The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-04-25
Trial Of President Andrew johnson fer
High Crimes and MiSdemeanors.
Conclusion Of Mr.. Nelson's Ar
glment for the Defence.
Mr.. Grcesbeck to Speak i'm the
Presidents Behalf To-Day.
SPECIAL TtfGrAm 70 THE HERALD.

WASHINGTON, April "A, 1865.
The attendance at the impeachment trial this
morning was very slim. Mr.. Nelson occupied the
entire day IN his speech before the High Court.
Although his effort displayed want OF sufficient
preparation, yet portions were received with evident
appreciation Towards the end Mr.. Nelson confined
himself more closely to his snbject, and grew partic-
ularly impressive in his peroratioD.
To-morrow Mr.. Grocsbeck will continue the argu-
rnent for the defence. This gentleman this evening
completed his preparation for the occasion
As the last act in the grand impeachment trial
draws the interestf felt in the issue s greatly i
tensiiied. Everything that appears likely to exer-
else the slightest influence on the minds of Senators
towards either conviction or acquittaI is diligently
passed around and used Gnsparngly by the gossps
to enforce their views as to what will he the result
Although nearly all admit, when asked the question
that they believe faithfully in the integrity and up
richtness Of the Senate body, they may be heard
within the same hour using arguments to prove
that this, that and the other purely potL
cal issue will certainly control the decision Of
designated Senators. One of these controlling inliu
ences is said to be the aspirations of a number
OF Senators to the Vice Presidency for the ensu.
ing term. 1t is held by some that those Senators
who are casting covetous eyes towards the VICE
Presidency cannot consistently with their own inter-
ests IN that respect vote to place Ben. Wade in the
White House for the remainder of the present term
rs That would be tantamount to surrender their
part OF all hope for themselves IT seems to be gen.
orally conceded that If Wade gets possession of the
Executive patronage for the ten months inter-
yening between this time and the next inal-
8uration, the least he will aim to accomplish
will be his nomination for the Vice Presidency.
The installation Of Ben Wade in the Presidential
chair will, therefore, be the virtual settlement OF
wthstandins tiis, it is not to be supposed that any
Senator Will permit such consideration TO bias his
vote On the merits of the impeachment case.
Another argument used by conservatives Ia weigh
ing the probabilities of the Senatorial verdict on
impeachment is that considerable number of Sena-
tors are deeply incensed the late conduct OF the
House In pOstponing action ON the Russian treaty
Tor the purchase of Alaska until the LIST OF MAY.
IL appears that the Senate regard the pas
sage Of that bill within the period designated
LOT The payment OF the money as a matter involving
To great degree, our national honor and those who
are most interested in securing its success feel
highly indignant ut the diiatory movements OF the
House ia staving of all action upon it till the i'm.
peachment trial is over. Thus 1t Is claimed that a
number OF senator's entertain no good will towards
the House. and, consequently but little more towards
Their pet scheme Of impeachment.
As with the preceding story Of the aspirations of
SENATORS TO the Vice Presidency, strict and impair
tai Judgment upon the honorable character of the
senate forbds the belief that the anmosties engen-
dered by inharmonious action between the two
houses OF Congress in other matters can possibly
exert the smallest influence over the minds OF Sena-
Tors In casting their final vote on impeachment.
Scarcely n day passes but something transpres TO
show the desperate efforts made by the impeach-
mert leaders when they were framing the articles
against the President to CLEAN the field thoroughly
for every act or word Of his that could be twisted
into misdemeanor. few days before the articles
were reported TO the House the committee having
charge Of their preparation repeatedly urged the
Public Printer to hasten the printing OF the list Of
Tarons granted by President Johnson to counter
feitcrs forgcrs and perjurers in the confident be-
lief that it would be found that the President had
abused the pardoning power II was fully intended
~ that time, 1t is asserted to frame an article charg-
ing the President with an injudcious and illegal
exercise Of Executive cemency; but when the re-
ports from the Attorney Generals Office came to
hand the Proposition was speedily abandoned as
nothing appeared therein which the fimsiest
Kind Of charge could be grounded.