The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1868-03-24

committee On contingent Expenses.
The bill resrganiziDg the State Depart
ment was referred to the Committee on
Retrenchment.
The bill re0rganiZing the Circuit Courts
of the United States was referred to the
Judiciary Committee.
At half-past II o'clock Mr.. Wade an
nounced a suspension of business for the
commencement Of the impeachment pro-
cecdings. The order Of business was ar
gued till l O'Clock, when Chief Justice
Chase proclaimed the court opened. The
Journal was read.
The managers were informed, and the
Presidents counsel appeared.
Mr.. Davis, of Kentucky, submitted 8
motion that the Senate as constituted did
not constitute an impeachment court as
contemplated by the Constitution, ten
States being ignored without their con-
sont.
On this motion only Davis and McCrery,
both Of Kentucky, voted aye.
Chief Justice Chase intimated that the
court was ready for the Presidents an
swer.
Mr.. Stanbery said it was ready, but his
counsel had devoted every hour allowed,
ignoring private business and encroaching
on habitual refreShment and recreation,
in its preparation.
Messrs. Curtis, Stanbery, and Evarts,
each read in turn. In answer to the first
article, the President argues all the qucs-
tons involved, and his duty under the
circumstances, claiming his constitutional
power of removal. He considers the Or
ganizaton of the War Department, and
the relations Of the Secretary Of War to
the Administration, claiming him as his
constitutional adviser, and showing the
Presidents responsibility for the Secre-
tary's action. He proceeds to show that
Stanton had become hostile to the Adj
ministration, and could no longer occupy
the position toward it contemplated by the
Fathers, and that the President could no
longer assume responsibility for his actions.
He further claims that the action Of the
Senate did not restore Secretary Stanton
to the War Office, but that the War Office
was technically vacant when he APP
pointed General Thomas. Familiar laws
were quoted at length to sustain this posi-
ton. He denies having violated or in
tended to violate the Constitution or the
laws.
In answering the second article the
President asserts at length that the War
Office was vacant, and quotes laws to sus-
tain General ThomaS's appointment.
His answer to the third article is gene
raj denial.
In answering the fourth article he denies
any conspiracy whatever. His action was
confined to the notes to General Thomas
and Secretary Stanton, appointing one and
removing the other.
In answer to the fifth and seventh arti-
cles the same allegations occur, backed by
the assertion that he had no object what
ever but to maintain the powers Of his
office by legal means.
In answering the eighth he disavowS
any intention Of taking possession Of the
money or property Of the War Office, and
again insists, by argument Illustrative and
precedent, that he acted in constitutional
manner.
In answering the ninth he quotes the
interview at length and his protest against
the ryder to the army appropriation bill,
in which he claimed, as he still claims,
that it deprived him Of bis constitutional
duty of commanding the army.
In answering the tenth the President
denies that the specifications give truth in
verbiage statement or argument in
quoting from his speeches, and in case
senators entertain the charges he de-
mands a full investigation of what he said
and meant. In this answer the President
claims, in spirit somewhat defiant, his
freedom Of speech. He claims that
though President he is an American citl-
zen.
In answering the eleventh he claims that
he cannot answer it, because it designates
no design, device, or attempt involving any
action which could be construed into
high msdemeanor.
The President retains the right to add to
his answer.
The managers announced that their re-
phcation would be ready tomorrow at l
o'clock.
The Presidents counsel asked thirty
days for preparation. A two hours argu-
ment ensued, and thirty days was re-
tused-4l to Pa strict party vote.
A motion to postpone, fixing the time
until after the replication by the managers,
failed.
Mr.. Johnson moved allowing ten days
as amendatory to the motion of the Pre-
but the court adjourned without grant
ing it.
The Senate then adjourned.
H0use.-Un der the regular Mondays
call, bills were introduced subjecting mas
tiers and mates in the merchant service
to examination as to fitness establishing
marine schools; and appropriating money.
for the Improvement Of the Mississippi
river.
The House in Committee of the Whole
proceeded to the Senate. On its return,
Bingham informed the House that the
Presidents answer had been anticipated,
and that Management were ready.
On motion, tho House adjourned 10
meet tomorrow at ii o'clock TO consloer
the replication.
SCENES IN THE sENATE-INDICAT1oNs.
There was more fashion in the Senate
galleries to-day than there has been De-
fore.
The confusion in regard to the proceed
ings is almost painfully evident. Judge
Chase had his hands full, restraining How
ard, Drake, and others, from amending the
motions Of the managers on either sloe'
and moving to table them.
The effect Of the Presidents answer was
somewhat overwhelming. Stanton's par
rotting the President in saying that con,
siderations Of high character" induced
him to retain his Office excited quiet grin
between Washbnrn, of Illinois, ana
Schenck, of Ohio; beyond which the Ut
most gravity prevailed.
The votes to-day indicated nothing pc