Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1865-10-14

individuals, and when proper spirit =, IS mani
tested all can act tremendously. The man
who GOES TO the stake is almost dlgnlhed by
his bearing. 1t lifts him above humiliation,
Tn these cases, gentlemen, we Will DO the best
we can. While there was sympathy, there
was public judgment which must be met
but [ assure you, gentlemen, no dlsposlton
exists for persecution or a thirst Tor blood.
Judge Wardaw remarked that the tone ct
the newspapers was more favorable, ana Oil
terent from what it had been lie then asked
if the President had seen copy OF the amend
ed Constitution of South Carolina Ut course
he said, we accept emancipation. lie telt per-
fectly satisfied that the person and property CT
the negro will be protected, and ne spoke OF
the great difficulties Of regulating LABOR ana
restraining vagrancy, &c. c.,,
The President thought that many OF the
evils would disanpear # they inaugurated the
right system. Pass laws protecting TIE col
ored man IN his person and property, and he
can collect his debts. He knew how 1t was IN
the South. The question, when nrst present
ed. Of putting coored man on the witness
stand. made them shudder, but the coloreo
mans testimony was to be taken tor what IL
was worth by those who examined him, ana
the Jury who hear it. After all there was not
so much danger as was supposed. Those COM
ing out Of slavery cannot do without work
They cannot lie down IN dissipation. Ihey
must work. They ought to understand thaC
liberty means simply the right TO work and to
eniov the products of labor, and that the laws
will protect them. That being done, and
when we come to the period to feel that men
must work or starve, the country will be pre-
pared to receive system applicable to both
white and black-prepared to receive sys-
tenn necessary to the case A short time back
YOU could not enforce the vagrant law upon the
black, but you could on the white man.
But get the public mind right and you can
treat both alike. Let US get the general prlnl-,
ciples, and the details and calculations Will
follow.
A conversation of some length ensued be-
tween the President and Judge WardlaW ana
Mr.. Trsecott, as to the Leg islatlon OF the State
necessary in reference to the condition OF the
freedmen, and the scope and consequences, OF
Circular No. Is and General Orders !45 OF the
Adiutant Generals Department relative TO
abandoned lands in South Carolina and other
Southern States. The examination OF these
Subjects it is understood, IS to be continued at
another interview
The President said We must be practical
and come up to the surrounding clrcumst ances.
Judge Wardlaw, Col. Dawkins and Mr.. Huger
all expressed to the President their CONVICTION
that their State had accepted, IN good faith,
the results of the issue which has been made
That the people felt that the President
had stood between them and harsh use OF the
power of the Government. That they. telt
entire confidence in his purposes and actions,
and hoped, in return, to entltle themselves to
his confidence as to their feeling and actions.
The President replied that he was glad to
hear it-that wherever such mutual confidence
existed there would be an open road to the
restoration of good feeling and a prosperous
condition; and that # he knew himself and he
thought he did, he would recommend nothing
but what would advance their interests. 80
far from wandering to or looking to future ele-
walton. he must be believed when he said he
had no eye single to such preferment.
If, he continued, could be instrumental IN
restoring the Government to its former rela,,
tions, and see the people once more united and
happy, should feel that | had more than
filed the measure Of ny ambition. Ii could
feel that had contributed to this II any degree,
my heart would be more than gratlEed and my
ambition fully.
Judge Wardlaw. Every man in South Caro-
lima would respond to that.
Mr.. Huger ain sure there is on their part
no want Of faith-they deserve your confidence.
and am sure they will earn it.
The President expressed himself gratltled
with what had been said by these gentlemen.
Mr. Dawkins remarked that all South Caro-
lima reposed confidence in the President, and
that the memorials presented by the chairman
Of the delegation represented the true sentl-
ments Of the people Of that State, both IN re-
gard to those whom they wished pardoned and
the feeling and position Of South Carolina.