The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-09-09

hour depth or feeling Enthusiastically hostile and
prepared to go to extremities. In this emergency
Mr.. Fessenden took part against the President, ana
his speeches Display much caimness and dispasslOn
ateness 10 their support Of Congress- eaS ke
hsvs tS ~ or fSe country demanded
radical Legislation, which he aided In placing upon
the statute books, at the same time endeavoring 70
prevent his colleagues OF the majority from over
stepping the bounds OF prudence.
Until the insane project OF Impeachment was
rushed through the House OF representatives unaer
the party whip OF Thad stevens and Ben Butler.
Mr. Fessenden mad stood high with his party. NO
doubt Of hts Loyalty 70 tue republican organization
had ever been expressed. The majority, however,
had now gone further than he could approve Of II
was hardly denied by the leaders OF Inc lmpeaca-
ment movement that their action was purely parti-
san, and not governed by considerations OF pubic
importance Mr.. Johnson had done nothing to war
rant his removal from office that every other Presl
cent Of s% s n he 1sevsS lieu
he had removed an obnoxious Secretary. He was
impeached and tried. When the vote was taken IN
the Senate Mr. Fessenden was one OF the seven re-
publican Senators who voted for his acquittal me
President was acquitted. For not voting Tor aus
the radical organs Of the country. Charges OF cor
ruptiOn were brought against him. 1t was openly
asserted that be had barganed away ms vote ior ss
ended as they began-in mere assertion. ae
bore uncomplalningiy the obioquy cast upon
n 9dp ,o Ms speech ne aid Mas full Of Un
answerabe arguments Failing to get the better
OF his logic, the banned radicals attacked mis- mo-
v
show that these were not OF the purest and most
patriotic character possible. To give color 10 tne
assertions made against his honor AZ man ana hA
motives as public character, The charge OF nep0t
ism was also brought against him. several OF aus
relatives were ofce-hOlders, and this fact was urged
as proof The services Of his sons In the Union army
were forgotten. The desire 70 heap abuse and In
fanny upon MIN and upon the six other OFFENDING re-
publican Senators was the paramount considera-
ton Of tho hour.
had died away, and with them the bitter preludlces
evoked, It was seen that In voting against the con-
victiOn OF President Johnson Mr. FesSenden nao
aided In doing the republic great service he hed
been ono OF the instruments IN preventing the
setting OF precedent which would have placed the
Chief Magistrate Of the country ~ the mercy on an
adverse majority in Congress, BY whom Tor purely
partisan considerations, he could be hurled from
once ct any moment. The acquittal OF Mr.. Johnson
was the preservation OF the office OF President
CONCLUSION.
During tue past few months Mr.. FesSendOn n8d
been quietly remaining at home. Before MS deatn
he was grattfled BY the knowledge tnat ne had re-
covered the confidence OF his party. Personally ne
was pleasant anable gentleman. He was tall ana
dignifed In his appearance. and BY his suavity OF
manners commanded the respect OF oil who Knew
hlm. AS one of those VINO took prominent part In
the afratrs OF the republic at the most m0mentous
period OF her history he win not readily 90 forgotten
His fame will endure so long ~ the history OF tne
United states Ii read.