The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1876-04-29
SENATE.
THE BELKNAp IMPEACHMENT.

1890, and the Impeachment trial was re-
sumed. Pending the question was mo-
tion submitted by the managers TO hear
the testimony in regard to the jurisdic-
ton Of the Senate before the arguments
in regard thereto,
Mr.. Carpenter, OF the counsel for the
accused, addressed the Senate. He
charged that the managers were attempts
ing 10 manage the case on both sides. 1t
was not the intention OF the counsel 10
cause any unnecessary delay, but they
had prior professional engagements and
had not yet had time to prepare them
selves for arguing the question. He
asked that the matter be delayed for two
weeks from to-day, and that they would
then ask no further postponement.
Their only object was 10 present the ques-
tion OF the Jurisdiction as its Importance
demanded.
Mr.. Lord opposed the request Of coun-
sci for postponement and asked the
Senate to hear testimony in regard to
jurisdiction. He stated that they had
witnesses ready this morning, and asked
that they DO heard.
Permission was given the managers OF
the Belknap impeachment to examine as
witnesses on trial any members OF the
Committee on Expenditures in the War
Department., or any members OF the
House whose testimony they may deem
requisite.
After further argument, Mr.. Conkling
submitted an order that the Senate pro-
ceed first to hear and determine the ques-
tion whether W. W. Belknap, the re-
spondent, is amenable to trial by i'm
peachment for acts done rs Secretary OF
War, Notwithstanding his resignation Of
said Office.
The motion that the testimony be heard
touching the exact time OF such resigna-
ton, and touching the motive and pur.
pose Of such resignation, is reserved
without prejudice till the question above
stated has been considered.
Further discussion between the counsel
followed.
Mr., Carpenter said they would contend
that an officer of-the government had a
right 10 resign at any moment, and the
motives which govern the resignation
cannot anccL the matter.
Mr.. Lord said that the evidence as to
Jurisdiction was principally documenta-
~, and ii would not take over an hour
TO hear 1t.
Mr.. Edmunds submitted motion to
strike out the last paragraph Of the order
submitted by ConkIing and insert the fol-
lowing in lieu thereof: And that the man.
agcrs and counsel in such argument shall
discuss the question whether the issues OF
fact are material.
The Senate then retired 10 consider the
order as submitted by Conkling and the
amendment Of Edmunds.
At 4:4O the Senators returned TO the
Chamber, and the presiding officer Mr..
Ferry) announced that the several orders
had been agreed upon, which were read
by the clerk Us follows:
Ordered that tho 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 tho
resignation Of said office, and that the
managers and counsel in such arguments
discuss the question whether the issues
OF fact are material, and whether the
matters in support Of the Jurisdiction al
legged by the House OF Representatives in
pleadincs subsequent TO articles OF i'm
pcachment can be thus, alleged il the
same are not averred In said articles.
Ordered, That the hearing proceed on
the 4th Of May; that the opening and close
OF the argument be given to the respon-
dent; that three counsel end three man
ayers may be heard in such order as may
be agreed on between themselves, ana
that such time be allowed for argument
as The managers and counsel may desire.
After argument by Hoar and Carpenter
the Senate, as court Of impeachment,ad'
iourned till Monday.
The consideration oilegislatiye business
was then resumed, but without tranacting
any important business the Senate ad'
journed till Monday.