UPON THE
TRIAL CHALLENGED.

Sc
MR. WADE'S RIGHT TO SIT UPON THE
TRIAL CHALLENGED.
Long Debate-.Mr. Hendricks Withdrsws
The Challenge--Mr. Wade Sworn In.
WASHINGTON, March 5.-Another big
day in Washington, another jam at the
Capitol, and another very important
step in the programme of impeachment.
As early as 9 o'clock this morning all
the avenues leading to the Capitol were
thronged, for it was known that the
Senate would, at o'clock, resolve itself
into the high court which is to weigh
and determine Andrew Johnsons right
to continue in Office. a7
Long before the hour Of noon, the
galleries of the Senate were crowded
with an attentive concourse of both
sexes. The ladies' gallery presented
an unusually brilliant appearance, and
it's occupants chartered like ten thous-
and magpies, until rap of the Vice
Presidents gavel awed them into si-
lence, and warned them Of a prayer
from the chaplain which Immediately
followed.
A rumor was then put in circulation
and touched with the spirit of electri-
city, that Chief Justice Chase had de-
clined to open the Court to-day, on ac-
count Of the McCardle case, which en-.
crossed his attention and that af all his
associates on the Supreme bench. This
turned out false alarm.
The usual routine business of the
morning hour proceeded, and was voted
bore by all present. The pc ople have
come to witness grand ceremony, and
have no patience with pension bills and
such legislative trifles as seem to en-
gross the attention of the Senate for the
first hour.
| One o'clock is anxiously watched for,
and promptly at that hour the entrance
doors of the Senate chamber were
thrown open, and the floors and CALLER
les are hushed into keen expectancy. A
moment later, the Chief Justice, easily
recognizable in his judicial robes, ,enters,
accompanied by Senator Pomroy on his
left and followed by Judge Nelson, who
is in plain citizens dress, and walking
arm in arm with Senator Wilson.
Mr.. Wade, in the Chair, Immediately
raps the gavel, suspends legislative bu-
siness, announces the resolution OF yes
terday for the organization of the court,
| and vacates the chair. The Chief JUS
tice, with his escort, walks down the
aisle to the desk Of the Vice President,
behind which he stands, and says:
"SRNAToRs-I am here, in obedience to
your notice, for the purpose of proceed
ing with you in forming a court of i'm
peachment for the trial of Andrew
johnson, President of the United States.
I am now ready to take the oath.''
Associate Justice Nelson then admin
istercd the following oath to the Chief
Justice:
II do solemnly swear that in all things
appertaining to the trial of the impeach-
ment of Andrew johnson, President of
the United States, now pending, will
do impartial justice, according to the
Constitution and the laws; SO help me
God"
The Chief Justice then took the chair,
vacated q few minutes before by Mr..
Wade, and ordered the Senators to be
sworn in in succession.
By this time, the galleries were SO
crowded that scores Of ladies were scat
ed on the steps and in the aisles, and
the doors were choked up with specta-
tors. Members from the House focked
in, and crowded the floor and lobbies of
the chamber. Prominent among them,
and evidently pleased at what was going
on, as if conscious of the early part he
had taken in it, was Mr.. Ashley, who
stood up just behind Mr.. Sumner
Speaker Colfax nestled himself in Mr..
Chandler's seat. Messrs. Eggleston and
Cary, from opposite sides Of the floor,
gazed fxedly on the great prologue.
The diplomatic gallery was, by this
time, literally checked up with foreign
Ministers, including Mr.. Thornton, and
Senators wives, including Mrs. Wade.
The extreme quiet that fell on the
floors and galleries as the solemn and
measured sentence of the Chief Justice
was uttered. became less absolute as
Senator after Senator was sworn. There
was some disappointment that the Sen
ators were not sworn in groups, as on
the first day of Congress, instead of one
by one in alphabetical order. Com
mencing with Anthony, the roll pro-