Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1868-05-21
INTERVIEW WITH THE PRESIDENT.

The Washington correspondent Of the Boston
Post recently had an interview with President
johnson, an account Of which is furnished to that
paper: -,
The probable result e. the great impeachment
trial is the universal topic of conversation in all
circles of society here and elsewhere, but the great
wonder so frequently expressed is, "How does
President johnson feel; what does hethink of the
chances of conviction Or acquittal?" To crafty
this very natural curiosity or wonder on the part
of the people, your correspondent sought informa-
ton at the Executive Mansion, where he was cor
daily received by the President, who, with perfect
nonchalance, inquired, What news to-day; how
stands impeachmentT
No one could have suspected that the party who
propounded these questions was himself impeach-
ed, and then on trial for ''high crimes and misde-
meanors." Mr. johnson has never looked better
than he does to-day, and his fine flow of good hu-
humor indicates anything but troubled mind
After briefly replying 10 his questions, your cor.
respondent ventured upon his work directly and
without circumlocution.
II would be pleased to learn your views of the
situation, Mr. President; what do you think Of
impeachment?
The President promptly replied, "Oh, / have
never allowed myself to believe or feel that the
American Senate would prostitute its great pow
shall not believe it until I know the vote of con-
yiction has been recorded. Such is my abstract
opinion of the Senate; but whatever their opin-
ion may be I shall cheerfully bow to the authority
of the Constitution -
''But, Mr. President, it was suggested by Mr..
Bingham in his closing argument that it was doubt
full whether YOU would obey the mandate of the
Senate if the Judgment I've one of conviction"
Mr.. Johnsons face flushed and slight start
was perceptibe as if about springing to his feet.
Smiles and pleasant looks were gone and with sup
pressed indignation he said: ''The suggestion Of
MIR. Bingham was base one, but, nevertheless,
one in perfect harmony with the charges and sug-
gestons contained in the eleven articles of im-
peachment. Why should not obey the mandate
of the Senate if all the forms and requirements Of
the Constitution are complied with? If Senators
abuse their trust they are not responsible to me,
but to the people, who hold the sovereign power
The people have placed me in charge Of one Of the
great departments of the Government, with all its
duties and responsibilities, and the same people
have placed Senators in another department also
with grave responsibilities, and with power to try
Senators misuse or abuse the great power thus en-
trusted to them it is not for the party impeached
and convicted to attempt to set aside the judgment
of the Senate. The people alone can settle with
their agents for any abuse of their great trust. Mr.
Bingham we'll knows that have never failed tc
Weld cheerful compliance with all the require
ments of the Constitution, have endeavored, tc
the best of my ability, to protect, defend, and pre-
serve that great chart Of our liberties, and l an
more than willing to surrender my official respon
sibties whenever called upon so to do according
to the forms and requirements of that sacred in
strument.