Jenks' Portland Gazette

By the mails.

From WASHINGTON, FEB. 11.

Trial of Judge Chase.

On the 6th Mr. Randolph, chairman of the Managers, opened the case, on the part of the House, against Judge Chase; but in a manner so feeble, as to disappoint every one who had been accustomed to hear him in the House. But though deficient in argument, he was not deficient in impudence. Besides the opprobrium which he heaped on the venerable Judge, he uttered many gratuitous invectives against the District judges, who sat with Judge Chase on the trials; particularly Judge Peters, of Pennsylvania, and Judge Griffin, of Virginia. Judge Chase, in his answer, mentions, that Judge Griffin concurred with him in all the decisions on which the impeachment, in that case, is founded; and that in the case of Fries, Judge Peters also concurred. In noticing this, Randolph said, the respondent had endeavored to shelter himself under those concurring opinions; but that his pre-eminence should be remembered—and his predominating influence over inferior judges, who sat on the bench with him—'Men of weak and feeble temper—and of intellects [making a long pause] perhaps as feeble.'

His remarks on the conviction and pardon of Fries, were highly indecorous if not impious. On this subject, he said, he rejoiced, that Executive mercy had prevented the blood of the innocent and unoffending German, from appearing at the bar of eternal justice, as the accuser of the Respondent, that this single act of the late President, had, in his opinion, redeemed a multitude of failings, and that it had prevented the ermine of Justice from being dyed with blood. Surely the expression of such a sentiment towards any man, would have been unjustifiable, but towards the venerable object of this flood of indignity, it was as mean and malignant, as it was false and ridiculous.

Two witnesses only were examined yesterday, Mr. Lewis and Mr. Dallas. Their evidence was in substance as published in their affidavits last year. There are about 55 witnesses on both sides; so we may expect this trial to occupy nearly the remainder of the session.

Judge Chase has four counsel—Messrs. Martin, Harper, Hopkinson and Key. The 24 witnesses on the part of the impeachment is answered; and of the 32 witnesses summoned by Judge Chase, 25 answered.

The concourse of spectators which attend the trial is great; of whom the ladies make a considerable number.