New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1868-03-07
THE PEOPLE ON TMpEACHMENT

We have vet 10 find the first square Repub
lican paper that does not justify the impeach-
ment of Andrew johnson. There are few
that regret the necessity, but none that doubt
the rightfulness of the step taken. We might
fill columns of The TRIBUNE with the "voice
" of the pressn to this effect, but it is not
necessary the consolidation of the Republican
party in the House upon the impeachment res
olution is fully para leled by the consolidation
of the newspapers, State Conventions, Leglsla-
lures, and political meeings all over the loyal
States. And the press is not one step ahead
of the public--indeed, most newspapers are
quite tame in speech when compared with the
voice of the people in their daily conversation.
The DemQcIatc papers, by the action of their
friends in Congress, are forced into pretty
general denunciation of impeachment, calling
il mere party measure, and opposing it more
because Republicans go the other way, than
from any clear views az to its justice or expe-
diency. At first few of these journals set up
Andrew Johnson as a martyr. but that misstep
was quickly corrected. and now almost every
say that it is the office. and not the
man, that they would defend. Andrew Johnson
is rcmorselessly thrown overheard. Should he
be convicted and turned out, the Democrats
would not have tear to shed; indeed, they
are congratulating themselves upon the fact
that he cannot force himself upon them in case
he is convicted, since the punishment renders
him incapable ever after of holding Office.
That the Democracy had no idea of nominat-
ing him before impeachment, was certain they
as certainly will not do so after trial, even if he
should be acquitted.
The Southern papers OF the rcbellious pat
tern are quite befogeed. When the news was
first received, nearly all of them exulted in
what they were sure was the beginning OF a
great revoluton-the President would disperse
the Radical Congress at the point of the bay
Onet, the Northern Democracy would come to
the rescue of the South, and there would be
general embracing of lOng-lOst brothers, and
so on. But the revolution hung fire-Nlr. john
son did not dspcrse COngress-gOld did not 20
up to 20O-and now the disappointed Rebel ed
itors do MT know what TO make OF It, Ihey are,
however, agreeing that Andrew has missed his
opportunity, and that the grand CONFUSION is
at least postponed
We have received private adyices from many
friends in all parts of the country, not one of
whom doubts tie justice on the proprety of
impeachment. In New-Hampshire, where the
election is only nine days of, the bold action
of Congress is heartily Endorsed, and has in
fused new vigOr into the campaign. 1t is
universally believed that impeachment will add
largely to our vote and at any rate secure the
State beyond shadow Of doubt. East, North,
and West, the Republican papers and the
Republican voters are outspoken in favor of
the act of the House, and urge speedy, fair,
and exhaustive trial. The loyal people of the
South are on the same side. In fact, the active
voice Of the country is all one way, since the
unwilling opposition of the Democracy is
formal only, coming out reluctantly at the
demand of patty discipline, and not because
they care to defend the President OF his Adj
mnstration.