New-York tribune., 1868-04-28

on motion of Mr.. MORTON, seconded by Mr.. HOWARD;
until after the conclusisn Of the argument The addl
tlona rules offered by Mr. Sumner were also, on his
motion laid over until the close Of the argument.
The CHIEF-JUsTICE directed that the argument pro
eeed and at 1880 Mr. Stevens stepped 10 the CLERK
and read his argument After about Ten mhut ne Iook
chair and read sitting At FIVE minutes before O'Clock
hs voice showed signs OF weakness and Mr. Butter resu
the remainder OF the argument.
SPEECH BY THE HON. THADDEUs STEVENS.
MAY 1T PLEASE THE COURT: trust TO be able to be
brief my remarks unless should find myself less 10 as
ter OF subject which propose to discuss than hope
experience having taught that nothing prolx as g
noranee. fear may prove thus ignorant, as had not
expected TO take part in this debate until very lately
sban deuss but single articlethe that was finally
adopted upon my earnest solicitation and which, II
proved considered then, and still consider as quite sur
dcient for the ample conviction Of the distinguished re-
.pondent and for his removal from oce-which Is the
only legitimate object for which this impeachment could
be instituted During the very brief period which shall
occupy desire discuss the charges against the respond
ent in no mean spirit sof malgnity vituperation, but
10 argue them in a manner worthy OF the hgn
tribunal before which appear and OF the exalted posi-
ton Of the accused Whatever may be thought OF his
character or condition. he has beenmade respectable ana
h condition has been dgmfed by the action Of his fel.
Iow-ctzens Railing accusation, therefore, would III
become this OCCASION this tribunal proper sense OF
The position of those who discuss this question on the one
sde or the other To the chief servant OF trusting
community arraigned before the bar Of public Justice.
hold the Chief Executive Magistrate Of powerful people
charged with the betrayal Of his trust aud arragned for
hgh crimes and misdemeanOrs, is always most inter
eating spectacle. When the charges against
tuch public servant accuse him OF an attempt
TO betray the high trust cODfded IN MN ana
nsurp the power Of q whole people, that lie may De
their ruler ii is intensely interesting to mnohs 0
men and should be discussed with calm determination
which nothing can divert aud nothing can reduce 10
moekery Such is the condition Of this great Republic
~ looked upon by an astonished and wondering world
The Offices Of impeachment in England and America are
very different from each other in the uses made OF them
for the punishment OF ofenscs and he will greatly err
who undertakes to make analogy between them,
either the mode OF trial the final result In England
The highest crimes may be tried before the High Court OF
Inpeachment and the severests puDishmens, even 10
imprisonment, fine, and death, may be inflicted When
Constitution framed all these personal punish
ments were excluded from the judgment and the de-
fendant was 20 be dealt with Just so far as the public
safety required. aud no further Hence, IL was made
20 apply simply 20 political ofenses-to per.
s0ns holding political positions. either by ap-
p0Btment election by the people. Thus il apparent
that crime containing malignant indicable ofenses
higher than nisdemeanOrs necessary either TO be
alleged on proved II the respondent shown TO be
abusing his official trust the DjuryE0f the people for
whom he was dischargng public duties, and persevered
in such abuse 10 the injury Of his constituents the true
mode Of dealing with him 10 impeach him for crimes
o. hemeaDors and only the latter IS necessary. and
TINS him from the Office which he abusing.
Nor does II make particle Of difference whether such
,nse arose from InaDgny, from unwsrrsnted negi-
renee or from depraWy repeated as to make his con
tnuance in Office tjunOns 10 the people and dangerous
10 tbe p1bG welfare. The punishment which the law
shder Constitution authorizes 10 De inflicted
hJJ demonstrates this argument; That punish
hfht upon conviction extends only TO removal
nom onice; and, II the crime OF msdemeanOr
charged be one Of deep and wicked dye. the cuprt is
no"ed 10 at large unless he shond be- pursued by
""pfosecution IN the ordinary cOurts What does IL
mailer then, what tie motive 81 the respondent might
"h' 'eisale9 sel5 o aH"iifsseaYs " Vnisl Mere