Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1882-03-03
ABsENrING SENATORS.
Criticism Of the ''Stag-AtCays' In the
Impeachment Trial.

Criticism Of the ..Stay-A,cays' IN the Con
Impeachment Trial.
To the Editor of the Globe:
desire small space in your valuable
paper to put few questions which are
being constantly asked, and in which the
public at large have deep interest, and
would like to have answered.
1t is notorious fact that since the
commencement of the Cox impeachment
trial, certain senators have constantly
absented themselves from their duties.
This absenteeism was sufficiently noticea-
BILE while the prosecution was presenting
it's testimony, but l am not aware that
during that part of the trial more than
one or two adjournments of the senate
were caused by want of quorum. This
was, however, one or two too many, and
were wholly inexcusable, and therefore
unjustifable.
But how has it been in this particular
since the defendant, Cox, began to open
his case and put in his testimony Is it
not fact known to every intelligent per-
son that it has been almost daily occur
rence-and not infrequently at both the
morning and afternoon sessions-the few
senators present have had to remain idle
| for an hour or two, because of the want
of quorum to do business? Is it not
also fact equally well known that not
infrequently the senate have had to adj
| journ for two or three days at a time be-
cause no quorum could be found?
Have senators any moral or legal right
/ ~ TINS oh fhoyro co1uoc from fhoir
duties? Have they the right to subject
such unusual, uncalled-for and who'll
ly adjustable delays? Have they
the right to subject witnesses,
in constant attendance, and therefore
have shown that they properly regard
their high and sworn duties, to such
great personal expense and inconven-
| fence?
Nay more, are they not doing Judge
Cox, who is, as am informed. a poor
man, an outrageous act of injustice and
gross wrong by such absenteeism? do
not now merely refer to the greater in
convenience to which he, his ounsel, his
witnesses and his friends are subjected.
These may be with him, and with them,
buta small part of the injustice and
wrong he may suffer from this S9nato-
..lal absenteeism. His whole future is
hanging in the balance, which to him is
dearer than life and property.
These Senators, who have habitually
absented themselves from their duties in
this trial, have, in common with
their associates who have faithfully
attended to their duties, taken
upon themselve solemn oath that in the
matter of the impeachment of E. st.
Julien Cox, etc., they would do justice
according to law and evidence.
How can any senator who has con-
stantly absented himself from the senate
chamber during this trial, do justice to
the defendant according to law and evil
dence?
What does such a senator know about
the law and evidence of this case? Has
he heard either the law or the evidencei
Will he presume to further impose upon
the patience and Indulgence of generous
public by even pretending to have read a
fiftleth part Of the testimony? Has he
seen the witnesses upon the stand, OBJ.
served their demeanor, and from theil
appearance and manner of testify1ng
formed an honest judgment as to whether
they were testifying honestly and truth
fully? If not, he is not qualified to form
and give an intelligent and honest judg-
ment in this case.
Do courts of justice in which not only
the rights of property but those of the
person are tried and determined, permit
such outrageous acts of injustice and
wrong? No. In no court in the civilized
world would such acts be permitted. i
members of the jury in the Guiteau tria
had been permitted to stay at home wheI
they pleased and attend to their business
or to lounge around hotels, saloons and
places of amusement during the trial
talking with men, ninety mine out of the
hundred of whom desired ''verdict Of
guilty." would the verdict in that case
have carried weight or conviction to the
mind of single person? l apprehend
not. 1t would rather have created just
wide spread and deep sympathy for the
slayer of our martyred president because
of the wrongs and injustice of such an
unheard of trial, and such ought to and
may be the result of such a trial as is be-
ing given to Judge Cox.
Now will some one, some Senator who
has thus absented himself from his du-
ties, please to answer these enquiries in
order that the public may understand the
rights, duties and privileges of all con
cerned in this impeachment casei
In submitting these questions l desire ii
to be understood that do not personally
know Judge Cox, that have never
spoken to him, and in fact never have
seen him but two or three times, and then
while he was sitting by his counsel in the
court of impeachment. cannot say that
am even friend to him, except in the
sense that every man naturally feels, OF
should feel, friendly to one who is in
trouble, and whom he believes is not re-
ceiving fair trial at the hands of those
who are to pass judgment upon
him in this case. Every man under oul
system of government and laws is entitled
to, and should have full, fair and i'm
partial trial. Give that to Judge Cox
which our laws give every other person
and the public will be satisfied with and
cheerfully submit to the result of this
great trial; otherwise they will not and
should not be.
"Let justice be done though the
heavens fall ENQUIRER.
STILLWATER.
| D. NJ, Ssbin is in Madison, Wis.
Judg, McCluer is expected back next week.