The Impeachment of Andrew Johnson (Repeat of 48-06-20)

This is John Daly in the radio newsroom of the United States Senate just across the hall from the galleries of the Senate chamber itself. In less than half an hour on this historic and eventful morning of the 16th of May, 1868 and grew Johnson, President of the United States, may be removed from office convicted of high

crimes of misdemeanors. In less than 30 minutes the people of the United States may have a new president, the honorable The Benjamin Wade, Senator from Ohio, and President of the United States Senate. The hour of decision is at hand.

At the start of noon, Chief Justice Salmon Pete says, we'll mount the last room, reconvene the Senate at the Court of Impeachment, and each Senator in turn will cast his vote. May 16, 1868 Washington, D.C., you are there.

Washington, Andrew Johnson, a president of the United States, is impeached. The Senate is preparing to vote for acquittal or conviction. The fate of Andrew Johnson, chief magistrate of the world's greatest democracy, is at stake.

CBS takes you back to witness the closing minutes of the trial of Andrew Johnson for high crimes and misdemeanors. All things are, as they were then, except for one thing. When CBS is there, you are there.

You are there, is based on authentic historical facts and quotations. And now, the regular newsroom of the United States, sir, and John Jay. The 19th century is about to enter a new state. The drama that began with the surrender of Lee at Appomattox, that was heightened by the bullets that ended the life of President Lincoln.

And this drama reached its climax when Congress determined to avenge the devastation and slaughter of the war, turned its anger on President Johnson for advocating Lincoln's policy of a charitable peace based upon his well-remembered words with malice towards none.