Weekly Trinity journal. [volume] (Weaverville, Calif.) 1857-1972, 1864-08-06

1t is a fact worthy of repetition, although per-
haps already well known to most of our readers,
that the only two military arrests which have
yet taken place in this city, have been of North
ern CopperheadS-men who born soil
where no such thing rs slavery ever existed, and
who have held high Offices of honor and trust
under the Government. 1t is not unusual
thing for Il Union man to say, on hearing South
erner expressing his sympathies mildly in favor
of the Dixie Confederacy, that - he is prepared
to excuse something on account of the carly
education and prcjudiceS of the speaker There
is no argument in any such liberation but it
reconciles the nearer with himself for not resent
ing the insult promptly whenever it is offered
1t affords him justification for continuing his
social and business relations with such man
who has no other claims upon his consideration
respect.
If this apology, lame and impotent though it
be- is used in defense of Southern traitor,
what shall be said of the conspirator against his
country's liberties who has placed his
foot Southern sol-who perhaps edu-
Gated in New England school, where the nst-
tuition of slavery was abhorrcd a crime against
the majesty of God and a barrier to the saliva
ton of the soul
The Southern man himself, in most cases ac-
eepts the institution of slavery as IL necessary
evil growing out of the nexorabe state of affairs
that surround him. There is no charm, to his
mind in its morality. 1t is the property right
which he defends, and upon which the Confed
eracy has based and staked its very existence
What is there in this, a mere local animus, to
attract Northern mind or enlist Northern SYM
patty? There be nothing. The man who
asserts otherwise, is merely offering apology
for his treason. Such men Chapman and
Weller objects of loathing and disgust to the
professed chiyalry of the South, who can tatlOm
their shallow intentions as readily as we, their
townsmen and neighbors. Their zeal is all
manifested through partisan prctensons. 1t is
the - Democratic party to which they adhere
that UNANIMOUSLY corrupt organization which the
leaders of the Southern rebellion themselves
have denounced and repudiated. They want the
- Constitution as it is, simply because this is
term involving sugar-coated sophsm, dear to
the rabble who do not understand it, and upon
whose affections it is endeavored by dcmagogues
to be impressed To intelligent minds the phrase
is as idle and meaningless as the fee-f-fo-um y
of the nursery toy book but coupled with the
equally misunderstood and misinterpreted cry
of - Democracy " it serves to hold together q
certain class, and render them abject tools to be
used for reasonable political purposes.
In the case of Weller, treason is more intoler-
able and offensive than it would be with such a
man Chapman. Weller is . Democrat by
profession, but civit-perfumed Jesuit in fact.
In his social relations he would despiSe to notice
the scurtf and scum to whom he addressed words
of treason This class of men Chapman S
associates. He not only spoke to them, but
mingled in their convval orgies In his maud
lin moods he said what he felt, or imagined he
felt, and enforced his teachings by example His
influence therefore in good part destroyed
by his familiarity. The maxim has it that . no
man is great with his udiet de chdmbre.' 1t is
q distance lends enchantment," etc. Weller only
showed himself in the purlieus of the gin-shop
occasionally, and then as fastdiouS teacher OF
political doctrine who delivered his speech and
took his speedy departure. Such man is al
WAYS thought by the multitude to possess greater
knowledge and WELD wider influence among
his fellows than the fact will hold in warrant
and thus it is that he is more dangerous, because
more subtle, and should be held to stricter ac-
countability in paying the penalty of the violated
law.
Chapman had some sympathy in his confine-
ment at Alcatraz. He was drunk when he spoke
treason Not so with Weller. lie courted ar
rest, under the mistaken belief that if such a
thing were attempted it would stir the % De-
mocracy" up to mutiny, and end in his rescue.
This would have made him hero, and placed
him in the front rank of his party for advance
ment. The very thing he wanted How vastly
he mistook the tone and temper of public feel
ing He has been reckoned at his true value
Northern renegade, and piie political traitor !
No danger of such an one melting a mob, or by
the threat of such thing. intimidating the mill
tarv officers in the discharge of their duties.
When Weller learns to be a better citizen, and
takes the oath of allegiance to that country
which he has been attempting to betray, and
whose patronage has enabled him to occupy
| respectable position in society. it is very prob
able that he will be set at large but not until
that time, if we have formed proper estimate
| of the character of the gentleman in authority
with whom he has to deal.-AmeTtcdn ffdg