Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1868-04-09

IMPEACHMENT.
WASHINGTON, April ID 1853.

There was comparatively small interest
manifested in the impeachment trial to-day
A majority of the members Of the House left
the Senate chamber about one o'clock and al
tended an afternoon performance of Dan R;ce's
circus. and at about three o'clock many Of the
spectators in the Senate galleries manifested
indifference tn the proceedings there progress
ing and left the Capitol full two hours before
the Senate adjourned Notwithstanding these
demonstrations Of disintereStedneSs, there Is,
nevertheless, deep interest felt among classes
as to the result Of this trial, and probably the
most anxious and purturhed spirits are the
original impelchers, who are alarmed at the
fact that certain Republican Senators have re-
fused to pronounce in favor Of convicting the
President.
There are fourteen of these obstinate Sena-
tors, but the impeachers to-day name SIX OF
them who are positively for acquittal and the
remaining eight doubtful Every nerve is to
be strained TO bring here influential men to get
these troublesome Senators Strengthened up and
! fixed for verdict Of guilty. Mr.. Sumner and
other extremely Radical Senators who can be
mentioned. don't hesitate TO talk openly upon
this subject in the stree, cars and in public
thoroughiares.
WAsHISGToN, April Sd 1868.
The proceedings of the court of impeach-
ment to-day lacked much of the interest which
! has at times characterized the trial. The day
was devoted almost entirely to the examination
of reporters upon the subject of the speeches
| of Mr.. johnson. which are made the basis oil
some of the articles of impeachment.
The examination embraced an inquiry into
the very principles Of shorthand writing. and
much time was spent upon discussion relative
10 the adnissibility Of the reports OF the
speeches as published in the newspapers. a
| great many points were raised, many of which
were undecided at theadiournment of the court.
II is the general opinion, however, that the
testimony does not amount 10 much. Many
Of the Senators appear to be getting tired OF
the tediouSneSS Of the whole proceeding, and
would gladly be rid of the whole business.
The members Of the House too, are showing
an apatby which stands out in bold contrast to
the interest manifested in the movement at the
commencement Of the trial. Few members
deem il worth while 10 visit the Senate cham
Der at all. while others come up, look in for
ten or fifteen minutes and Immediately take
their departure. The people too, seem to be
losing their interest in the proceedings, and the
galleries are daily presenting more vacant seats
The Senate is disposed, however to push the
business through and the court viii be in seS'
sion again tomorrow.
WASHINGTON April 8.
The impeachment trial presented nothing
particularly interesting yesterday. More pho
nographic reporters were examined rs to the
speeches Of the President at St. Louis, which
curiously enough, contains a paragraph pre-
dieting that the 40th Congress. if constituted
as the seth Congress was. would try to impeact
and remove him from office on some pretencC
of violating the constitution or refusing TO en-
force some law. Mr.. Chew, a clerk in The
State Department, was called to prove that
changes had been made in the commission
blanks 10 conform 10 the tenure-of-office law
and official papers signed by the President wert
put in to prove that he had recognized the va
lidity Of the law.
In addition to this a large mass Of documcn.
tary testimony was submitted, and Mr.. Butler
read from the executive journal of May II
1900. to show, as he claimed, that PreSiden
Adams sent to the Senate tho name of sue
cessor to Mr.. Pickering the very moment h
removed him. The ninth volume of the works
of John Adams, containing the history of thi
case, was put in as evidence. Shortly afte
three o'clock Mr.. Butler gave notice that tn,
prosecution had substantially closed their case
aud Mr.. Curtis then asked for three days tint
for the defense to prepare their evidence. 4
motion was accordingly made 10 adjourn tn,
court over to Thursday, and it was carried
with but ten negative votes Lest this unuSu
al iberahty on the part Of the radical Senator
should be misunderstood. it is proper to "a,
that there is no doubt that the scheme Of bring
ing in two radical Senators from Arkansas L
participate in the trial, which has already beer
alluded to, is seriously entertained.