Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1868-03-19
THE IMPEACHMENT TRIAL.

On Friday last, the 18th instant, the Senate, as
la Court of Impeachment, assembled at one clock.
The galleries were filed by whites blacks be-
ing present
Chief Justice Chase entered and proclaimed the
Court OPEN The journal was then read. During
the reading the members at the head Of the House
procession appeared, in arm, at the Senate en-
trance, where they halted until ten minutes past
one, when the managers announced Stevens and
Butler absent. The roll was then called that SEN
ators who had been absent might be sworn in.
The chaplain, in opening the Senate, prayed
that the verdict of the high court might be such
would be approved by the people and the high
court Of Heaven. ...5
On motion, the Presidents counsel-Attorney-
General Stanbery, and Messrs. Curtis and Will
son-were notified that the court was ready to pro-
ceed, and they also entered the chamber.
Mr.. Stanberry read paper from the President,
authorizing himself and j. Black, VIM. NJ. Evarts,
B. R. Curtis, and Thomas A. R. Nelson, to rep
resent him. Mr.. Stanbery asked for forty days,
in which to prepare hisanswer. Mr.. Bingham op-
posed, insisting that the rules required plea to
be made to-day, and in this he was supported by
Mr. Wilson. A sharp argument ensued, when
Mr. Edmunds moved to give to April 9Th, for the
presentation of an answer, but before the question
was put, Senator Morton moved that the Senate
retire for consultation, which was carried.
The Senate remained out two hours and ten min
utes. On their return an order was read that the
President should make answer by the 23d March
The managers then moved that immediately af-
ter their reply the trial should proceed which was
lost by vote of twenty-six to twenty-five
The Republicans voting nay were: Messrs. An
thony, Edmunds, Fessenden, Fowler, Freyinghuy-
sen, Crimes Henderson, Howe, both the Morrells
Norton, Sherman, Sprague, Trumbul, Van Win
q Mr.. Conkiing then moved that the trial COM
mence Immediately after the reply of the mana
gers, unless the Senate granted additional time for
good cause, which was carried by strict party
The high court then adjourned to March 23d,
and the Senate adjourned to Monday.
The following incidents are furnished in connec-
ton with the proceedings:
Chief Justice Chase governed the high court
very strictly.
The chaplain, in his elaborate appeal, failed to
mention the accused.
The managers were defeated in their attempts,
first, to compel an answer to-day, and, second, to
have the trial proceed Immediately after the reply,
regardless of preparation of the defence.
The debate developed the fact that after the
President makes his answer on the 23d inst. the
managers will have to submit their reply to the
House before presenting it. The managers esti-
mate that this routine will occupy three days, af
ter which, if the Senate continues in its present
temper, the President will have liberal time for
preparation.
Only Stanberry, Curtis and Nelson, were present
on the part of the President. They all spoke, and
made favorable impression. Bingham, Wilson
and Butler spoke on the part Of the managers.
Butler was in favor of speeding the proceedings, as
this was railroad age.
Stevens, during the absence of the Senate, re-
clined on two chairs in PROSTATE condition. His
terrible cough gave interest to the interruption of
the proceedings. -.I -. -.