Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1868-05-09
IMPEACHING THEIMPEACHERs
Alta VeIa a. What IL Means,
and How il is Managed.

Some few days since the Chicago
Times printed q facetious article as
cribing all the troubles at Washington to
Alta Vela. Neither that paper nor the
public understood how really true the
paragraphs of its jests were to sober
earnest. Alta Yela is really potential,
and we propose to let the people know all
about it.
Alta Vela is an island situated among
the West India group, and abounds with
guano. Its value is some millions OF
dollars. A few years ago company of
Americans obtained possession of it, and
are still in possession of it. 1t was not
long before some covetous persons cast
longing eyes upon it, and through Jerry
Black and members of Congress got up a
claim and sought to oust thereal owners.
The matter was submitted to Secretary
Seward, and he decided that the question
was legal one, and that the courts being
open to the parties, Government had
nothing to do with it. Upon this letter
was written to President Johnson, after
the impeachment trial had commenced,
asking his interference, and that ship
of war be sent to put the claimants in
possession. This letter was signed by
several leading managers of the impeach-
ment, and limited broadly that if the
President would take part with the claim
ants he might expect favor from the man.
ayers Managers Bingham, Butler, Ste.
vens, and our own incorruptible Logan,
signed this letter. 1t has been brought
to light by the President, who in this re-
gard likewise proved an obstacle in the
way of these interruptions shysters. The
whole subject was brought before the
House by Messrs Brooks, Eldridge and
Marshall, but was squelched by the Rad
icals, who, on motion of Washburn, laid
the whole subject on the table.
This infamous attempt to influence the
President is sufficiently ventilated for
the information of the public. A more
atrocious attempt at corruption was
mover perpetrated.
For the information of the people we
collate the following proceedings in the
house on last Friday, the lst instant:
Mr.. Brooks offered a preamble and
resolutions providing for select COM
mittee to inquire into the conduct of four
managers of the impeachment trial in
writing letters, dated March 3, relative
to the island, which were submitted to
the President by one of the attorneys of
the claimants. Upon this one of the
most bitter personal debates arose ever
heard in Congress.
Messrs. Brooks, Eldridge and Marshall
declared that the letter bore evidence Of
being sent to the President-himself on
trial-signed significantly by four of the
principal managers against him. 1t
looked like an attempt to bribe. Mr.
Washburn offered an amendment giving
the managers an opportunity to explain,
and moved the previous question. The
House, thunder-stricken by this mon
strous depravity, refused to order the
previous question, and the wordy fight
became pell.mell. A general debate en-
sued.
Logan attempted to raise the old cry
used by rascals to divert attention from
himself and the other managers. he
cried "stop thief" Justify. He de-
nounced Mr.. Brooks in epithets, for
which he was called to order, once by
the Speaker and three times by members.
At length he was compelled to acknowl-
edge that he signed the letter, but pro-
fessed, on his honor-0 shame that he
did not know the letter was to 90 to the
President.
Mr.. Eldridge insisted that the intent of
the Alta Vela letter was to influence the
President, with the understanding that
the managers should handle him ten
derly.
Mr.. Butler entered into a full expla-
nation, as he said He said he wrote the
letter-ah, Beastly Butler-as a legal
opinion, and protested he did not know
it was intended for the President Who
believes him2 He said that the Presi-
dent had requested the Alta Vela coun-
sci to get the signatures Of Congressman.
Mr.. Butler then proceeded to lecture Mr.
Brooks, and alluded to a law suit brought
by Brooks paper. and wound up by q
general denunciation.
Mr.. Brooks resumed, and pitched into
the Beast vehemently. he explained
the motive and result Of the law suit.
Butler inquired IL Mr.. Brooks had not
called him bold robbie" in the Er
Mr.. Brooks admitted be bad, aud had
proved il. he had made Butler disgorge
500