The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1901-04-02
TIE IMPEACHMENT TRIAL AS SEEN
JUST BEFORE THE CURTAIN FELL

We write GQ1S Oh 6u0 uIO1AAAS W
Thursday, March 28th, the last day
of the impeachment trial, but Detor
the vote is taken or the result OF that
vote Known. What we shall write
here shall remain unchanged whether
that vote result in acquittal or con
victiOn.
We have carefully watched the
impeachment proceedings from the
beginning. In the House we heard
nearly every speech on the resolu-
ton from the time the debate began
with the forceful argument of
Mr.. Stubs, of Martin, till Locke
Craig closed the debate with his pas
sionate and dramatic effort.
And since the case has been in the
Senate we have worked far into the
night with our office duties in order
to watch the developments and hear
the arguments before that body.
Some
GREAT SPEECHES HAVE BEEN MADE.
The answer of Judges Furches
Douglas to the articles of impeach-
ment was a strong and dignihed
document, and to it's straightfOr-
wardness and dignity is doubtless
due in a large the strong
public sentiment against impeach-
ment. Then followed the replication
of the House managers, a merely
formal document, containing moth
ing new. And on Thursday, March
18th, Judge W. R. Allen, Chairman,
on behalf of the House managers,
made the opening speech for the
prosecution, a skilful argument we'll
delivered.
But for strength of argument
the speech of Judge William P.
Bynum, Jr., on Monday, 18th, has
not perhaps been equalled. In it
was given authority after authority
to sustain his contentious, the facts
being m~arshalled in logical order,
carrying conviction to those that
heard him.
The examination Of four of the
Judges of the Supreme Court fol
lowed, so that it was Thursday be
fore Major W. A. Guthrie began his
great speech for the prosecution.
We suppose it is not too much to
say that Major Guthrie made the
speech Of his life, For more than
four hours he spoke and bitter Op-
pOnents of impeachment admit that
it was a great argument. In decis-
ions quoted and points Of law dis
cussed, not all his associates COM
bined have equalled Major Guthrie
their efforts resembled those of the
politician and stump speak while
Major Guthrie's was that of u lawyer,
Capt. @ M. Cooke, for the de
tense, followed. Capt. Cooke made
some telling points, but his speech
was Of the rOugh-and-ready Kind,
showing more force and strength
than skill in arraignment. His refer
enCe to Judge FairclOth was tender,
eloquent.
Messrs. Charles IL. Busbee and
Lindsay Patterson followed, the
former for the prosecution and the
latter for the defense, We did not
hear either, but both are said to
have made very creditable argu-
ments. Mr.. P~attersOn's reference to
the unjust condemnation of Joan of
Arc was to the point and effectively
delivered. The scene, too, was
impressive when, with appraised
hand, he con Guided with the utter
ance of Aristides: This mea-
sure, O, Athenians, may be expedi-
ent, but it cannot have my vote be-
aus it is not just"
Mr.. Davidson devoted most of
his speech to u review of alleged en-
croachments by the judiciary upon
other departments Of government,
and Mr.. f. H. Busbee, who followed
him, started out by stating that the
entire impeachment proceedings
inspired by partisan prejudice
and bitterness. Whatever n may
think OF this statement, we are IN
chned to think it did little good, be
ing addressed to Senators With many
friends, political and personal, III the
House.
From ID legal standpoint the
speech of Mr.. B. T. Long, takes high
rank. Ii was read from manuscript,
however, ami Tor this reason was