Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1868-02-26

sned an order for the removal of Secretary Stan
ton, and the appointment of Adjt. Gen. Lorenzo
THOMAS as Secretary of War, al iRteriR1 The
first intimation which Stanton had of his second /
suspension from office, the presentation of
the Presidents order by Gen. Thomas After
some conversation the latter retired, leaving
Stanton in possession of the ofice
Mr. Stanton then informed the Senate Of the
action of the President when that body went into
Executive session, which session lasted more than
five hours discussing the assumption of the Pres
ident In the meantime committee was sent
from the Senate to request Stanton to remain in
the office.
The Hou9e was also informed of the removal Of
Stanton, and in consequence much excitement,
coupled with many rumors. prevailed till late
hour on Friday night
On Saturday the exciting and momentous inter
est continued Misunderstanding like it having
been witnessed in the city since the surrender
of Lee
First ii order Of fact came the arrest by the
civil court of Gen Thomas. under the fifth sec
tion of the civil tenure act, charged on the oath
of Mr. Stanton, that he (Thomas) had violated the
law by accepting the Office Of Secretary of War
aa interim No sooner had this been disposed of
at one end of the town, than news came from
Capital Hill, flying all over the city in nevspa-
per extras and through the crowds at the hotels
on the streets, and about the departments that
the Reconstruction Committee had assembled at
eleven O'Clock, at the residence of Thad. Stevens
and had after hours discussion agreed by
party vote to report resolution for the impeach-
inent of the President for violation of the civil
tenure act.
In the meantime the scene in the House Of Rep
reseItatives was exciting. Dense masses of peo-
pie thronged the galleries and blocked the eorri-
dors surrounding the hail. The members were
generally in their seats. On the floor and with
out the bar, and in the a6joiring cloak room hug
dreds Of persons, not even privileged to the foor
were standing sitting. The ladies were pres
ont in force, and even illuminated the reporters
gallery with full display of the fashions.
The proceedings in the House commenced
with the offer of resolution by Mr.. Eldridge to
have Washington Farewell Address read, and
that the House then adjourn. This was objected
to and oiher resolutions to adjourn also failed.
] n the meantime the Senate adjourned. and the
members of that body came over to the House
and occupied beside tn cir State deleg cations
and proceeded to discuss the exciting action that
had taken place.
Everybody seemed waitngf for the impeachment
report and the delay was unexplained, except to
newspaper men. who ascertained that Thad Ste
was too much exhausted by the session of the
committee to come at into the House. But
about P NJ, the eyes of the dense auditory
upon i'm as he feeby walked up one of the aisles
balancing himself by the desks as he went to his
seat The Speaker knew what coming, and
in imperative tone warned the galleries, and
then the floor. not to indulge in any demonstra-
tions of apr ause OF censure. This had good
effect a crowd thatwas evidently wrought to
high degree of excitement.
As Mr-Stevens rose, the Speakers hammer fell
commanding order, and restoring such a silence
that the first words of the inirm voice of the
chairman Of the Reconstruction Committee could
be heard, declaring in his official capacity or the
FIRST time, for the i'm peacbment of Andrew John
son for high crimes and misdemeanors Col. n
phersoQ. Clerk Of ehe House, took the place of
the usual reading clerk, and read the report
When he concI5ded with the resolution for in
peachment. the crowds in the galleries wereevi-
dent!y uneasy fer some demonstration, but Mr..
Stevens at arose, and was again heard
throughout the hall. lie said it was not his pur-
pose to discuss the question and if no one on the
Dem Ocratc side desired to discuss the question he
would take the vote with the knowledge they now
Stanton from Office while the Senate was in session
lie bad desire to di,cuss the matter and would
give the other side an opportunity for discussion
ii they desired it The Republican members ap-
reared to he ready to take the vote.
Mr.. Brooks. of New York, however. arose On
behalf of the minority of the Committee lair Beck
and binselG,) and addressed the House in an ear
nest speech, defending the President and warning
+ tha of tIa 10 ~,
opinion must result from this proceeding. At
! one or Two points in his speech, there was sup
pressed applause
Judge Spaldng and Mr.. Bingham, Of Ohio. fol-
lowed in support.of impeachment. If there had
been any doubt of the result of a vote, there was
none now; for both of these gentlemen had here
tofore opposed it, and were accepted as represon-
ting that portion of the Republican members who
had acted with him. Their speeches seemed to
intensity the excitement in and out of the House
for men of all parties agreed that the Republi-
cans about unit in favor of going to the bar
/ of the Senate. and demanding the trial of the
President for high crimes and misdemeanols
The debate after Mr.. Bingham finished
and the crowds continued to throng the capitol
/ in anticipation of vote at sundown. 1t was f.
nally agreed to continue the debate to- night and
| on Monday. and then take vote on Monday eve
ming.
At the evening session of the House there was
no abatement in the attendance of spectators
The galleries were overfowing the corridors were
crowded and the floor of the House was even
thrown open to the ladies. All of the RepubIi-
can members who spoke favored impeachment
At late hour the House adjourned till Monday
canvas of the House shows that the Republi-
cans, all but two-Stewart, of New York, and Ca