Is it a good idea to call witnesses in the impeachment “trial”? Perhaps.

Then why not sequester the “jury”? But imagine 100 senators in closed session trying to reach unanimity. A better procedure might be to select 12 senators at random; each side could be permitted limited challenges of prospective senator jurors. The other 88 senators could return to their offices to concentrate on the national business.

For the duration of the trial, the 12 senators of the jury would be secluded. That means no reporters could interview them until after the trial. No newspapers or television. No communication with constituents and no knowledge of public opinion polls.

It seems reasonable, of course, that defendant Clinton should attend his own trial. He might turn over his presidential duties temporarily to Al Gore and he would be confined to house arrest in the Lincoln bedroom when not in the Senate chambers.

Television rights for the trial could be sold and the proceeds applied against the national debt. If the trial drags on until November 2000, a mistrial could be declared. Harry C. Meserve Southwest Harbor Arthur A. Dole Trenton