The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1868-05-01
coHnEsI.oxDEScE.
From our Washington Correspondent
wsuISoroS, April, q. 1868.
rApp .Cuxpvr

hPkACHMENI.
At no time since the commencement Of the
trial have the galleries Of the Senate been so
densely packed rs on last Wednesday morning
when Governor Boutwell, rose to commence the
closing argument ON the part Of the managers.
The desire to hear what II was believed would be
the ablest effort Of the whole proceedings had
been 30 intense and the consequent pressure
upon the sergeant at arms so great that that ac-
commciatins gentleman must, for once. have cx-
ceetcl the limitations Of the statute "in such
cases made and provided" and issued few ex-
ira tickets Of admission to certain half.frantic
applicants whose senatorial delegations were un-
able to supply them. However this may have
been every inch Of room was occupied, while the
aisles and stairs were filled to OVERLOOKING by
both ladies and gentlemen whose rich and ele-
CANT costumes intended to occupy o conspicuous
position in the splendid audience were doomed
TO the humiliation Of back seat. The argu-
ment, occupying the greater part Of two days,
was listened to with profound attention, and was
worthy Of the learning and ability Of its author.
II produced decided impression on the Senate |;
and It's strongest and vital points cannot be an
swercd. fthcre be any force in pure and un-
answerable logic the fate Of Andrew johnson was
scaled by the argument Of Governor Boutwell,.
Judge Nelson, who followed on the side of the
President, appeared to take this view of the case
and at the outset acknowledged his inability to
defend the President, and invoked the aid Of
the Almighty. 1t Is not believed, however, in
political circles, that the combined eloquence Of
the Presidents Counsel will be successful In Sc
curing the influence of the Almighty to rescue
Andrew johnson from his impending punish
mcnt. The speech Of Judge Nelson, Astounding
In poetry and pathos, lacked the dignity Of an
argument, and was the fecblest effort Of the trial.
1t contained touching biography Of the "hum-
bic individual" rs delivered by that unblemish-
Cd patriot ut sundry way stations between New
York and Saint Louis, and as the eloquent
speaker rccounted his rapid advancement from
the position Of Alderman Of his native village,
to Mayor Of Grcenville, member Of the lcsisla-
ture, Governor, member Of the lower House Of
Congress sand likewise NV the SENT" till he
finally became President, the iron faces Of Sena-
tors were seen to relax and their breasts must
have swelcd with emotion, while the anxious
face of the venerable Nasty who watched tho
progress the trial from the galleries was drench-
ed in tears. The speech was after the model Of
the Presidents efforts on the stump finished
production for the mountains Of East Tennessee,
but as an argument before the polished minds Of
the Senate Il fell far short Of its mark.
Mr.. Evarts will close for the President in an
argument which cannot fail to be worthy Of the
name and fame Of one who stands in the front
rank Of the legal profession in America, and
will avail himself Of this splendid opportunity
Of extending his great reputation. The case
will be closed by Mr.. Bingham, probably on
Thursday next, and decision may possibly DO
reached by the end of the week. What that de-
csion will be Is the subject Of conversation, here
hopes Of an acquttal, while the friends Of Con-
gross arc even moro confident of conviction.
Bets arc freely offered by both sides, and quito
rapidly taken. The Republican members Of
Congress express their belief though perhaps less
confidently than two weeks ago, that the pro-
ceilings will be sustained by the Senate, and
that In less than two weeks new President will
be in office. II the Senate find Andrew john
son guilty. rs believe II will not fail to do. Ben
Wade will be inaugurated, and the country will
proceed with the work Of reconstruction; there
will be no longer suspension Of the vital inter-
csts of the nation,-agricultural, manufacture
ing, commercial-no further paralysis of pub
lie action. The occupation Of the Micawbcrs OF
the south will be gone, and the hopeful gaze of
rebels will no longer be directed to the White
House inspired by the promises which emanate
therefrom, that something shall surely "turn
up by which they can secure the control OF
the Government they could not destroy. but
If the Senate fail, what then! l leave the
question to be answered by every Republican
holding public office; by the rebel delegation
admitted to the House and Senate; by the 70
peal of tho reconstruction laws Of Congress; by
Government organized and conducted In the
interests Of rebels; by the prescription Of Union
both North and South by the ballot-box OF
next November.