The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1868-05-13
Panic Among Impeachment
Men.
Conviction G. Considered Doubt
fUl.
Proposition 10 Postpone the
Vote.
W,suIyGToN. D. c., May II, 1868

WASHINGTON, D. c., May IL, 1868.
The excitement in Washington has
steadily increased since the Senate went
into secret session. After meeting, the
first hour or two, confidence in convic.
ton remained strong, nor was 1t at all
abated by Grimes speech against the
whole array of articles; but after Sher-
man and Howe had taken q position
against the first article, something bor-
dering on q panic set in. In the House
members gathered in groups in the lob
bies and cloak rooms, while the corrl-
dors about the Senate were crowded
with officers of the two houses, members
of the House and newspaper men.
There was no obligation of secresy up
on Senators, and the general character
of the debate in the chamber was con-
stantly known outside, and each success
siye speech caused fresh speculations.
The scene was most exciting, and no
story could be told that did not lind be-
levers, aud every report, rumor or spec.
ulation once started, speedily assumed
large proportions, and by the time the
House adjourned at half-past four, mem
hers went over to the Senate wing IN
most respondent mood.
Hendersou's sweeping speech fell like
a shell among the Missouri members,
and they, with visitors from that State,
of whom there were a good number
present, were taken completely aback
by it. They were confident to the last
moment that he would surely vote for
o,l fraa aYnraSQ
their indignation in no measured terms.
Trumbull's course had similar ehect
upon the Illinois men, though Republ-
cans were less surprised at him than at
Henderson. By this time the break In
the line had become so marked that
Fessenden's speech was looked on as
matter of course. Long before adjourn
ment yea aud nay lists were circulating
freely outside, and each party holding
them had the case made out according
TO information which had been picked
up.
At four o'clock these lists seemed to
agree in showing that Wade would be
Obliged to vote to save the case, and
leading competitor fer the Chicago
nomination to the Vice-Presidency IN
timated that it would be in his power
to save it, but that decency would then
compel him to resign and allow Colfax
to become President.
After adjournment the lobbies OF all
the hotels, the newspaper offices, and IN
fact, every place of public resort, were
crowded with those trying to solve the
mysteries of the situation. There has
been no scene to equal it in the streets
since the war closed. Politicians, Gov
erpment officials of all kinds, from Cab
met ministers down, and members OF
the House i'll large numbers, were on
the street seeking information.
At half past seven the crowd started
toward the capital, and the streets be-
came completely deserted. Though
Republicans were generally greatly dis
appointed at the time the Senate as
sembled for night session, the case
was not thought hopeless.
Mr.. Sherman was the first speaker.
He had his views but partly written
out, and did not confine himself to man
uscript. He said he could not vote fer
the first article, that charging high
crime in the removal of Mr.. Stanton,
for the same reason, as he had expressed
while the act was under discussion,
that he did not believe Mr.. Stanton's
case covered by itsprovisions. He held
that under the act Of 1889 the Presi-
dent had authority to make the re-
moyal. and that it had not in this par
ticular case been taken from him by
the tenure-of-office act. He announced,
however, that in his Judgment the Pres,
ident had grossly and wilfnliy violated
tho law, and far transcended his powers
in appointing General Thomas as Sec
retary ad interim, and had thereby rem.
dered himself liable to impeachment by
the House, and punishment by the Sen
ate. He spoke briefly on the other ar
ticles, and on the whole indicated that
while he should certainly vote against
the first article, he would vete for the
second and third, and perhaps others.
Mr.. Stewart was the second speaker,
and took strosg ground in favor OF con-
yiction on all the principal articles.
MIR. Grimes was the third speaker
He has been reported for acquittal Tor
some days, and the truth of this report
had been learned by everybody who
took proper means of inquiry. There
was great interest, however, in hearing
what he would say, and when he had
occppied the allotted fifteen minutes,
there was q general request that he
should read his whole opinion. Mr
| Grimes began with the consideration Of
! the Presidents power Of removal OF the
heads of departments under the Censti'
tuition, quetiag many authorities te
- a. q h;. ,rox~ar xvas not denied OF