New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1876-08-02
EELEN4wS 1COTITT4L.

The result of the Belkuap trial is no sur
prise to any one. His acquittal on the ground
of lack of jurisdiction was anticipated from
the commencement of the proceedings, ana
public expectation has not been IN the least
disappointed There has not been at any time
since the first exposure the slightest doubt OF
his rnilt. in the minds Of those who were ac-
ouainted with the facts, nor any doubt rs to
the character and climinality of the oifcnse.
The sole question in the minds of the
tIiers was whether the acceptance of his
resignation by the President did not
take from him his official character
and leave him a private citizen ont of the
reach of articles of impeachment. 1t IS upon
tins plea that nc has finally been acquitted.
If Justice las been cheated III the result, II Is
due to the buugling management OF Mr.. ely
mer and his Committee at the outset ana the
readiness with which the President accepted
Belknaps resignation with great regret
Between the two the Specializing Secretary
has made his escape upon technical plea to
the jurisdiction. He has the President chiefly
TO thank for it, for in spite OF the bunicrS OF
the Committee nothing could have pre-
vented his conviction if the accept
ance of his resignation bad been with
held q reasonable tine for the Initiation 0i
impeachment proceedings. AS the matter now
stands Mr.. Beknap escapes conviction by Il
lacl, of five votes in total OF sixty. Thirty
seven Senators have on their oathS adjudged
him guilty of high crimes and misdemoanors,
and of the minority who voted not guilty,
nearly every enc stated explicitly that it was
not from any doubt Of his guilt, but simply
Oh the ground of lack of Jurisdiction.
Mr. Beknap doubtless congratulates himself
upon the result. And yet there seems to be
very little in il to rejoice over. The moral
sentiment of the community has PRONOUNCED
him guilty he il thoroughly disgraccd; and
the ONLY effect which verdict OF guilty could
have would be to disqualify him from holding
Office. He has saved so much out OF the dis
asters which have oyertaken his name ana
rcputatiOn. He has not been formally dis
qualified from holding Office. 1t isn't much
to save, and there's 10 likelihood it Will ever
be worth anything to him. The verdict oi
publjc opinion has settled that cOnclCsivcly.
My. William W. BeIknap is not likely to hold
Office again anywhere. lie goes into retire
ment with Il stigma attached to his character
which nothing can ever cilacc. no verdict OF
4 court of impeachment could effect any
change in the circumstances OF his case lie
WAS disgraced by the first exposure, and his
conduct since then. has been such as To
bightcn his ifamy. The brazen ei1rontery
of bis appearance III the Senate Chamber
and the contemplate meanncss with which
he sought through his counsel to put off upon
his wife the responsibility for his crimes have
served TO disgust the public more and more,
until at the close of his trial he can hardly be
said to have the sympathy or respect of any
body. His crime was dcspicahle, and ms be-
hayior on the trial still more 50. The public
reoces to see an end OF 1t and be rid OF HIM.