Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1868-04-24
IMPEACHMENT.

On Monday the Impeachment Managers
closed the testimony in the case. The eyi-
idence being all in, there remains now, but
the discussion, which viii occupy several
days, and then the finding Of the verdict by
the Senate, which may occupy few days
more. BY the first Of May we may reason
ably expect to know, definitely, the result
Of the f.st Presidential impeachment
Mr. Boutwell opened the argument on
behalf Of the Managers, which was to have
begun on Wednesday. The arguments for
the defence will then be made by Stanberry
a1.d J1valus, uls0u e7euaev4 DfElisl.. A. -
half of the Managers viii close the
argument, and the case will be left
with the Senate VIII the President be
found guilty is the question now asked BY
every one who feels any interest in either
the presenter future welfare Of the nation.
From the most cursory glance at the eyi
dence on both sides, supposing that every
Senator does his duty, without fear or IA
yor, no one can doubt the decision of the
august tribunal, before which he is on trial.
A clear case of deliberate violation of the
plain letter Of tho law in defiance of both
the letter and spirit of the Constitution, and
the plainly expressed viii of Congress and
the people, has been proven against him
from the plainest and most incontrovertible
of record evidence. The defence has not
even attempted to refate the evidence. The
most they have attempted has been to ex-
plain, not that be did not, but Why he did,
violate and defy the plain letter of the law,
which it was his sworn duty to execute
The Presidents s copper head friends were
quite elated day or two ago, that such ev-
idenee had been admitted, and predicted at
once that it was sign that the President
would be acquitted. This was a very rash
Jump at most uRWarrantable conclusion.
The very attempt to explain why he did
violate the law, is clear admission Of his
guilt, and must be SO construed by all SEN
sible men. 1t is true that the President $
couBselhave been permitted to give in evi-
dence, matter that would never for a mo
ment have been allowed in any Court of law
in the land. This ieniency toward the Grim
inal on trial, is not to be taken as any eyi-
dence Of an intent on the part of the Sen
ate to acquit him; but rather as preeautioU
that when he is found guilty and removed,
even the most captious shall have no just or
reasonable cause of complaint, that he bad
not full and fair hearing. 1t is due alone
TO the magnanmIty Of G1Ie Senate, aHa not
to any merit in the case of the criminal
Andrew johnson stands to day before the
people Of the United States, and indeed the
whole world, convicted of high crimes and
misdemeanors, and the form of announcing
the verdict and penalty alone remains to be
complied with by the Senate. In the hon
est and fearless discharge of duty, It's mem
bers can do nothing less IF that verdict is
not rendered and speedily carried into exc
cution, it will be alone because the men on
whom the high official duty devoves, fail
Of the integrity and courage to conscien-
tiously discharge it. The Republicanmem-
bers Of the Senate have, to their credit be
1t said, differed on minor points in deciding
upon the conduct of the trial, and admissi-
bility Of evidence, while the opposition have
continually voted solid, n favor of every
question that seemed to have the least bear
ing in favor Of the President. The only
construction to be put upon conduct like
this, is that one side is aetuated BY an hon
est desire and determination to discharge
their high duty impartially, while the 9TH
er has never for a moment been able to rise
above narrow partizan view Of their duties
and responsibilities When it comes to the
final decision We have no doubt they viii be
equal to the occasion, and have the courage
to quit themselves, as men in their high po-
sition should, and consign Andrew johnson
10 the disgraceful oblivion he deserves. But
Bo be to the man who falters, and. fails to
meet the requirements of his sworn duty a;
a Senator, and sworn Juror IN the High
Court of Impeachment 'Twere better fol
any such that he had never emerged from
the obscurity of private life The Presi-
dent has utterly failed 10 his defence, and
there will be no shadow Of an excuse for any
one to vote for bis Neqaittel.