Smyrna times., 1868-02-26

PRESIDENT JOHNSON AND CONGRESS.-ln
smother column we give the transactions that
have transpired between Mr.. Stanton and Gen.
Thomls, over VIII ich the country has been so
much excited. Congress- sharing in the gen.
sral eommotion, has taken prompt action to
bring the President to account for his fragrant
violation Of the laws of Congress.
In the House of Representatives, on Mon
dsr, tho debate on impeachment was contnu-
ed a number Of those who could not speak on
Saturday making strong appeals in favor of ir-
peachment. A resolution that ANDREW John
son, President of the United States, be i'm
peached of high crimes and misdemeanors"
was then adopted by strict party vote-yeas,
I26, nays, Al. A committee to prepare arti-
sles of impeachment was then appointed
The specific misdemeanor with which the
President is charged is the violation of tho
tenure-of Office law, in the removal of Mr.
Stanton and the appointment of Gen. Thomas
in his place The first section of that law de-
eiares that every person holding any civil
Office to which he has been appointed b. and
with the advice and consent of the Senate, is
and shall be entitled to hold such Office until
= successor shall have been IN Ike nanner ap-
pointed and duly qualified" This clause de-
prives the President of the power to r.move
any such officer without the consent Of the
S S'nate. Nei ner has he authority to suspe nd an
Officer without the consent of the Senate, I'M
lass there is recess of that body, and even
then only in specified cases. The acts of the
D.n,;I,,k 5s,.;a oo.Aiok kba
plain provisions Of law, and evidently inten-
tional on his part. His object is to outwit
Congress and accomplish his personal ends.
Instead OF maintaining the dignity of his office
and executing the laws according to the Con
attution, he has made bimsefa political trick
ser to thwart Congress and embarrass its action
He sent message to the Senate on Monday
pretending that he acted in accordance will
the tenure Of ofice-law, which says that head
of departments shall hold their Office durin,
abe term of the President by whom they may
have been appointed" and argues that as Mr.
Stanton was not appointed by him this Law
esnnct protect him. He further says tina
his object Is to test the constitutonalty of tn
law, and has taken this method to bring it be
fore the Supreme Court. As Mr.. Stanton wa
appointed by Mr.. Lincoln, his term does nc
expire until the term for which Mr.. L. wa
slectcd expires. lie has no authority to di
sbey any law even if he may think it unco
stitutional Ho has no authority to decit
the cOnstitutlon4lty Of any law, and he
bound TO execute all laws unless they are d
slared unconstitutional by the U. S. Supren
Court. What !. tla use Of Congress MAXI
laws if, after they have been made in the us
al form, the President be allowed to sele
from among them such as he may think unco
.tisWtional. lie has assumed the responsible
of disgarling law instead of enforcing it, a
act an example which. if tolerated in the
cure, may lead to painful results.
The President has forced an issue upon c.
gress. A vast majority of both Houses hs
heretofore been opposed to impeachment,
Mr.. Johnsons publication of law has MI
che Republicans unit in its favor. We ht
the case will be proceeded withFsith discreet
api 6rmness. without passion or partisan b