Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1868-03-27
Prom washington.

Ben. Wade is much exercised over The
question now discussed here among hi'
enemies In his own party about his right
10 the succession Of the Presidency u
johnson Is deposed. The Constitution
provides, in case Of removal, death,
resignation, etc, Of the President aud
Vice President, what officer shoQd ACT
as President, etc.
The question now raised is, is the
President pro TEN. OF the Senate such an
officer as Contemplated by the Constitn-
ton? II is contsnded by them, neither
that person nor he Speaker Of the House
are officers, aud, as such, are not eligible.
The mattenwas debated at great length
| In the session OF 1894, and Mr.. Madison
spoke aud voted against the proposition,
that such an officer could sacceed to the
| Presidency.
The bill passed the House by vote OF
&c to %, Mr.. Madison voting nay. IL the
view taken by Wade's opponents pre-
vailed. the mantle would fall on the
Chief Justice. Wade will not feel secure
until he is fully in possessions OF the COW
eted prize.
In the lull Of the impeachment excite
ment the affair Of the President aud
Judge Black is canvassed in all circles
and various rumors are ahoat.
IL should be stated that when the
President requested the Judge to aid him
| in the trial, the latter suggested that the
rancor Of his personal and political foes
| in the Senate would be aroused, and it
might damage his cause. Stanbery and
Curtis. it is said, concurred with Judge
Black in his opinion, but the President
oyerruled oil objections, and insisted
on the retention Of Judge Black.
Subsequently, however, this identical
view was urged on the President by Sew
ard and others, and it is now believed
when Black pressed decision on the
Alta Villa case or the alternative Of his
retiring from the defense, the President
determined to let him go.
II is rumored that Stewards evidence
is highly important to johnson s defense,
aud Il is believed it was deemed prudent,
and perhaps necessary under the circum-
stances, to conciliate Seward even at the
sacrifice of a valuable friend and his just
demand, and thus, to use the striking
words Of Judge Black himself, Mr.. Sew
ards little finger seems stronger than the
loins Of the law.
Schenck's amendment to the bill taxing
manufactures, ETC., which passed yester-
day and now goes back to the Senate,
s,artles revenue officials here as it will
the country. According to its pro-
yic;ons if whisky is sold in any district
at lower price than the tax, it is to be
accepted as prima fscia evidence that
collectors and assessors are conniying
at fraud, and they are to be suspended
until an investigation is made. The
provision is wholly impracticable.
Mr.. Schenck declared the purpose of
the Ways and Means Committee to re-
port bill making the Revenue Depart
ment independent both of the President
and Secretary of the Treasury, the Com
missioner having the sole power of
appointment and removal This will
raise the sinews of war for the Radicals
in the Presidential campaign.
The remains of Mr.. Coggeshall, late
minister to Eucador, are to be brought
backbone by the Government.
Butler opens the impeachment case on
Monday, and is preparing.-Louisritle
Courier.