Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1868-03-20

SPEECH OF HON. W. c. SMITH OF VI

IN N, Honss " Representatives., February "a.
1865 On The resolution reported by the
Coouaflee on Reconstruction for the IN
yeqchmeat Of thu Presdat.
NIR. SMITH The question now suddenly
and in n most unexpected and extraordinary
manner forced upon the consideration and de-
termination Of the House. Is, indeed, one Of
surprising interest and transcendent impor-
tance On the decision soon here to be made
rest great issues, issues commensurate with
the greatness and fraught with the destinies
# the Republic. Next, indeed, to the great
measures inaugurHted 10 save the life OF the
nation and preserve the entirety Of the mon,
no question has come before the American
Congress for discussion and decision, affecting
more vitally and permanently the welfare and
safety Of the country. and the perpetuity of
republican institutions. than the one now un-
der consideration.
The great executive Officer Of the Ameri
can pcoplc-the representative embodiment
of national honor. If national Justice. and of
national power, the sworn defender Of the con
stitution and the executor Of the laws, Is sol
EMMY charged with such contempt and disc
bedience Of the law, such disregard and vio-
lation of the provisions and limitations OF the
constitution. as within the meaning and in
tent of that instrument, constitute high crimes
and mislencanors Ii Is incumbent on rs,
therefore, as Representatives Of tho people,
watchful Of their interests and Jealous OF their
honor, to consider this great question with
that candor and caution. that thoroughness
and imIartiaiitv. which shall insure wise
and Just decision.
Under the solennity Of our oath Of Office we
are now called to weigh and act upon the tes-
timonv. and to declare for or against the res2-
| luton of impeachment.
| Has the President. in the acts or either OF
them referred to. violated the laws and the
constitution: and is he, therefore, justly
| charged with high crimes and misdemean-
! ors If both acts-that of the removal Of
| Secretary Stanton and the appointment OF
General Thomas were authorized by the
constitution and warranted by law, then be
stands justified. If, however, either or both
were in opposition to or in violation of either
| the constitution or the law, then he is liable
to such Judgment as the intent or purpose Of
his acts may justify. To the constitution
| then. we first refer the acts committed by
| the President. for consideration and judg
ment in the light of, and according to th'
letter and spirit of that instrument.
| Bv referring to section two Of article two
of the constitution, prescribing and defining
| the mowers and duties of the President, /
will be seen that he is empowered to g re
ouire the opinion in writing of the principa
Officer in each of the Executive Department
mon any snbiect relating to the duties o
their respective Offices. Here Is nrs'' an'
clearly found, constitutional authority ant
provision for the existence and erection Q
those Executive Departments which were al
terward organized and regulated by law, an.
for the appointment of 50 principal ofilcer
10 each, TO be known and designated as al
officer of the United States at the head OF al
Executive Department.