Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1865-10-14
PRESIDENT JOHNSON AND The DEL
EGATlON FROM SOu TIL CAROLINA.
Their Iutere, xxioo for eff. Da Wis q nd Gov.
n


Their Intereession for Jeff. Da Wis aad Gov.
Magrath-The Presidents Reply.
A South Carolins deiegatiou, consisting OF
Judge Wardiaw, Alfred Huger and Cot. Daw-
by appointment with the President The del
eHatiun, upon entering the Executive apart
ments, presented memorials In behalf OF JEFF
ferson DAVIS, A. h. Stephens, Geo. A. Tren-
holm and Gov. McGraik. They said they had
understood, by the kind interference or the
President Messrs. Stephens and Trenholrn had
already been released from close confinement
and permitted 20 retnrn 20 their homes. They
would ask for Gov. Mctirath, either pardon,
or that he might be released on his parole. The
President replied that all could not be par
doned at once. The business must be pro-
ceeded with gradually, and an effort made TO
execute the law. A discrimination was neces-
sary as we go along. ltwas too common sx
preston by way OF argument for ciemency that
such q one had been pardoned and he was lust
as bad as another who had not Sometimes the
peculiar locality had much 10 do with pardons
cannot have fixed rule. Much depends on
discretion and circumstances. II we know
ourselves, we want 10 do what is best and lust,
and TO show proper degree OF humanity on
the part Of the Government. Judge wardlavy
remarked that they had not come hither 10 ex-
press their own hopes and desires, but as dele
gates from the South Carolina Con yention, 10
present the memorials OF that body in a formal
manner They thanked the President for par
doning MIR. Trenholm, who was one Of their
most useful men, and there was no doubt that
he would exert all his power with view 10
entire harmony between the State and the Gov
eminent
The President replied he understood that
was so. and adding, IL treason has been COM
mitted there ought 10 be some test TO determine
the power of the Government to punish the
crime. He was free TO say that il was not a
mere contest between political parties, a
question as to de tdctO governments Looking
at the Government as we do, the laws yIo-
lated, and an attempt made at the life of the
nation, there should he a yindication of the
Government and the Constitution, even IL the
pardonlng power were exercised thereafter.
II treason has been committed, il ought 10 be
determined by the highest tribunal, and the
fact declared. even if clemency should come
afterward. There was no malice OF prejudice
in wishing 10 carry out that duty.
Judge Wardlaw said, although not instruct
ed by the Convention, he was induced 10 ask
whether Mrs. Jefferson Davis, who was now
confined to Georgia, could not cross into South
Carolina TO see her friends.
The President replied he had received letters
from Mrs. Davis, but they were not very COM
mendable. The tone of one Of them, however,
was considerably improved; but the others
were not OF character becoming one asking
leniency. He supposed she was a woman Of
strong feeling and temper, but there was no IN
tention TO persecute her. There is as much
magnanimity and independence and nobleness
when favor is TO be obtained as I'm trying 20 put
II at defiance. True magnanimity takes things
as they are, and when taken in a proper way,
/ disconnect them from humiliation. Manifes-
tatlons of temper and defiance do no good. The
OF an lndlNlQual may CharacterlZp
tie nation, which is nothing but aggregate
OF individuals and when a proper spirit is
manifested, all can act harmoniously. The
man who goes 10 the stake is almost dignified
by his bearing. 1t lifts him above humiliation
In these cases we will do the best we can.
While there was sympathy, there was public
judgment which must be met; but no DISPOSE
ton eyists for persecution or a thirst for blood.
The President thought many Of the evils
would disappear If they inaugurated the right
system. Pass laws protecting the colored men
N hanr and -
lect his debts. He knew how it was in the
South. The question, when first presented, OF
putting colored man on the witness stand,
made them shrug their shoulders. But the
colored mans testimony TO be taken for
what IL was worth by those who examine him,
and the jury who hear il. After all, there was
not SO much danger as was supposed Those
coming out Of slavery cannot do without
work. They cannot lie down in dissipation.
They must work. They ought TO understand
that liberty means simply the right TO work
and TO enjoy the products Of labor, and that the
laws will protect them. That being done, and
when we come to the period 10 feel that men
must work or starve, the country will be pre-
pared 10 receive a system applicable 20 both
white and black-prepared 10 receive a system
necessary to the case. A short time back YOU
could not enforce the yagrant law on 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 principles, and
the details and collaterals will follow
Judge Wardlaw, Col. Dawkins, and Mr. HUI
ton that the State had accepted In good faith
the result of the issue which had been made;
that the people felt that the President had stood
between them and harsh use of the power of
the Government; that they felt entire conf
dence in his purposes and actions, and hoped
IN return TO enttle themselves 10 has clemency
as TO their feelings and actions.
The Pre- lent replied he was glad 10 hear IL;
that whenever such mutual confidence existed
there would. he thought, be an open road TO the
restoration of good feeling, and prosperous
condition, and if he knew himself and he
thought he dId, he would recommend nothing
but what would advance their interests. So far
from pandering or looking for future elevation,
he must be believed when he said he had no
eye single TO such preferment. 'sIf," he con-
unued, 81 could be instrumental in restoring
the Government TO Its former relations. and
see the people once more united and happy,
should feel that L had more than filled the
measure of my ambition. IL could feel that
had contributed TO this in any degree, nv heart
would be more than gratified, and my ambition
FULL
The delegation, after again calling attention
TO the memorial, withdrew.