The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1876-04-29
BELKNAP'S IMPEACHMENT.
Little Progress Made.

WASHINGTON, April 28.-The Senate suspend
ed the legislative business at II 20 o'clock and
resumed consideration of the impeachment Of
W. w Belknap. After reading the minutes of
Yesterdays proceedings, the pending question
was on the motion submitted yesterday to
hear the testimony in regard to the jurisdiction
of the Senate before the arguments in regard
thereto.
Mr.. Carpenter of the counsel for Belknap,
addressed the Senate. He charged that the
managers were attempting to manage the case
on both sides. 1t was not the intention of the
counsel for the accused to cause any unhecessa.
ry delay IN the case, but they had prior profess
sional engagements and had not yet had time
to prepare themselves for arguing the question
of jurisdiction. He asked that the matter be
delayed two weeks from today. and they will
then ask for no further postponement. Their
object was to present the question OF Jurlsdic-
ton as its Importance demanded.
Mr.. Lord, on the part of the managers, OPP
posed the request for postponement, and ask,
ed the Senate to hear the testimony in regard
to jurisdiction. He, stated that they bad the
witnesses ready thismorning and asked that
they be heard.
Mr. Conking submitted an order that the
Senate proceed first to hear and determine the
question whether Belknap is amenaple to trial
by Impeachment for his acts as Secretary OF
War, Notwithstanding his resignation of said
Office.
The motion that the testimony be heard
| touching the exact time of such resignation
and touching the motives and purpose of such
| resignation is reserved without prejudice till
| the question above stated is considered.
Mr.. Carpenter during his remarks said that
| they would contend that an officer of the gov
| eminent had right to resign any moment and
| the motives which govern the resignation can
| not affect the matter.
| Manager Lord said the evidence as to juris-
| dictIon was principally of documentary char
acter, and it would not take over an hour to
| hear it.
| Mr.. Edmunds submitted a motion to strike
| out the last paragraph of the order submitted
| lieu thereof-"and that the managers and coun-
| sci in such argument discuss the question
| wheter the issues of sact are material"
The Senate then retired to consider the order
as submitted by Mr.. Conkling and the amend
| ment of Mr. Edmunds thereto.
At 4 40 p. m returned and the presiding Off
| Ger, Mr.. Ferry, announced that several or.
| ders had been agreed upon, which were read
by the Clerk, as follows:
Ordered, That the Senate proceed first to hear and
determine the question whether w. w. Belknap is
amenable to trial by impeachment for acts done as
Secretary of War; notwithstanding his resignation Of
office, and that the managers and counsel in theil
arguments discuss the question whether the issues
of fact are material and whether the matter in sup
port of the jurisdiction alleged by the House of Rep
resentatives in the peadngs subsequent to the arti,
| averred in said articles.
Ordered, That the hearing proceed the 4th Of
May at 1890 p m and that the opening and close Of
argument shall be gwen to the respondent, and thai
three counsel and three managers may be heard il
such order as may be agreed on between themselves
and that such time be allowed for argument as thu
managers and counsel may desire.
Mr.. Lord said the managers desired to be
| heard on the question as to the opening and
closing of the arguments
The presiding officer said that the gentleman
was not in order, as an order Of the Senate
| could not be discussed.
Mr.. Anthony inquired il there was no way
of reaching consideration of the ORDER
Mr.. Edmunds said that the managers could
move to set aside the order.
Mr.. Lord moved to rescnd the order and
said that Mr.. Hoar would speak for the manag
ers on behalf of the motion.
Mr.. Hoar argued at length in favor of re
scinding the order, and was opposed by Mr.
Carpenter. Without action the Senate, as
court of impeachment, adjourned till Monday
at 70 o'clock.