Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1868-03-18
IMPEACHMENT.


bright cane seated chairs had been placed
for the use of the members of the House
and other privileged persons. One or two
tables were placed within the bar to the
right front of the presiding officer, for the
use of the President and his counsel, and the
Managers of impeachment ON the part of
the House.
A number of members of the House had
entered the chamber before the Senate had
finished its legislative duties, and were pres
ent when the bells struck the hour of one.
Senator Wade immediatly vacated the chair,
which was resumed by Chief Justice Chase,
clad as usual in his judicial robes, after
which the usual proclamation of silence was
made, and the court was formally organized
for the second time The journal of the last
session was read, and at its conclusion the
Managers of impeachment on the part of
the House were announced and received.
The Hon. Thaddeus Stevens did not appear
with his colleagues at first, but having been
carried in chair to the carridor in the rear
of the chamber, and in few moments was
assisted to his seat. General Butler did not
make his appearance until after the Alessrs.
Patterson, of New Hamshire, Vickers, of
Maryland, and Edmunds, of Vermont, had
been sworn as members of the court. 1t
had been ordered that the formal proclama
ton, commanding the President to APPEAR,
be made, and when the Sergeant-at- arms
had cried, ANDREW johnson, Andrew John
son, Andrew Johnson, appear, &c, the
door of the main entrance was thrown wide
open Every eye was directed towards it,
expecting that the President would appear,
although it was generally known that he
had arranged to respond by counsel, when
General Butler very innocently crossed ths
threshold and, hesitating for moment,
looked around at the scene before him,
while the floor and galleries broke out in
scarcely suppressed laughter at the ludi-
crous tableau. lie quietly proceeded to his
seat, after which Attorney General Stan
berry, accompanied by Messrs. Curtis of
Massachusetts,, and Nelson of Tennessee, en-
tered, and took their places as counsel for
the accused. The House of Representatives
was then announced and received. They
marched in solid column into the chamber
three abreast, led by +. B. Washburne. the
oldest member and Speaker. Colfax, with
other officers of the House. When they
had been seated Mr.. Stanbery arose to ad
dress the Chair, and asked that the day of
answer be postponed for forty (40l days, in
order that the defence might duly consider
the points involved in the Indictment. His
remarks were listened to with marked atten-
ton, and the silence which pervaded the
Chamber was impressive. His tall, COM
nlanding figure and stern, sinister look occa
stoned subdued comment,a as did also his pc
culiar sliding manner of delivery. He seem
ed to let phrases slide from his tongue at a
breath, and to sigh with each punctuation;
but his tones were clear, his pronunciation
distinct, and altogether his style was dignifi-
ed and pleasing. Judge Bingham rose in
reply, and as he took the floor there was an
evident desire on the part of many to ap-
plaud him as the leader of the movement,
but the solemnity of the occasion was duly
appreciated and the desire was repressed.
His delivery, so well and favorably known
to the habitues of the Capitol, needs no
commentator at this time; but the man
ner in which he presented the exceedingly
pertinent points of his argument against
postponement elected warm appreciation,
and made marked impression, Judge Cur
tbs tor the President, and Judge Wilson for
the prosecution, followed !; after which, on
motion of Senator Morton, the Senate retir-
ed for consultation.
1t was two clock when they entered the
consultation room, and as they left the Sen
ate Chamber a confused hum of many voices
filed it from both the floor and galleries.
Judge Chase went with them, but the Man
ayers and the counsel for the defense remain
ed, and, mingling together, occupied the two
hours recess which followed with social con-
versation. Meanwhile, the members of the
on the floor, and discussed the proceedings
with great eagerness. Speaker Colfax was
the centre of group of earnest Radicals, IN
close juxtaposition to which was small CO.
terie of Democrats, chief among them being
James Brooks and E. Wood. The occu-
pants of the galleries also embraced the OPP
portunity of the recess to stretch their weary
limbs, and many of them promenaded the
corrodors, while others partook of lunches
which they had provided against the con-
tlngency of long session.