The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1868-03-21

the Eastern front of the Capitol. L recalled
the time when, years ago, stood OIL tue same
spot, and while locking up to the marble ng-
ures which genius had placed as silent senti-
nels around the entrance, had waking vision
of emancipation by the "war power, which
found a Mace in the anti-slavery papers of
that day. Then it was vague dream, sug-
Qested nv the well known words of Adams.
with details all supplied by the imagination.
in imitation of oriental fancy; now it has all
been more than realized, and has taken its
place, not as fiction, but as TACT, among the
permanen trecords Of history.
IMPEACHMENT.
But the great drama that opened in this
country seven years ago has not yet >losed.
The last act has, indeed, but just begun. The
impeachment Trial creates no visible excite
ment here, any more than in other parts of the
country. The interest is deep, but silent. An
event that could not occur under any govern
ment in Europe without war, as cause or re-
suit, is here transporting, by the quiet majesty
of law, with no tumult or ,nfIsion-with no
noise of battle, or shedding of blood. The
chief ruler of great nation, holding more
power in his hands than most OF the sovereigns
Of the old world, is summoned to answer to
the charge of abusing that power in order
that, if it be so, he may be deprived of it,-and
no obeys the summons as quietly as the hum
best citizen, because he knows that resistance
would be as fatal as it would be useless. With
what power will this teach the world the les
son that we live under "a government of law
and not of men,
Tho probability is that the trial will not con-
sumo very great amount of time. The
course of the defence has not yet been FORE
shadOwed But the character of the counsel
employed renders it quite certain that, after
the trial has really been commenced, no time
will be purpOsely wasted 1t may be contend
ed that the President had the legal right to do
what he has done; or that, if the Senate holds
otherwise, as their previous action would lDdi-
cate, still that he believed he had such right
| and acted in good faith. 1t is difficult to see
what other line of defence can be taken. But
these two points, with the principles and pre-
cedents illustrating them on either side, open a
wide field of argument which may require
several weeks. In regard to the result l think
there can be no doubt; and this fact, added 10
the magnitude and Importance of the trial,
with the face of the whole world turned upon
us, should prevent any Impotence on account
of the delays incident to all judicial proceed
ings.
MAINE IN CONGRESS-
1t is very gratifying to citizen OF Maine
to find our delegation in Congress taking so
high rank. Some OF the larger States may
have few members of greater prominence
in the House, but the same States have many
members of much less influence than ours.
In business capacity, in talent for debate, and
for integrity, and devotion to the cause of
Freedom, our Representatives stand deserv-
edly high and our Senators rank among the
first in that august body, in eloquence, and in
practical craftsmanship.
THE SEASON.
Every one here was complaining last week
of the cold weather, as unusual in March;
but this week it has been very warm. The
people sit by the open windows; the lawns are
smooth and green; the crocuses and snow
drops are in blossom; and the birds are sing
ing in the trees. ID.