The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1876-04-18
Belknap's Trial.

WASHINGTON, April ~.
In the senate chamber This morning there
was an unusual activity, long before the
senate met, preparatory to the impeach-
ment trial Of Belknap, ! o'clock being the
time fixed for the return Of the process. In
the area in front OF the presiding officers of
the senate tables were placed for the coun-
ssl one upon the right for the counsel of
Belknap and another upon the left for the
managers on the part OF the house CT repre-
sentatives. In the epace in the rear of the
senator's seats chairs were placed for men,
bers of the house Of representatives. The
gallrrie' we're filled before II 30 o'clock,
and when the se1ate was cal ed to ord at
noon there was not seat to be obtained
therein. A large portion OF the gentle
mems gallery, on the left of the diplomatic
gallery, was reserved for ladies, in addition
to their regular gallery on the right of the
chamber. A large msjority Of the body
was composed of ladies. When the senate
was called to order the chsplsin, in his
opening prayer, said "We pray Thee be
very specially nigh 10 thy servant who pre-
sidca in this place, and to thy servants the
senators, in the discharge of the high and
solemn functions with which they are here
now vested may they not fail to be right,
and to dis .)ense justice for confirmation Of
all that is good, and for the welfare Of the
nation"
After the journal of Thursdays proceed
ings had been read, various petitions and
memorials were presented. Legislative
business was suspended at 1890 o'clock
and the senate proceeded to tho considers
ton of the articles of impeachment sgainst
w. w. Belknap After proclamation by
the sergeant-at-arms. Chief Justice White
administered the oath to Senators Allison,
Burnside, Chrlstsncy, Dennis, ConklnE,
Caperton, Goldthwsite, Jones, Morrill,,
Ransom and Robertson, who we're not
present when the other senators were
sworn few days ago. On motion OF Mr..
Edmunds 1t was ordered that the secretary
notify the house of repre- ssn.atives that the
senate was ready to proceed viii the trial,
and that seats had been provided in the
senate for members of the house. Sena-
tors Alcorn and Johnston Of Virginia, En-
glirh, Patterson and Wsdleigh were not
present to take the oath. At 1858
o'clock Secretary Belknap, with his
counsel, Messrs. Carpenter, Black and
Blair, entered the senate and proceeded
tofthe table provided for them on the ripht
of the presiding officer. The eI-sccrotsry
walked to the table leaning on the arm Of
| Mr.. Carpenter, and took seat between
him and Judge Black. He appeared ner-
vous, and began reading s soon IS seated,
but soon dropped his pamphlet and con-
versed with counsel, The managers OF
| impeachment and members appeared
at 1 o'clock, but quarter of an hour
elapsed before all were seated. The min
utes Of the session of the senate As court
of impeachment, held Wednesday, April
3, were then read by Mr.. Gorham, secre-
tary Of the senate. The return on the
writ served upon the ex-secretary having
btti lShu, anu NV eti ASaut-os7einb ha'hb
called upon Mm to answer, Mr.. Carpenter.
OF the counsel for the ex-secretary, read
and had filed plea, denying the jurisdic-
ton Of the senate TO try Belknap
on articles of impeachment as he was
no, an officer Of the United
| States at the time such articles were found
and presented to the senate that he has
not since been nor is not now an officer Of
the United States, but WAS and iss private
citizen of the United States and Of the state
of Iowa. Lord, on the part Of the man.
ayers, asked that time be allowed them I'M
til "wednesday, April 10, to consider what
replication shall be made to the pleas of
Belknap, and it was so ordered by the SEN
ate. The managers and counsel for the