The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1868-05-19
| Nj p e A c HI M ENT
PROGRESS OF THE TRIAL.

. PROGRESS OF THE TRIAL.
WASHINGTON, d. c., May 1.-THE
excitement in Washington has steadily
increased since the Senate went into Sc
cret session. After meeting the 6rst
hour or two, confidence in conviction re-
mained strong, nor was it at all abated
by Grimes speech against the whole ar
ray of articles; but after Sherman and
Howe had taken position against the
first article, something bordering on a
panic set in. In the House members
gathered in groups in the lobbies and
and cloak, rooms, while the corridors
about the Senate were crowded with Of
6cers Of the two houses, members of the
House and newspaper men. There was
no obligation Of secresy upon Senators,
and the general character of the debate
in the chamber was constantly known
outside, and each successive speech
caused fresh speculations. The scene
was most exciting, and no story could be
told that did not find believers, and every
report, rumor or speculation once started
speedily assumed large proportions, and
and by the time the House adjourned at
half-past four, members wen. over to the
Senate wing in most despondent mood.
Henderson's sweeping speech fell like
she'll amouRg the Missouri members,
and they, with visitors from that State.
of whom there were good number pres
ent, were taken completely aback by it.
They were confident to the last moment
that he would surely vote for conviction,
and made free to express their indigna-
ton in no measured terms.
Trumbull's course had similar effect
upon the Illinois men, though Republi-
cans were less surprised at him than at
Henderson. By this time the break in
the line had become so marked that Fes-
senden's speech was looked on as mat
ter Of course. Long before adjournment
yea and nay lists were circulating freely
outside, and each party holding them had
the case made out according to informa-
tion which had been picked up.
At four o'clock these lists seemed to
agree in showing that Wade would be
obliged to vote to save the case, and q
leading competitor for the Chicago nom
ination of the Vice Presidency intimated
that it would be in his power to save it,
but that decency would then compel him
to resign and allow Cohax to become
President. 49,
Mr. Sherman said he could not vote for
the first article, that charging high
crime in the removal Of Mr.. Stanton, for
the same reason, as he had expressed
while the act was under discussion, tina,
he did not believe Mr.. Stanton's case
covered by its provisions. He held that
under the act Of 1889 the President had
authority to make the removal, and that
it had not in this particular case been
taken from him by the tenure-of. Office
act. He spoke briefly on the other ar
ticles, and on the whole indicated that
while he should certainly vote against
the first article, he would vote for the
second and third, and perhaps others.
Mr.. Grimes was the third speaker. He
has been reported for acquittal for some
days, and the truth of this report had
been learned by everybody who took
proper means of inquiry. There was
great interest, however. in hearing what
he would say, and when he had occupied
the allotted fifteen minutes, there was q
general request that he should read his
whole opinion.
Mr.. Grimes closed as follows: II ex-
press no views upon any of the questions
upon which the President has been ar
raigned at the bar of public opinion put
side Of the charges. have no right to
travel out of the recrod, his regulations
to political parties, his conduct as a cit
izen, ibis efforts at reconstruction, the
exercise of his pardoning powers, the
character of his appointments, and the
influence under which they were made,
are not before US on any charge; nor can
I suffer my judgment Of law governing
this case to be influenced by political
considerations. / cannot agree to de-
stroy the harmonious working of the
Constitution for the sake of getting rid
of an unacceptable President. What
ever my opinion of the incumbent, I
cannot consent to trife with the high Of
flee he holds. I differ widely with the
President respecting his political views
and measures, and i deeply regret the
difference between him and Congress, but
l cannot in my judicial capacity record
my vote that be is guilty Of high crimes
and misdemeanors.' -
Senator Edmunos was the next speak
er. He spoke nearly an hour, reading
entirely from manuscript very carefully
He said at once that the
charges specified in the first, second and
third articles were clearly proved, and
the only question to consider was wheth-
Or they constituted high crimes and mis-
iemeanors. He could not support any
of the conspiracy articles, but should
Vote for the first three.
Mr.. Williams was the fifth speaker.
He reached about the same conclusion
rs Mr.. Edmdnds had. He would vote
or the first, second and eighth articles,
Ind left the impression on the minds Of
his associates that he might also vote for
some others. =
Mr.. Howe followed, with a brief state
nent Of his conclusions, which it was
'ound did not materially differ from those
If Mr.. Sherman. He would not vote for
he first article, if it were divided,
Mr.. Hendricks was the first speaker on
he Democratic side Of the chamber
lie spoke from notes, but had no written
opinion. Such Of the allegations of the
House "a rested on locumentary evidence