The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1868-04-17
THE PRESIDENTS TRIAL.
MONDAYS PRoCEEDINGs-AN INTEREST
ING DAYS WORK.


OF eventful as that Of Monday last. The coun-
eel for the President renewed the effort to in
troduce General ShermaL's testimony, predi-
Gated upon the question which had been ad-
miited on Saturday previous to the adjourn
nent. The managers resisted every effort to
elicit the truth, and thus ignored their own
previous proceedings in endeayoring TO esta-
bEsh what they called the illegal Criminal in
tent" OF the President. After long argument
on both sides, General Sherman left the stand,
and it was supposed that his valuable testimo-
ny was hopelessly excluded. This impression,
however, was subsequently disappointed, and
he was recalled to answer question propouEd-
ed by Hon. Reverdy johnson, which was di-
vested of the technical difficulties that had
served as pretext in shutting out the former
interrogatories. We quote from the National
Intelligencer's summary OF the proceedings:
There was an immediate demand for theyeas
and nays by Conness and Drake, who seem to
act as the ready and convenient instruments
of the prosecution. Whenever any duty is to
be discharged which the managers themselves
cannot perform under the rules, then senator's
become ready instruments Of wrong. The call
was listened to with breathless anxiety, and
when it was decided that the question was de-.
cided afirmatively by single vote, 8 buzz OF
appreciation spread itself with electric emotion
over the vast auditory.
General Sherman answered the direct ques-
ton, and was proceeding to narrate the sub
stance of the interview, when he was rudely
checked by Butler, who objected to anything
but the strictest letter Of the inquiry. An addi-
tional interrogatory was then offered so as to de-
velope the purpose sought to beiascertalned BY
Mr.. Johnson's question, and really included in
its terms, which was admitted, after angry .op-
position on the part OF Mr.. Bingham, who lost
his temper and balance as soon as the nrst de-
feat was experienced.
General Sherman resumed the etand, and
this time with the certainty Of revealing his
knowledge on the subject OF most serious ac-
cusations against the President. He had hard
" begun, however, when Butler lnterposed TO
stop Elm. This interruption produced an un-
expected result; for General Sherman admins
tered most scathing rebuke to the impera-
nent meddler, and went on with his narrative
lust as he had comm enced. The silence and
attention on the floor Of the Senate and
throu pEout the galleries, crowded to their ut
most capacity, was 30 profound, that although
the witness did not pitch his voice in high
kew, every word was distinctly heard through
out the chamber, SO rapt and universal was
the attention. It seemed almost as il the fate
of the case hung upon the words that fell from
the lips Of General Sherman.
He testified with great care, clearness OF Ian
guage, and directness, to the effect that the
President, when rendering him the appoint
ment Of Secretary Of War ad interim, had
stated that his own relations, as well as those
of the Cabinet, with Mr.. Stanton, were such as
rendered O change in the War Department in
dispensab.e in the interest Of the service and
of the whole country. This was repeated with
emphasis. On the occasion OF the second
offer, when Gen. Sherman suggested whether
the lawyers could not make up case, the Pres
ldert said it was impossible without making an
dd interim appointment but that if it could be
done, the civil tenure-of-ofice bill would not
stand half an hour before the Supreme Court:
He regarded it as unconstitutional, and claimed
the right to make the appointment which was
rendered him. In reply to q question from Mr..
Howard, the witness testlned that the Presl:
dent had Dever suggested the employment of
force Ill any form, out had expressed tne opin-
ion that Stanton would retire upon the p:esen-
tation of the order, as he was 'cowardly" by
nature, aud would make no resistance.
Nothing could be more distinct, positive and
convincing than the evidence given by General
Sherman, and every syllable he uttered appear
ed tn demolish the last vestlges O.. the pre-,
tended case Of the prosecution. AS he closed
there was an evident sense OF relief to the
strained interest which was manifested
satisfaction was testified in the grst:hed ez-
preston of the immense multitude, as it
weight of care had been lifted of the mind, and
joyful hope had confidently replaced doubt
ing anxiety. The contrast presented IN the
general tone and keeping of the same audience
III the short space Of an hour, between the
withdrawal of General Sherman from the stand
and his return to it, was something SO striking
as 70 be remarked and remembered By mcst Of
the concorse Of spectators.
That assembly pronounced OF the spot what
m1st be the popular verdict-a complete ac-
ou;ttel and entire vndication of the President.
If the galleries had been polled, representing,
as they did, by two-thirds at least, persons IN
sympathy With the majority in Congress, we
venture to assert that outside OF fixed political
prejudice, there would have hardly been dis
senting voice as to the innocence Of the accus-
ed and the injustice OF his accusers.
There were some other proceedings, but
these embrace the pith and marrow. It was .
dav Of hard battle. Mr.. Butler died game; ne
knew the importance OF shutting the door Of
investigation and that his case would not bear
the light; but a majority Of the Senate were
conscious, upon reflection, that it would never
do thus to let the matter go to the country.
SUMMERS OUTRAGEOUS PRoPos1TIoS-aE MEETS
WITH REBuFF-THADDEUs STEVENS explains
-REyEnDY JoHNsoN's cAsTIG4T1oN OF BUTLER.
The Washington correspondent of the Balti-
more Gazette, writing in regard to Monday 3
proceedings, says:
Another outrage came near being perpetra-
ted to-day, but fearing the effect upon the
country, it was abandoned-and that was to 30
alter the rules as to require all Of the Presi-
dents counsel to speak first on the final sum-
ming up. and all the managers to follow them.
This proposition emanated from Mr. Sumner,
highly proper source, but afteASlaborate ar
gument, was rejected by q large vote. During
this discussion, Manager Williams was for the
first time allowed to participate. he was spoil
ing to be heard, aud Butler permitted him to
speak his piece and then again retire to the
rear. But the most remarkable statement was
made by Manager Stevens, who rose, and lean
ing against the Secretary's desk, claimed the
privilege of an opportunity of explaining to the
country why he had urged the adoption OF the
ninth article OF impeachment, relative to Gene
raj Emory. Does he deem it necessary to e3-
plain Z? What commentary upon Buffers
management of the case! What o confession
by the "Great Commoner." when he says an
apology or explanation is due the country for
his having procured the ninth article to be
adopted. If the evidence had sustained the
charge 10 such explanation could possibly he
necessary. 1t is hoped that old Thad. may be
allowed to tell how he happened to be,deluded
;,,+o ~ oc bo is nvidnntlv mortified az the uOSl.