In 1868 a quarrel over political differences between President Andrew Johnson and the radical Republicans in Congress came to a head.

A radical-influenced House of Representatives struck back swiftly and voted to impeach President Andrew Johnson for “high crimes and misdemeanors” as called for by the Constitution.

On May 16, 1869, the day of the first voting in the Senate, the tension was electric and heavy breathing could be heard in the galleries. By a margin of one vote, the radicals failed to muster the two-thirds for the president’s removal. Seven independent-minded Republican senators courageously putting country above party, voted not guilty.

Justice finally prevailed. Johnson was no doubt guilty of bad speeches, bad judgment and bad temper. But he was hardly guilty of high crimes and misdemeanors, as envisioned by the framers of the Constitution. His only real crime was to stand stalwartly in the path of the radicals.

The above comes from a college textbook, “A History of the Republic,” published by D.C. Heath & Co. Impeachment similarities in 1998 may be deja vu. Nat Crowley Sr. Stockton Springs