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"Considering the nature of our government," said Judge Curtis, "and the experience we have had on this subject, that is a pretty lofty claim!" In fact there was but one charge of any gravity against the President -- that of violating the Tenure-of-office Act.

But on the charge there was a very grave difference of opinion among those equally competent to decide.

Mr.Fessenden, one of the ablest lawyers, if not indeed the very ablest that has sat in the Senate since Mr.Webster, believed on his oath and his honor--an oath that was sacred and an honor that was stainless--that the President had a lawful and Constitutional right to remove Mr.Stanton at the time and in the manner he did.