The Lansing state Republican. [volume] (Lansing, Mich.) 1855-1874, 1865-10-18
The President and JEFF Davis Pardon

The President and JEFF Davis Pardon.
Judge Wardlaw and Alfred and AiAens
Of South Carolina. Yesterday afternoon bad
an interview by appointment with The Pres
ident. They were accompanied by ". H..
LesscOtt, of that state. The President.
after the customary prelminaries We're
over, invited them TO be seated, when 81
once the conversation commenced Toy
Judge Wardlaw informing him they We're q
delegation from the state convention cd.
South Carolina. sent hither % present "a
certain memorial OF that body. which had
been very carefully considered IN conven
ton. The President inquired the object
OF the memorials. Judge Wardlaw MORN
cd him that one was IN behalf OtJef DAVIS.
All. Stevens G. Trenholm. and Governor
McGrath He said they had understood
the late performance. Messrs. Stevens ami
Trenholm have already been released from
close confinement. and permitted 10 return.
lie would ask for Gov. McGrath 4 pardon.
or that he be released on parole. lie
could assure the President that no BARN
would result from Il.
The President replied that ali could not
be pardoned at once The business must
be proceeded with gradually, and made 10
conform 10 law. A discrimination was
necessary a We went along.
Judge Wardlaw replied that the de,e-a-
ton presented no such argument as that
lust said Sometimes the peculiar locality
had much 10 do with pardons. Ike many
other things n human affairs. II We know
ourselves. we want 10 10 what is best and
Just, and proper. Judge Wardiaw remark
ed that they did not come hither 20 express
their own hopes and desires. but As dele
gates from the South Carolina Convention.
10 present memorials from that body in d
formal manner
The President said: We Will gentle
men. extend all facilities and couriesies
which the questions require. We would
prefer 10 pardon twenty men than refuse
one" The Judge replied they d.d not lie
sign 10 say anything IN reference % Gov.
McGralh further, but that they believed
much good would result 10y the exercise Of
executive clemency towards him.
Jugde Wardlaw-"W We thank YOU. sir. for
the release OF Stevens and Trenholm"
The President said Mr. Trenholm was
man who would exert an his power with
entire honesty between the state and the
Government. adding that there ought 20 De
Government and 10 punish crime. The laws
were violated. and attempts were made 40
the laws OF the nation There should boz q
vindication Of the Government and oi t4e
Constitution. even # the plrtonlng poN er
were exercised thereafter. II treason has
been committed, 10 ought to be determine
by the highest tribunal. and tie fact
ciared, if clemency should come af,erra-.s.
There was no malice or prejudice in carry
ing ont this duty.
Judge W. remarked that they were wc.
aware OF that.
The President resumlng. said there may
be some unkind feeling in this subject bar il
did nOt exist % any great extent
Judge ". said, although nOt instructed
by the convention. he was going 10 ask
whether Mrs jeff Davis. who was now con
lined TO Georgia. could not cross into South
Carolina 10 see her friends.
The President replied that he had rece p
ed letters from Mrs Davis, but they were
not very commendatory. The tone OF one
OF them however, was considerably mpr0v-
ed. but others were not of a character be-
coming one asking cemeucy.
Judge ". nterposed by saying she Wa-
woman Of strong feeling.
The President-"les. 1 suppose she Is
woman OF strong feeling aud temper, bu'
there Is no intention 20 persuade. There j.
a. much magnaumity aud independence and
nObleuess OF spirit Ia submitting rs IN rrl-
ing 10 put the Government al defiance.
True magDanimity consists IN taking Things
az they are and when taken in tue present
way discharges them from Humiliation.
of temper and defiance Do
no good"
Mr.. Hugar remarked they had deep con
sclOusness OF the truth OF all the President
said.
The President resuming. Observed that
the character Of an individual may chardc-
-erze nation which is nothing but al az
gregate OF individuals, and when the prop
er spirit Is manifested | can act harmOui-
)usly. The man who goes 10 the stake Is
almost dignIfed by his firing. Il lifts BIN
above humiliation. In these cases. gentle F.
men. We do the best we can. While there is .
there is a public judgment that
must be met, but assure You no disp0s.-
ion exists for prosecution or thirst Tor
blood.
Judge W. remarked that the tone OF tho
newspapers was more favorable and differ
mt from what il was. he asked If the
President had seen q copy Of the amended
constitution Of South Carolina. OF course
le had seen il. He felt perfectly satisfied
hat the person and property OF the negro
yill be protected, and spoke q the grea.
iiiicUlty Of remuneratlng labor, RESTRAINING
agrancy. etc.
The President thought many Of tie owls
you'd disappear If tney inaugura,eI The
light system. Pass laws protecting the
olOred man. bis person and property, and
e can collect his debts. de knew how
was IN the south. The qtstoa. Wien
rst presented. or putting cr.0red man ID
be witness stand. made them shrIE their
hOulders, but the colored mans testimony
7as 10 De taken for what il was worth by
hose who examine him, aud the .urv who
ear hin. After al. there was not 80 much
anger a was supposed. Those coming
u Of slavery cannot 10 without w0~A.
hey cannot lay down in dissipation. They
ught 10 understand that liberty means
-0rk, and the right 10 enjoy The profits u
sbor, and that laws protect them. and tbs
eng done and when We come 10 a perio.
D feel that men must work or starre. The
ountry viii be prepared 70 receive a sys-
I'm applicable 20 both white and blacS and
$50 viii be prepared 10 receive a system
ecessary 70 the case. 4 short tine bacs
on could not enforce the ver-aut law On
le black. hut could on the white man. But
q the public mind right ard you can treat /
9th alike. Let us get general primo PIES
I'd detail, coliatelals viii follow.
4 conversation Of soma length e1-lel ,
atween the President Judge Wariiaw ana {
K. WescOtt "a 10 legs fti0n ~ the state
scessary il reference 70 the condition oil The
eedmer.
CAPT. r J. Barry We understand that ?
e War Department has issued an order /
scOntinuing the various Provost Marshal j
stricts in this State. and Capt. r. J. ]