The Sweetwater forerunner. [volume] (Sweetwater, Tenn.) 1867-1869, 1868-05-21
Gbe furuunntr.
sweetwater, Thursday, May 81, 1858.
THE RESULT,

at the result of the vote last Saturday on
the lth article of impeachment, We
had been so thoroughly satisfied that the
court was packed conccn-that the
precise issue was known by the managers
before word of evidence was takon-that
acquittal seemed to US as one of the most
improbable of earthly events; and those
who risked their money on it We cOuld
not but regard as very simple fools. The
verdict is, therefore, most welcome and
joyful surprise,
If the Democrats who stood firmly by
the Constitution deserve our respect and
admiration, and confidence, it is difficult
TO express our appreciation of the seven
Republican Senator's who dared to do right
against such pressure as was probably
never before successfully resisted in the
history of political prosecutions by the
party in power. Mcssrs. Fessenden,
Grimes, Trumbull, Henderson, Van VIM
kle, Ross and Fowler, if they never before
did righteous act, are entitled for this
one to the grateful thanks of the American
people.
The success of the RevOlutionists would
virtually have destroyed our Government.
1t was at least their intention to destroy
one branch Of it, and the work of govern
mental destruction, once begun, is seldom
stayed until all is wreck and ruin. We
believe that time will demonstrate the
Importance of the work accomplished by
this handful of bold, fearless, honest, con-
scientious, God-fearing Senators, and that
they will be held in grateful remembrance
when the managers and abettors of this
revolutionary scheme-the real usurpers
shall only be remembered as the would
be destroyers of their country's peace and
happiness.
Fears are expressed that the vote on
the other ten articles will be deferred un-
till the Radical Senators from the South
ern States are admitted. But such an
outrage surely will not be permitted We
believe the attempt to carry it out would
be resisted, even to the Inauguration Of
another war. The Court was organized
before the trial began the evidence has
been taken, and Oh the article which il
was thought would most certainly bring
conviction, Mr. johnson has been cleared
Nothing but a providential interpositior
o. can secure conviction on the other arti
clcs if fairly tried. The strongest vote
in that direction has already been taken
and we scarcely believe the remaining
articles will be tested on the Goth or or
any future day. BY the time of the ad
journed session, the coolest-hoaded of tho
impeachers will be perfectly willing tc
gradually commence letting the matter
drop.
We do not agree with those who hoped
for conviction on the ground that it woult
kill the Radical party We would no
wish to see so dangerous precedent Sc
as the disgrace and removal of the highes
officer of the Government on the mos
fimsy pretaxts. Nothing would iustif,
such action except fragrant violation o
the Constitution and the laws by the in
cumbcnt, and even then it should b.
avoided, unless absolutely necessary fo
the safety of our republican institutions
In this case VIC believe that the remed,
proposed was thousand times worse thai
the disease; besides, we would not, 70
any end whatever, be willing to accor,
the enemies of the government even
temporary triumph.
We believe, moreover, that the Radica
party will be indebted to the seven mel
upon whose heads they are now heapin.
the most bitter curses, for what may b.
left of its chances for success in the flu
turc. But be that as it may, the verdic
wasa righteous one and as such, regard
less OF all consequences, We hope and be
lievc it will meet with the appreciation o
every man not blinded by party passion
or sectional hate.