The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1868-04-29
Congressional.

WAsu1SGrOS, April % - Seuate.-After half g
dozen propositions had been voted down, the follow
ing adopted: That many of the managers and
counsel for the President desire to do so, be per
mited to file arguments address the Senate orally
Chase ordered Boutwell, to proceed. Boutwell, said
the Chief Magistrate of the principal Republic OF the
world is trial The object of the proceeding Is not
punishment for offenses, but the safety OF State The
issues between the President and the House OF Repre-
sentatives technical and limited, namely: Whether
Mr. johnson violated the Constitution and laws in the
removal of Stanton and appointing Thomas Bout
well sets forth the evils probably following the ac-
knowledgment of the Presidents power to remove
officers at pleasure Arguing the power OF congress,
he maintained sovereignty rested with the people, who
vested it in Congress Whereas the executive and Ju-
dical departments denied discretionary or implied
powers The President is governed by the principles
which govern the Judge of the court the President
must administer the law as be finds It, without queS-
toning the legislators wisdom. The President can
make no inquiry regarding consttutonallty pup
lie officer neither plead prove good motives
for multiplying law. The President violated law
Boutwell, denies the President desired to bring the
question before the court His pretext IS fully ex-
posed his object to seize the offices OF the Gov
ernment, and by their influence reconstruct the Union
in the interests of the rebelous States No CRIMINAL
was ever arraigned who offered more unsatisfactory
excuses tor his crimes. He argues Stantons suspen-
sion and Grants appointment acknowledgment
of the legality of the tenure of Office bill, behind
which the President could not 60 His subsequent
attempt to remove Stanton was unauthorized by the
Constitution and in violation of the Presidents oath
of office This requires verdict of guilty under the
first article Cabinet advice is no excuse. 1t was the
advice of servants to their master.
Boutwell, discussed the Constitution and practice of
removals, closing the argument with" None of the
predecessors of Mr.. johnson, from Gen. Washington
to Mr. Lincoln, ever claimed the power to remove
civil officers during the session of the Senate, without
its consent" Claimed the act of 1896, even if the
rights claimed under it were Valid was repealed by
the act Of 1868.
Boutwell, argued the constitutionality of the tenure
of office act, claiming johnson was serving Lincoln's
term, and that the law covered Stanton. Says the
President seems to have been under the influence OF
the criminal purpose destroy Grant as well as to re-
move Stanton and attempted to carry out his purpose
by various and tratorous methods, attempting to Sc
duce Sherman and Gen. G. Fl. Thomas; used Gen.
of the game. Ewing, who is 79 years old, would glad
" yacate the Office at any me leaving it IN the HANDS
of Jobnson's tools There is no reason to suppose
the present Secretary of the Treasury would yield to
apv scheme johnson might undertake. Il
Regarding the Presidents speeches, the House dld
not arraign the President Tor sanderng congress-
hnt that man uttering such words is unfit for the
office After narrating the Presidents reconstruction
course. Boutwell, says the House brought this great
criminal to YOUR bar upon the conviction that the
country was in peril. w
ves have presented this criminal to your bar WIN
equal confidence in his guilt and your disposition TO
administer exact justice between him and the people
Of the United States His conviction isthe triumph
Of law, Of order, ofjustice do not contemplate his
acauittal tits impossible Therefore, do not LOOK
bevond but Senators, the people of America VIII WI
never permit an surping executive to break down the
securities for liberty provided by the constitution Ihe
cause of the country is in your hands your 'e'oc'
of guilty is peace to our beloved land"
House did nothing to-daF.