The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1868-05-04
IMPEACHMENT TRIAL.
MIR. STANBERYS SPEECH.

WASHINGTON, May 2.-After preliminary
proceedings to-day in the court, MIR. Stan
berry commenced his speech. In concluding
it he said:
!" Now listen for moment to one who I'M
derstands Andrew Johnson better than most
of you; for his opportunities have been
greater. When, nearly two years ago, he
called me from the pursuits of my profess
sional life to take n seat in his Cabinet, l
answered the call under a sense of public
duty. / came here almost a stranger to
him and to every member of his Cabinet
except Mr.. Stanton-we had been friends
for many years. Senators, need tell you
that all my tendencies are conservative.
You, Mr.. Chief Justice, who have
known me for q third Of CEN
tury, can bear me witness. Law, not
arms, is my profession. From the moment
that was honored with seat in the Cabi-
net Of Mr.. johnson not step was taken
that did not come under my observation
r not q word was said that escaped my atten-
ton. regarded him closely in Cabinet,
and still more in private and confidential,
conversation. l saw him often tempted
with bad advice. know that evil counsel
lors were more than once around him. |
observed him with the most intense
anxiety; but never, in word, in deed, in
thought, in action, did discover in that
man anything but loyalty to the Constitu-
| ton and the laws.
"He stood as firm ne rock against all
temptation to abuse his own powers or to
| exercise those which were not conferred
upon him. Steadfast and self-reliant in the
midst of all difficulty, when danger threat
ened, when temptations were strong, he look
ed only to the Constitution Of his country
and to the people. Yes, senators, l have
seen that man tried rs we have never been
tried. have seen his confidence abused.
| have seen him endure, day after day,
priyations such as few men have ever been
called on to meet. No man could have met
them with more sublime patience. Sooner
or later, however, | knew the explosion
must come; and when it did, my only
wonder was that it had been so long de-
layed. Yes, senators, with all his faults, the
| President has been more sinned against
than SHINING. Fear not, then, to acquit
him. The Constitution of the country is as
safe in his hands from violence as 1t was In
the hands of Washington. But if, senators
you condemn him-if you strip him OF the
robes Of office-if you degrade him to the
utmost stretch of your power-mark the
prophecy: The strong arm of the people
will be about him; they will find way tt
raise him from any depths to which you
may consign him, and we shall live to see
him redeemed, and to hear the majestic
voice of the people say: well done, faith,
full servant, YOU shall have your reward.
But if, senators, as / cannot believe out al
has been said with almost official sanction
your votes have been canvassed and the doom
of the President sealed, then let that Judg-
ment not be pronounced in this Senate
cbamber-iust here where our Camlllus
in the hour of our greatest peril, single
handed. met and bafled the enemies OF the
Rennblic; not here, where he stood faith
ful among the faithless; not here
where he fought the good fight fo'
the Union and the Constitution; not IL
this chamber, whose walls echo witt
that clarion voice that in the days OF oul
greatest danger carried hope and comfort t
many responding heart, strong as an army
with banners. No, not here. Seek out ra
Their the darkest and gloomiest chamber II I
the subterranean recess Of the capitol
where the cheerful light Of day never en-
tiers, and there, at the altar, immediate INT
| victim