The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1868-03-24
TIE PRESIDENTS ANSWER. .

TIE PRESIDENTS ANSRER. !
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posTPoNEMENT OF THE McARDLE CASE
WAsHMGToN, March 23.-The McArdle case
goes over to the next term by vote OF Six to
two. The ground for posspouement is that the
pending legislation may affect the jurisdiction.
The impeachment Court is being organized
at one O'Clock, the routine being the same as
on the previous occasion. -
At12SOP. NJ. Wade announced the suspen-
sion of business in order to proceed with the
impeachment trial; the order was argued until
o'clock, when Chief Justice Chase proclaimed
the court open, the journal was read, the man
agers were informed and the Presidents coun-
sci el-appeared. -
Davis submitted 8 motion that the Senate as
constituted did not constitute the Impeach-
ment Court contemplated by the constitution
ten States, without their consent being ig-
nored. Only Davis and McCreery, both Of
Kentucky, voted ave. -
Justice Chase intimated- that the court
WAS ready for the Presidents answer. Stan :
berry said it was ready, but counsel had devo-
ted every hour allowed, ignoring private busi-
ness and encroaching on their habitual. re-
freshment and recreation, to its preparation.
Curtis, Stanbery and Eysrts readin turn.
T4R PREsDENT's ANSWER.
In .answer to the first article, the President
argues all the questions involved, and his duty
under the circumstances, claiming his consti-
tutional power Of removal. he considers the
organisation Of the War Department, the rela-
tions3 Of the Secretary cf War to his sdminis-
tration, claiming him as his constitutional advi;
sen, ana showing the Presidents responsibility
for the secretary's action. he proceeds to
show that Stanton had become hostile to the
administration, and could no longer occupy the
position toward the administration contempla-
ted by the fathers, and that the President could
no longer assume responsibility for his actions.
he further claims that the action of the Senate
did not restore Stanton to the War Office, but
that the War Office was technically vacant when
he appointed Thomas. Familiar laws and pre-
cedents are quoted at length to sustain this
position. He denies having or intended violat-
ing the constitution or laws. Answering the
second article, the President asserts at length
that the War office was vacant, and quotes laws
to sustain Thomas appointment. The answer
to the third is.a general denial. Answering
the fourth, he denies any conspiracy whatever.
His.action was confined to the notes to Thomas
and Stanton. appointing one and removing the
t. &0 fbo. .Afft civ md
seventh, theBame allegations occur, all backed
by the assertion that he had no object what
ever but to maintain the prerogative Of his
Office by legal means. Answering the eighth,
he:disavows any intention to taking possession
of the money or property Of the War Office,
and sgsit insists, by argument, illustration
and precedent, that he acted in constitution
al usuder. Answering the ninth article, he
quotes the interview at length, and his protest
against 1.-The rider to the army appropriation
bill oin which he claimed, as he still claims,
thatit deprived him Of his constitutional duty
Of commanding the army. In answer TO
the tenth ARTICLE, the President denies
hat the specification gives truth in verbiage,
statement or argument in quoting from his
speeches. And in case senators entertain
charges, he demands full investigation Of what
he said ana meant In this answer, the Pres-
dent claims, in a spirit somewhat defiant, his
freedom Of speech He claims thatthough
President, he Is an American citizen. Answer
ing the eleventh article, he claims that he can
not answer it, because it designates no design,
device or attempt involving any action which
could be construed into high misdemeanor.
The President retains the right to add to
this answer.
The managers announced that their replica
ton would be ready tomorrow, at O'Clock.
The Presidents counsel asked for thirty
days, when two hours argument ensued.
Thirty days was refused by vote Of thirty
one to twelve, strict party vote. motion
to postpone fixing the time until after the re-
plication by the House failed. johnson moved
to allow ten days, as amendatory to the motion
of the Presidents counsel, for a reasonable
time, but the court and Senate adjourned with
out action.
During the impeachment trial therewas a.
show of fashion in the galleries.
The confusion regarding the procedure
was almost painfully evident. Chase had his
hands full in restraining Howard, Drake and
others from the amending. motions Of the
managers on their side, and, falling in these,
moving to table them. The effect Of the
Presidents answer was somewhat overwhelm7
ing. stanton's parroting of the President that
considerations of high character induced
him to retain Office" excited quite grin be-
tween Washburne, Of Illinois, and Schenck, of
Ohio, beyond which the utmost gravity pre-
vailed, The oountenances. Of the impeach:-
ers were evidently lengthening as the answer
proceeded to it's close. The votes to-day indi-
Gated nothing. beyond a desire on the part OF
the Republicans thurry the matter through.
Several Republicans who are regarded to vote
finally according to the evidence and the Law
voted against allowing the President thirty
days after the replication The managers in
sist mainly on the ground Of public interest,
that the unfortunate disagreement. between
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