Fayette County herald. [volume] (Washington [Washington Court House], Fayette County, O. [Ohio]) 1860-1???, 1868-04-09
The impeachment of Andrew
johnson.
Edtton Tanette CoNntn Herald.

son be given why the trial Of one
man should cause such q general
commotion, both in political and
social eircles2 Are there not trials
daily, in some parts Of the Union,
of men for their lives, who, if
lproven guilty, must suffer the death
penaltyP And yetthe proceedings
of these trials cause no such gen
eral commotion, Sometimes it is
scarcely known out of the county
where the trial was instituted. If
the trial of SO many men for their
lives causes no excitement, why
such excitement over the trial Of
this one man, Johnsonp
Mr. johnson, by virtue Of the
office which he is attempting to fill,
is the Commander-in- Chief of the
army and navy of people num-
bering thirty millions, and of the
militia of the several States when
called into actual service.
The trial of private individual
effects no one but himself and fam
lily, and is decided by twelve disin-
terested jurors, who are sworn to
observe justice, the facts and the
law, in their decision. The trial Of
Mr.. johnson effects us all to some
extent, for the reason that we all
have an interest in the welfare of
our Government. Then, if we are
interested in the welfare of a gov
ernment-the only one on the globe
under which an American would
he willing to liye-and, since An
drew johnson is placed in the high
est office which the trainers of this
great republic created, the impeach-
ment of this high officer is a trial
in which we are all concerned. The
reason, then, is obvious, why this
trial has caused 50 much attention,
because it is one which affects the
welfare of the nation, and each in
dividual citizen of the nation,
Let us examine for a moment the
issues which are presented by the
impeachment. Does the life orI
death Of the nation, the security OIL
the State governments, the welfare
of society, the holding Of property,
or the protection of our persons
and lives, depend on either the con
viction or acquittal Of Mr.. John
son? If the President is so high
in authority and power that he can
not be reached by the voice of the
people through their representa-
tiVes, and is not accountable to-
them for his acts, then, and then
alone, are these the issues presented
! by impeachment. This cannot be
the case for this reason, that the
very principles upon which our re-
public stands cannot be reconcled
with the idea Of an officer having
such power and authority that he is |
not accountable for his actions. |
But true statement Of the issue is
this; Mr.. Johnson, as an'oilicer, is
held accountable to the people for
his official conduct. The peopleI
have a right, at any time, to inquire
into the official conduct of an Off
Ger. If his acts have been lawful,
well and good; if unlawful, com
mon sense and public opinion, as
well as law and order, would die
tate that the guilty person suffer
hepenalty, Then, the question is,
have Mr.. Johnson's acts been law
| full or unlawful? ? Is he fitted for
the office of President, or not p?
Has he been right, or wrong? III
his acts have been lawful, is it not
due him that il should be so de-
clared by the highest court in the
nation ? But If unlawful, is it not
right that he should suffer the pen
atty which penalty is the "re
moval from office and disqualified
tion to hold and enjoy any office of
honor, trust, or profit, under the
| United States"
The mode of procedure in the
great trial is very simple. The
articles Of impeachment are made
out by the House in nearly the same
manner that a grand jury of our
county would make out an indict-
ment against you or me, The
Senate is notified of these proceed
ings The House then appoints
managers to attend to the trial. |
The Senators are sworn and presi-
ded over by the Chief Justice The
accused is summoned to appear in
person, or by counsel, and answer
the charges made against him. He
is allowed the best talent as coun-
selors that can be obtained. The
trial then proceeds as in ordinary
cases, and the decision will be made /
by each Senator giving his judg-
ment for or against the accused on
each separate charge If two
thirds are against him he is declared
guilty IL less, innocent. But you
ask on what authority all this de-
.pends. 1t depends on these words,
which we quote from the Oonstitu
ton; "The House of Represen.
tatives shall choose their Speaker
and other officers, and shall have
the sole power Of impeachment
Again, 1.-THE Senate shall have the
sole power to try all impeach
ments. When sitting for that
purpose, they shall be on oath or
affirmation. When the President
of the United States is tried, the
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