The New York herald., 1868-05-17

RUSH TO THE CAPlToL-scENEs IN THE SENATE
CHAMBER.
Before eleven O'Clock steady stream OF people was
moving into the Capitol gates, most OF whom lodged
in the rotunda and corridors Of the main building,
not having the necessary piece OF paseboard for OBJ
obtaining admission to the Senate wing
At this time but few persons were in the Senate
Chamber. Senators Wade and Buckalew were
standing in the centre OF the chamber in earnest
conversation, and scattered about in the galleries
were number OF early arrivals, who understood
the Importance Of securing eligible Seats few min
utes after Senators Sumner, Wiley, Patterson, OF
Tennessee, and Ferry, and Messrs. Bingham and
Wilson, OF the Managers, were present urging few
more arguments while yet there was time. Senator
Ferry placed himself beside Wiley and for long
time seemed to be earnestly debating some contested
point.
AT eleven O'Clock the galleries began to I'LL rapidly,
as was the on other days when the trial
promised to afford something OF extreme interest
Visitors to the court had to produce their cards of
admission three times befors reaching the galleries.
IL is said that the regular number OF one thousand
tickets was not printed for the occasion, and
that some few hundred seats were left va
can't Acquittal being the general expectation,
favorable demonstration was anticipated. and the
authorities sought to diminish the attendance
men stationed in the gallery asles could the more
readily suppress any attempt of ebullion of the
popular feeling. The applications for tickets were
never so numerous nor so impOrtunate, and in sew
eral instances sums Of money were offered.
Within ten minutes Of the time appointed for the
opening of the Senate no person had entered
the diplomatic gallery, although by tins time
most Of the Senators were in their seats and had
paired Off in conversation Henderson and Ross con-
versed together, Van Wrinkle and Wiley, Trumbu
and Ferris, and Doolittle and Dixon.
When the Senate was called to order q number Of
Senators were absent The steady hum of voices
ceased and the most profound stiffness regned
Every eve was directed to the noor of the Senate
and every ear bent to catch the slightest sound.
THE COURT GETTING READY.
Most Of the Senators wore nervous and anxious
look especially the impeachers, who seemed to en-
tertan forebodings Of disaster. Morgan and Conk-
ling were in close discussion for brief time, and
Ramsay and Chandler appeared to be plotting
some strategic move Reverdy Johnson, Buckalew
and Hendricks seemed to be holding q cOun-
Gil on the fortunes Of the conservative party
In this crisis. Anthony and Sprague talked with
careless pleasantly over the situation while Drake
and Harlan wore d0leful and lugubrous look
and shook their heads in unson as II saying "All
lost"
Logan, Thad Stevens and Sumner sat at the Man.
ayers table, the latter two being in earnest
sation, especially Old Thad, who shook his head
with peril to his wig, and ever and anon laughed
sardOnlcaly. Fessenden and Henderson had inler-
views every few minutes the latter retiring at inter-
walls and writing brief notes on slips OF paper.
A person who came into the gallery reported
having seen a stretcher on the front porch of the
Senate. This was supposed to have brought Senator
Howard to the Capitol.
All the Managers and all the counsel for the Presi.
dent except Mr.. Curtis were az their respective
tables and nearly all the members of the House were
on the floor, and the diplomatic gallery was by this
time full to repetion.
SCENES IN THE GALLERIEs-ANxIETY OF TIE SPEC
TATORs.
There was more excitement Of a silent and pro-
found character compressed into few hours of this
eventful day than was perhaps ever felt before In
Washington, even during the stormy time Of the
belon. The Senate, far the galleries were
cerned, wore its usual semigaa appearance. A
great deal Of snowy silk, q restive 1utter-
ing of crystal and gold bedecked fans, q slight
sprinkling Of beauty and q preponderance Of
funereal faces. The vote the great attraction.
It's near approach and the certainty Of its taking
place, stirred the lowest depths Of interest and feel
ing in every living soul present. At other times the
but this occasion even the unrenecting butterflies
of fashion leaned inquiringly forward and watched
the solemn procedure Of taking the vote with an
earnest eye.
Senator Williams motion to place the eleventh
article first in order elected vote which very
true indication of the verdict which followed, and
true indication, If the conservatives predict Alright,
of the verdict which the country will soon render.
After Mr.. Williams motion had been decided upon
a motion was made to proceed at once to vote upon
the articles, and Of course everybody became still
more interested and those who were In retired
seats leaned great distance forward with anaz.
ing ease, and those who were in comfortable places
thanked fortune for being so well provided. The
event Of the trial was at hand. The mystery more
perplexing than any that has added the brain Of
Washington since its foundation, as TO who was sound
on impeachment and who was not, was near Its
solution. Everybody, high and low, had direct or
indirect interest in the result. Mr.. Edmunds
moved that the Senate proceed at once to vote
on the articles of impeachment. This was about
twenty minutes after twelve O'Clock. The floor at
this time was almost entirely occupied. Behind the
triple semi-circuar rows Of Senators sat the men,
bers Of the House Of Representatives and a good
many privileged strangers. One Senatorial seat
alone was vacant, and everybody unaware Of the
Of the rightful occupant was asking everybody
else who 1t could be that was absent at this mo-
mentous juncture. Senator Howard, with q shawl
around him, In his accustomed seat
He looked feeble but with the spirit OF
on old Roman he had resolved to come and
die If necessary on the floor OF the Senate rather
than fail to record his vote for conviction. There
seemed however, no outward symptoms Of prema-
ture dissolution in the Senator's facial expression
Senators Nye, Conkling and Morton, Of the invalid
CORDS were Enthusiastically present to convict II con-
vction was possible. Senator Grimes was the only
absent one. To the conservative eye his seat looked
painfully empty, and rumors began to gain
currency that he would be unable to appear
and doubts Of acquittal sprung up where
confidence had hitherto prevailed. Sem
ator Fessenden interposed and claimed half an
hours indulgence of time for the appearance of Mr.
Grimes. Senator Johnson rose and stated that Mr.
Grimes was In the building and would soon make his