New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-12-15
FIGHT OYER CHARGES.
Szcau1e Case Like to Cause LiUeLy
Contest.
rFsou THE TRIBUNE BuREAu,l

WASHINGTON. Dec. 14-Matority and minority re-
ports from the committee appointed to prepare
articles Of impeachment in the case of Judge
swayne will in the opinion of members OF that
committee be presented to the House of Repre-
sentatives about January -, and a decision as to
whether these articles shall contain five charges or
a single count will rest with the entire body. and
will be reached only after more or less extended
debate on the floor OF the House.
The special committee has decided that each or
IT'S seven members shall prepare his written opinion
in the holiday recess TO what charges should be
included in the articles of impeachment The full
committee Immediately after Congress reconveues
on January will meet and prepare It's report
which will be presented to the House probably not
later than January u. It is not likely however.
that unanimous conclusion can be reached and it
is expected that majority and minority reports will
be submitted. The majority report, which will be
signed by Representatives Palmer. Powers. of Massa-
chusetts: Clayton and De Almond. will recommend
the impeachment of Judge Swayne the following
charges:
First-Faise certihcation Of expenses.
Secopd-N on-residenee in his district: TO-, Ill
Third-Unlawfu personal use of a railroad while
in the HANDS lCI OF a receiver
Fiflh-The Belden and Davis contempt cases.
which will be incorporated IN one count because the
offences were committed at the same time
The minority report. signed by Representatives
Iittleheld. Parker and Gillett. of California. Will
demand impeachment on the single charge OF fa-se
certifcauon of travelling expenses. This viii make
the committee stand four 20 three In favor OF
articles Of impeachment which will practically
all the serious charges against the Judge. While
this division Of opinion Will result merely IN the
submission OF two reports all agreeing on the neces-
silly Of Impeachment but differing 10 the number
of articles. 1t will preciptate heated discussion
in the House, The House leaders confident
however that the debate the reports. which are
privileged. will not last more than two or three
days.
1t Is doubtful whether the House will decide In
favor OF the majority the minority report There
is feeling among the ablest lawyers in Congress
that the evidence before the committee tails to
justify the impeachment Of Judge 6wayne for his
judicial acts and they will vigorously oppose his
arraignment before the bar OF the Senate on more
than the one article of false certIhcaton. On the
other hand. there is a strong sentiment led by
Representatives Powers OF Massachusetts,. and
Palmer. OF pennsylvania. who believe that Judge
SWayne shoud De punished. not only for ta'se4y
certifying his expense accounts 10 the government.
but for his acts or omission and commission while
on the bench They will urge on the House the
necessity OF taking cognizance of all the crimes with
which he STANDS charged. and behind them Is for
midable sentiment favorable TO their contention
Under the precedent established in the last i'm