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that the change has become irrevocably fixed, they will no doubt find it far more tolerable than they expected, and may yet discover that even negro suffrage, under the kindly and skilful management of the old dominating class, will soon cease to be a source of annoyance, and ultimately become an element of power.
The judgment of the Senate in the case of
Andrew Johnson, who had been impeached by the House of Representatives, was sufficiently indicated by the first ballot taken in the case.
On May 19, 1868,
Dana published in the
Sun an editorial entitled a “Calm Review,” which runs as follows:
The Republican party may fairly claim the credit of the most signal impartiality in the conclusion of the impeachment trial.
The President was impeached by the act of the Republican majority in the House of Representatives.
He was arraigned before the Senate, and tried with patience and intelligence.
The Republicans in the Senate were numerous enough to convict him. The country generally desired to see him ousted.
It was felt that it would bring peace where there is now doubt and discord, and that it would tend powerfully to the speedy restoration of the Union and the revival of industry and business.
We may even say that the world expected his conviction.
It was the first time that the supreme executive officer of a nation had been brought before a tribunal, established by the people, for regular trial, and for peaceful deposition from office in case of conviction.
Europe looked on with awe at this novel proceeding.
Of course it was not supposed in these monarchical countries that any other result than the removal of the obnoxious executive could possibly follow.
Notwithstanding all this, the trial has ended in acquittal.
Mr. Johnson still exercises all the powers of his great office.
In spite of party feeling and party pressure, there are seven
