The Providence Journal, speaking for the Rhode Island
Senators, said, "They will alike scorn with indignation the base imputation implied
in the telegram quoted above (General Schencks) that they are capable of
prostituting the impartial justice to which they are solemnly pledged, under
any amount of pressure from resolution, letter, and delegations."
The Chicago Tribune declared with
perfect truth: "A party can always afford to take the consequences of the
conscientious performance of a judicial duty."
The Boston Advertiser said of Mr.
Fessenden: "We are bound to concede his right to judge for himself, and to respect
his exercise of the right."
The Hartford Courant, edited by
Ex-Governor Hawley, one of the truest of Republicans, said: "When such lawyers, men
of honor, and sound Republicans as Trumbull and Fessenden, pronounce against the articles
as they are drafted, and under a law whose construction admits of doubt, we are not going
to join in denouncing them as apostates and traitors."
The Chicago Post remarks:
"The effect of his impeachment and disposal, if secured by partisan effort, would be
a graver calamity than any that he can inflict. No man can calculate the consequences of
such a blow at the permanence of our institutions."
The Bridgeport (Connecticut) Standard
says: "Not only are we prepared to receive with entire equanimity that verdict
whatever it may be, but we trust that when it is recorded, for the instruction and
guidance of the nation in future years, the record may be an everlasting witness that full
and impartial justice has been done."
The Cincinnati Commercial also
very truly remarks: " The Republican party is strong; but it can not afford to drive
out as traitors all who disagree with the opinions that are most noisily expressed by the
most excitable of its members."
It is a matter of congratulation also,
that the Union League Club of New York again exposed themselves to the peril of public
denunciation by Mr. Greeley as "blockheads and dunces," by refusing to pass
resolutions stigmatizing eminent Republican Senators as Benedict Arnolds and Judas
Iscariots because they faithfully observed their oath as judges. The President, John Jay,
in a speech admirable for its wisdom and temper and very pregnant allusion, remarked that
"those, who, during the thirty years anti-Slavery struggle, have contended with
Milton for the right to know, to utter, and to argue freely above all
liberties, are not likely to deny to others, especially when acting under the
sanction of an oath, an equal freedom."
These are all indications that the sober
sense of the party condemns not only as flagrant offense against common decency, but as a
serious blunder in party tactics, such attempts as that of General Schencks telegram
of the New York Tribune, and of Mr. Charles S. Spencers resolutions to
overawe the Senate of the United States in the discharge of a judicial duty.