The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-01-08
SWAYNE IMPEACHMENT CASE.
INDICATION OF REVULSION OF
FEELING IN THE HOUSE.
Even the Impeachment Committee Divided.
standing -Four 10 Three IN Favor OF
Impeac ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Preparing for
Full Discussion OF the Charges.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 7.--Members Of the
House OF Representatives, who are be-
ginning to see a new light in the olamor
against Judge Charles Swayne Of the North
ern District Of Florida, are preparing to have
thorough discussion OF every charge
against him when the committee intrusted
with the writing Of articles OF impeach-
ment makes Its report. The committee
expects to report BY Tuesday 1t ia prob
able that the debate on the articles will
be begun on Thursday
It has been agreed that Representative
Palmer, chairman of tho impeachment
committee, and Representative Gillette oil
California shall control the time Of debate,
Palmer in favor OF many articles of Inn
parchment and Gillette in opposition TO
any.
Representatives Parker and LIttleaeld
voted TO impeach on the alleged Justification
OF expense accounts, but it is understood
that they are not now as much impressed
with the supposed gravity of that charge
az they were when il was presented to the
Judiciary Committee by Mr., Palmer and
the other members who have conducted the
prosecution The statement from the SEQ
rotary OF the Treasury showing that many
other Federal Judges have charged the
full amount OF expenses permitted by law
has done much to create a sentiment in
Judge Swayne's favor.
There IS nc doubt that Mr.. Gillette has
lost all respect for the allegation that Judge
Swayne wrongfully overcharged the Gov
eminent for expenses, and, according to
present expectations he viii oppose the
adoption Of any articles Of Impeachment.
He did not vote when the question whether
that body should impeach Judge Swayne
came before the House. In the Judiciary
Committee he took the position. that If the
charge was left unexplained, tho acts of
Judge Swayne might constitute an I'M
peaohable offence, Since that time the
committee has learned that a majority of
the Judges habituAlly charge $40 day.
and Judge Swayns has asserted that he
believes the law meant that he should
always have $40 n day for travel and at
tendance outside of his district, and not
merely go much Of that sum as he actually
expended.
The impeachment committee stands
4 to 3 In favor OF impeachment on
many counts. Representative Palmer ex-
expects the four 10 adopt articles at
meeting to be held Monday morning before
the meeting of the House The minority
has not decided what ought TO be done
Messrs I4ittlefeld and Parker may join
In a report favoring impeachment on the
question of expenses only.
It is certain that Messrs. Gillette, Little
field and Parker will make bitter attack
upon what they regard as the himsy charges
the majority Will propose to send TO the
Senate as an indictment Of Judge Swayne
for high crimes and misdemeanors, The
three have prepared speeches on the sub
jeot that will deal with every point made
against the Judge. They have gathered
facts that will make members Of the House
think hard about the seriousness Of the
proposals OF the impeachment committee
majority.
and Moon of Pennsylvania, both good
lawyers, have also indicated an intention
to address tho House in opposition 70 i'm
parchment. They have not hitherto taken
a conspicuous part in the matter. Their
desire TO speak is taken as an indication Of
a revulsion of feeling in the House against
the course Of the members of the Judiciary
Committee.