Ashtabula weekly telegraph. [volume] (Ashtabula, Ohio) 1853-1873, 1868-06-06
The Grounds of Complaint.

ject but our readers may like to read an excel
lent summary of the grounds of complaint as
has been written.
The editor of the Independent, was on the
ground vigilant observer of the proceedings
throughout, and here is his account of the
whole scene, and although it should have been
put before our readers a weekor two ago, we
think it will pay perusal:
THE CONSPIRACY IN THE SENATE.
The storm of indignation which RACES
in Washington against Fessenden and
Trumbull is not on account of their votes
against impeachment, but on account of
their cOncealment and deception pre-
vious to those votes. No Just man
would condemn either of these gentle
men, or any of their associates, tor rem
dering a verdict according to his indi-
vidual conscience, however such ver-
dict might be out of harmony with pop
ular sentiment. But never in the legis-
lative experience of the oldest Senator
was such a trick played on the Senate
as that by which Fessenden deceived
his own colleague, Morrel Trumbull
his own colleague, Yates; Henderson
his own colleague, Drake; Ross his
own colleague, Pomeroy.
After the close of Bingham's argu-
ment, majority Of the Court desired to
proceed, after brief consultation to Il
final vote. TO this Fessenden objected,
in speech which, for man of his
unvelvety temperament, was unusu
ally and unconstitutionally bland--asking
tor delay on the ground that he had
not yet made up his Judgment; that
during the whole trial he had endeavored
to keep his mind OPEN; that Bingham
had presented several points wEIh were
novel and worthy of further considera-
tion; and that he wished an opportuni-
ty, quietly and at home, to re-examine
the argument .and evidence. After this
speech, Morrel, his colleague, went round
from desk to desk in the Senate Cham
Der, and privately begged for this indul-
gence to his colleague, expressing at the
same time great confidence that Fessen-
denis views would be found not mach
out of harmony with the views of the
majority of his friends. A brief delay
was accordingly granted; after which,
on Monday, May 1lth, the Senators
were to compare views IN secret ses-
sion, and on Tuesday, May, 18th, to
vote in open court. During Mondays
comparison of views, to the amazement
of all the impeaching Senators, but to
the perfect knowledge of the copper
heads and their allies, Mr.. FesseEden
delivered manuscript speech-volumi-
nous, elaborate, and technical-one of the
most pains-taking and long-wrought pa
pers which he ever produced-a piece of
composition which, in the judgment OF
his brother Senators, took him many
days to prepare, refine and polish. This
unexpected document instantly produced
upon the minds of his compeers the pain
full but unavoidable conviction that he
had solicited delay, not for the sake
of settling his mind, but for the sake OF
polishing his peri DDS. Such piece OF
sharp practice had not been expected
from a man possessing as much pride OF
of honor, as Fessenden; and it filled his
associates with mingled surprise, sorrow,
and Indignation.
Meanwhile, Trumbull had been play
ing similar game. After telling his
colleague, Yates, that he had prepared
nothing at all, he rose twenty minutes
afterwards and gave one OF the most
elaborate of his speeches, delivering II
with such tremor in his voice ana such
pallor in his countenance as 10 Detray
unwonted and almost unnatural excite
ment. A thunderbolt falling through
the glass roof of the Senate Chamber
would not have more surprised the Sen
ate than Trumbulps announcement of
his position. Down to the very last mo-
ment, he had successfully cajoled his
most intimate friends among the Illinois
members of the Lower House, who, after
his speech, were so shocked by his de-
eeitful behavior toward themselves that
they almost entirely forgot The. great
injury which he was iniicting on the
country.
Ross of Kansas repeatedly and sol
emnly assured his colleague, down TO
sne very last day before the vote, ana
repeated the assurance to various other