The New York herald., 1868-03-06
WASH HINGT0N
TIE TRIAL OF PRESIDENT JOHNSON.
Prolonged Debate on the PrOpriety Of
Mr.. Wade Serving as Judge.


Tho observation-disclosures TO Organize the
Court Of Impeachment.
The air has been filed with rumors to-day Of va
Siey OF character but all lass exciting, con-
cerning the position OF Chief Justice Chase In the I'M
parchment matter Some stories to the effect that
ne would decline to take bis seat In the Senate a. pre-
sliding officer OF the High Court Of Impeachment, In
Consequence Of the action Of the Senate in preparing
the rules to the court before his opinion was
obtained; others forsshadowed delay on his part until
the Supreme Court had heard and decided the McCade
case But the developments Of the day did not confirm
any Of the Wild stories Chief Justice Chase has been
In the Vice President in thsSenato, acting
High Court Of Impeachment, and will continue to
cupy the position until the termination Of the trial OF
Mr.. johnson. When the committee from the Senate
first waited upon him to-day he expressed .
wish that the organization OF the court should
be adjourned until tomorrow, in order
he might hear the concluding arguments
in the McCardle before he began his abors In the
higher court This wish reported back to the
Senate but that body did feel willing to postpone its
proceedings desired and tho Chief Justice recon-
sidered his determination and concluded to meet the
Senate at the hour previously fixed for the
OF the court
This difficulty being obvated, the Senate at O'Clock
resolved itself into court and MIR Chief Justice Chase
appeared with Associate Justice Nelson and took his
place as presiding officer Of the assemblage Mr.. JUS
tce Nelson administered the oath prescribed by the
regulations Of the Senate to the Chief Justice who in
turn administered 1t to the Senator'S long debate
arose on the competency OF Vice President Wade to sit
as Judge in the court account of interest and con.
tnued until the adjournment of tho court for the day
Tho Board OF Managers from the House were in attend
ance In an ante-room but did not the chamber In
consequence Of the non-organizatlon OF the court
Tho ceremony to-day was solemn and impressive.
There was not large audience was present yes
terday, but while tho oath being administered to
the Senators the floor Of the Senate was nled with
tsers Judges Of tho Supreme Court and distinguished
people from all parts Of the country who seemed to be
deeply Interested in the event. which is once unique
and imposing.
What MIR. Wade Thinks of the Proceedings.
While the case Of Mr.. Wade was being discussed mum.
bers Of Senators aocked him. shook his hand as
1t was never shaken BEFORE and otherwise demonstrated
lively sense OF favors TO come Wade In the White
House, to some peoples prophetic souls, Is consum-
nation as sure to be realized 1t is devoutly to be
wished for. His experience to-day, according to bis
own account rather surprised him. The whole proceed
ing he pronounces Irregular no court had been
formed when the question was raised by Senator Hon
bricks AGAINST his adm ssion He takes the view that
there no analogy between this trial OF the President
and an ordinary trial In the usual courts of justice This
great State trial. and his voice vote that of
Ben Wade but one-haf the voco of the State Of
Ohio. II 1t were ordinary trial he believes both Pat
terson and himself would be sot aside by the lawyers
II the principle carried out to its legitimate end
the whole Senate would be set asde and impeachment
along with IL. Hardly member of the body, whether
democratic or republican, but has placed himself on the
record either BY vote or speech predsposed for or
against the person accused and such predisposlon Is
just as valid an objection ho Thinks the that
been raised Of interest against him. He shall certainly
take the oath when the debate is Settled he believes
It will be 10 his favor as the nducary representa- tive Of
Ohio, and not as juryman empanellod to try Andrew
johnson, the man. but OF council representing
the whole nation and assembled 10 investigate charge
TO whether any law OF said nation violated by its
Executive But all this debate, he contends Is irrcgu
lar, and until the Senate becomes court and the
cused brought before 1t in the proper form,
Der can be challenged whether on the grounds Of inter.
est or otherwise