The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1868-03-10
The President and Congress.

The Intelligent correspondent Of the Baltimore
Sun writes from Washington under date of
March Sd, as follows:
The condition and temper Of the public mind
here to day has been in strong contrast with the
extraordinary excitement and tone Of feeling one
week ago. All is quiet, though there is much
discussion of the impeachment articles, the prob
able result Of the trial in the Senate the effect of
verdict Of guilty in case the Senate should con-
Vlct, DO. Dlspasslonate critics express surprise
at the weakness Of the impeachment articles and
the paucity of facts set forth therein to constitute
crime misdcmeanOr and the absence proof
OF criminal intent on the part OF the President
Generally, however, the republicans appear to
consider the articles as reported by the commit
tee sufficient to sustain the impeachment and
secure verdict Of guilty upon trial in the Sen
ate, whilst the democrats and conservatives re-
gard the articles as utter failure to make case
for the solemn consideration of high court of
impeachment, and they believe, confidently, that
Mr johnson will be acquitted.
Among the radicals there is some interest
manifested i'll working out the effect of the re-
moval of Mr. johnson and the installation of Mr.
Wade into the White House. Upon the cues
ton as to the impression such a result will pro-
ducc among the voters for President next Novenl-
Der there is conflict Of opinion; but the most diff
cult queries are involved in the probable status
of Ohio IN the United States Senate if Mr. Wade
shall succeed Mr. Johnson in the executive chair.
In this discussion among the radicals the fol-
lowing questions are put:
First. Is Mr. johnson the President or is he
Vice President, acting rs President, or does not
the Constitution make him absolutely President?
The committee On the articles of impeachment
appear to have decided this query for themselves
and hold that MIR johnson is President whether
ex ofico, Or how, does 1t appear, but that he is
President--else Chief Justice Chase cannot pre-
side in the trial.
Second. Ii he is President, does it follow that
Mr. Wade Is Vice President, or only President
of the Senate?
Third. If he is only President of the Senate.
he is Senator from Chic; and does his elevation
70 the Presidency of the United States or acting
as such vacate his ofice.of Senator? Is he still
Senator from Ohio while acting as President of
the United StatesI He is, while acting Is Prcsi-
dent Of the Senate, yet Senator docs his &C
eession to the White House take him out Of the
Senate? Hci only Vice President pro tcn,po,e,
because he Is 4 Senator; Is the Senator the toun-
dation of both elevations?
Fourth. If he be no longer Senator By reason
Of his promotion to tic Presidency Of the United
States, how is Ohio to be informed Of the va
eancy in her Seratorship? By whom is that
State to be notified, and when? Ifsuch vacancy
and notification occur whilst the Ohio Lessla-
ture is in session-and it will likely be in session
for three months-a democrat will succeed Mr.
Wade in, the United States Senate. If the Leg
islature shall not be in session when the vacancy
occurs Governor Hays will Of course, appoint a
republican. Such are of the problems and
possibilities that are revolving in the minds
Of leading radicals, who say They are of
sufficient Importance to give us pause"
The President has not yet selected his counsel
for the trial, but among those named as likely to
be retained are Benjamin Curtis, David Dudley
Field, Charles O'Conor and Mr. Brady of New
York; Judge Black, of Pennsylvania; Hon
VIM. s. Greesbeck and Senator elect Thurman,
of Ohio. 1t is presumed that the President will
be allowed for counsel the same number of gen.
tlemen as constitute the managers on the part of
the House, viz: seven.