29 MARCH 1968, Page 7

A hundred years ago

Front the ',Spectato, Zs March, I868—The American Senate formally called on the President to appear and take his trial on the 23rd. Mr. Johnson did not appeal but sent six lawyers to represent him, who demanded forty days to pre- pare his defence. This seemed to the Senate too much, but they gave him seven, and the actual trial commences on Monday next. The evidence for the President would it is said, if taken in the regular way, occupy weeks, but the Managers of the Impeachment intend to baffle this device by admitting it all as tendered. and then leaving the Senate to decide. The National Intelligencer, the President's organ, now says he will be very glad of an adverse verdict, as he will then live in history as the last Constitutional President of the Union; whereupon the Tribune asks why, if dismissal will please him so much, he does not dismiss himself?