Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1876-07-27
COGGREBSI SIONAL.
Progress Of the Belknap Impeachment
Trial-ClOse Of Carpenters Argu-
ment for the Defendant
Manager LOrd's.ClOsing Argament-The
Case GiVen.tO the COurt-A Verdict
TO be Given TO.day-Ete.
SENATE

SENATE
WASHINGTON, July 26-The i'm
peschment trial WAS resumed immedi-
ately after the senate WAS called to or
der, and Carpenter continued his argu-
ment for the defense. He denied that
Belknap had received money with in
tent to have his official action swerved,
and without that intent there was no
crime. Carpenter then spoke Of inn
peschable crimes, and argued that Bel
knap had not committed any crime, snd
even if he had taken bribe, The courts
here in the district were adequate to deal
with him. He commented at length
upon the question Of jurisdiction, and
cited many legal authorities upon that
subject TO show that the senate had no
jurisdiction in this case. he argued
that the senate had q perfect right in its
final decision to consider that question
sgsin and reserve its decision already
made. Every senator who voted
"guilty" on tho final question WoIld by
that vote aszerI jurisdiction. Every
senator who believed there was no ju
risdiction must vote "not guilty.u II
any senators regarded the question Ct
jurisdiction SIS settled, then it had been
settled in favor Of the defendant, be.
voted in favor thereof. Having dis.
charged his duty to his client, he now
left him in the hands of the court con
fident that in 2 case OF this importance
every point would be considered, and IN
leaving it he would make his last and
earnest appeal to these senators who bs-
lieved there was no jurisdiction to try
this case, that they W. uld do all in their
power TO save the defense from a con-
viotiOn, and not let it be ID, as Lord
Brougham said in the case c; O'C0nue
sgainst the queen, that .'tne decision
would go forth without authority, and
return without respect"
A rectsI of fifteen minutes.
Upon resssembling Manager Lord
commenced the closing argument upon
the part Of the prosecution. He replied
to the argument of Mr.. Carpenter in
regard to jurisdiction, and claimed that
the judgement of the senate to the ef-
feet that the articles of impeachment
were sufficient in law, bound every
senator. He commented at length upon
the law of bribery, and argued that it ]
made no difference whether the money
acc pied Influenced his official action
or not, the accused was guilty
under the law. II this senate,
in the eyes OF the nation, in the
eyes Of the world, IN the eyes of his
tory, dared to take the responsibility of
saying that Belknsp received this
money but did not have his official ac-
ton influenced thereby, let it do so, and
see what history would say Of the YER.
dict. Manager Lord then commented
on the evidence, and argued that Bel
knap knew where the money came
from to him, aud for what purpose
There was the Tribune article, the
letter of General GriereOn, and the order
of M'DJWell, of which Belknsp knew.
Yet, after these things, be received ten
distinct and separate payments, or gifts,
as they were called by learned counsel
lSenatOr BlRir-NODsense. A man
who received gift from frieEd was
generally proud of it, az evidence OF
being spprt ciated by his friend. But
these gifts we're all kept out of sight.
They came under the rule OF additlOn,
division and silence. Why did Bslknap
resign the Office of secretary OF war II /
he was innocent? Why did he 90 down !
like the oak before the whiTiwiHdG Did /
he not know il he VIZ an innocent man |
he would still b9 secretary of war,
and that no man would attempt to turn |
him out on account of his wife dealing |
in post-trRderships. His resignation was |
a confession OF his guilt. His counsel |
had put in special plea that the resig-
nation of General Belknap wss in pur- |
susnce Of contract with Mr.. Clymer,
chairman OF the house com mmittee en- eX-
penditures in the war department. Mr.. |
CIymer was on the stand; why did not |
the counsel for the defense attempt to |
prove this fact by him, if the plea was |
trus9 1t was because they knew it was |
not true.
Senator Lord concluded his srgu. |
ment, when the senate, sitting ss q /
court, adjourned until tomorrow, then |
to proceed to q vote on the final issue.
Legislative business was then re. |
sumed, and Senator Anthony submitted |
a resolution to print twelve thousand !
extra copies OF the report of the COM |
missioner of education for 1875, and |
twelve hundred extra copies OF the re-
port Of the special committee which re-
Gently investigated Mississippi affairs.
Agreed to.
Senator Oglesby, from the committee |
on Indian affairs, reported fsvorably oD
the house bill to provide for the sale of |
certain lands in Kansas and Colorado.
Senator Allison called up the river |
and harbor appropriation bill, go IS to |
have it come up Is unfinished business.
Adjourned.