Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1869-12-22

to any Senator. DuI 9IOo3OOO uio P~'s
through the hands of Mr.. Wendell and
others. who were before Buffers commit
tee. 1t is known that those who pretend
to have used this money, constantly assert
to each other that three of the seven Sen
ators who voted against impeachment were
always regarded as entirely beyond ap-
proach, namely: Fessenden, Irumpun
and Grimes. The same parties were
known. among themselves, to feel certain
that other Senators than those who finally
voted to convict, would have voted TO ac-
quit, if it had become necessary.
1t is also asserted by some OF Mr.. john,
sons intimate friends, who had his tun
confidence throughout the trial, that he
was at no time party to any OF these at
tempts at corruption, and that he dis-
couraged and frowned upon them from
the first. :,
The friends assert that the part Randall,
Seward and Cooper played in 1t was WIN
out the Presidents consent and against ms
wishes. These friends further insist that
no Senator was corrupted with money,
but that the scheme for raising 1t, ana Inc
method of its use, only resulted IN enricn-
ing lot of middle men, Still II is certain
that money was raised and used IN some
way up to the very time the Senate net
to vote upon the eleventh article.
Those at work in the matter went TO
bed long after midnight of the day pre-
ceding that vote, with the belief that they
had succeeded. After breakfast they be-
came convinced that they had failed. 10
use their own expression they found
screw loose. 1t was thought to be neces-
sary to raise $4,000 before noon, the
hour the Senate met That sum was
raised, and with it those who raised 1t be-
lieve that the loose screw was set firmly
in place again.
THE POLITICAL PROPOSITION.
The drift of affairs in the Senate was
carefully watched by Reverdy johnson
and Mr. Evarts, and through third parties
became known at the White House.
Without any inquiries, except such as
shrewd lawyer would know how to make
without exciting suspicion, and without
any consultations upon points of law ex-
cept such as might properly pass between
Senators. he came TO know that Fessen-
den. Grimes and Trumbull were pretty
certain to vote against impeachment from
deem convictions. Mr.. Henderson, who
was being strongly pressed to vote for
acquittal, and had finally about decided TO
do SO, was in great fear of the effect both
upon himself and upon the country, If
johnson should be cleared, and then act
as many believed he would Henderson's
desire to have company in the mat
ter, and his great anxiety, led
him to sound the Senators named
above. He satisfied himself that each OF
| them was thoroughly convinced that the
| President could not be legally convicted
| under the articles presented, but that each
of them looked forward with great anxiety
to what Mr.. johnson might do If he were
not displaced. And that each was at times
questioning whether this fear Of danger to
| the country should not be accorded weight
| in the decision they were called upon to
make. Mr.. Henderson, moved by con-
| viction that these gentlemen shared his
views, set himself at work TO another to
| obtain such pledges from the President
| as would prevent rash action on his part
in case he was acquitted. Mr.. Ross
/ shared the feelings of Mr.. Henderson,
| and while the Presidents friends came TO
understand that neither of these gentlemen
would vote to acquit without these pledges
from the President, it was also supposed
that the effect which such pledges would
have upon Fessenden, Grimes and Irum'
bull would be to remove the fears which
in sense were believed TO stand in the
way of their voting according to their real
convictions.
| This state Of affairs was made known
| to the President. At first he absolutely
declined to give any pledges whatever. III
insisted that what he had done was right
and he was willing to abide the result o
| the trial and the after-verdiCt of the cOun
try. At the same time he declared he hat
no intention of doing anything in spirl
of revenge if acquitted. Mr.. Henderso
was made aware of the Presidents view
and assertions. Meantime the advisor q
Mr.. johnson had become convinced tina
! the case would turn upon one or tw
votes. and he urged the President TO mcC
and confer with one of the Senators VIII
| shared The views of Mr.. henderson. &c
time the President refused, but
length, in order to assure those VIII
| feared he would do some rash thing
case he remained in the White House, /
l consented. An interview was arrange
, between Senator Grimes and the Pres
: dent at the house of Rcverdy johnson
Senator Grimes called one evening, al
while there the President came in. III
n Johnson assured Mr.. Grimes that the
. was no intention on his part to do al
I act out of the usual course in case he WI
acquitted, and he was willing to give SUI
IS assurances as would satisfy those in Il
u Senate who feared the contrary. 1t W
ascertained that such Senators as we
e considering this branch of the subje
: would be fully satisfied with a prOmi
IS that the Cabinet should be so changed
d to bring in four men in whom the Senate
S mentioned had confidence. Such rcoT
+ anization was pledged. The chang
CT asked for were in the Department of Stat
RS the Treasury, and the Attorney Genera
re office. with the further assurance that
10 man in whom the Republican party b
I'd confidence should succeed Mr.. Stanton.
Among those mentioned as likely
rs prove entirely satisfactory to the Senate
c who were considering a vote for acquitt
IL were VIM. NJ Evarts for the State /
IN partment, Reverdy johnson for Attorn
IS General and VIM. S. Groesbeck, of Oh
to for Secretary of the Treasury. I
IT. President also made known his prcviC
he determination to appoint Gen. SChOfie
Sc Secretary of War, which was of cou
as satisfactory. Some other names W,
X used. but in what connection with thu
&c given above can not now be ascertain
n except that Reverdy johnson was wi
I'M drawn as Attorney General, at his own
quest, and Eyarts substituted.
be The nature of this interview was
We ported by Mr.. Grimes, and the Presid
er- was acquitted by the votes of those W
use were parties to the agreement. This
tn considered the real secret of the impea
nd ment trial by such of the Presidel
RS counsel, and of his intimate friends, as W
acquainted with the circumstances relat
CT They hold it to be entirely Independent
'ap the plan in which Wendell, Randall, {
his others, were engaged, and that it '
in arranged and carried out without IL
as knowledge. The publication of its {
Ir. lines, and of the fact that President 10
Dse | son and Senator Grimes actually met
al. | conferred upon the subject, will proba
les lead to a full history of the matter find
.et. its way into print
ln' THE MANAGERS INVESTIGATION.
the The history of the investigation orde
for by the House into the causes of the
use ure of impeachment has been as clio
vas and as unsatisfactory to the country a:
to information regarding thes secret infue1
rec brought 10 bear in the Senate. Some
nee ditional light can be thrown upon it n
sct. From the moment the late mana
to met to pursue the investigation {
in Butler was enabled to obtain full chs