Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1865-10-25

III -z46! s85 5!lI055I -9g0f -y25I ,SIgI 1i55
Interview OF the South Carolina Dele
CATION with;the President
= WASHINGTON, October 13.GJudse Ward
law, Alfred Huger and Cp|.. DaMkins, sf South
Carolina, this afternoon had an interview by
appointment with President Johnson. They
cre;accompanied BY W. II. Trescot, who is
here on business as executive agent Of that
State. The President, afocr the, customary
prelininar;es of reception, invited them to, be
seated, when at once the conversation COM
menced' by Judge Warllaw informing him
that they were delegation from the State
Convention of South Cayolina, sent hither to
present certain memorials Of tina. body. These
memorials had been very carefully considered
in the Convention, and he believed they told
exactly the truth. The President inquired
the object of the memorials. Judge Ward.
law f.iormed him, that one of them was in
behalf Of Jefferson Davis, Alexander q.
Stephens, George A. Trenholm, aud Governor
Magrath. He said they had understood that
by the late interference of the President
Messrs. Stephens and Trenholm already
been released from close confncmr ,and per-
mitted to return to their homes. &C would ask
for Governor Magrath either pardon or that
he might be released on his parole. They
could assure the President no EARN would
result from such sn act of clemency.
The President replied that all could not be
pardoncd at once The business must Be
proceeded with gradually, and an effort made
to- execute the law. A discrimination was
necessary as we went along. It vas too
common expression, by way OF argument, in
regard 10 clemency, that such q one had
been pardoned, and that lie vas Just as bad
as another who had not been pardoned.
Judge Wardlaw replied that the delegation
presented no such argument as that.
The President said sometimes the peculiar
locality had much to do with pardons. Like
many other things in>human sffars, we can
not have a fixed rule. Much depends on dis.
crction and circumstances. If we know our
selves, we want to, do what is best and just,
and to show proper degree Of humanity on
the part of the Government. -
Judge NTardlaw remarked that they had
not come hither to express their own hopes
and desires, but as delegates from tho South
Carolina Convention, to present the memorials
Of that body in formal manner.
~rhe Prcsilcnt-We viii, gentlemen, extend
all the facilities and courtesies which the
questions require. We would prefer 10 par
don twenty men than to re(nse one. - :
Judge Wardlaw replied that they did not
design to say anything with reference to
Governor Magrath further than that they be-
lieyed much good would result by the exer.
else of the Executive clemency toward him.
Col. Dawkins said-If ives can get Gov.
Nlagrath .parolcd, itwould be aigreat relief
to him ut the present time. (. .s-> =;
Judge Wardlaw thanked the President for
having released Stephens and Trenholm.
The ;ePresideht-We have that far, then;
anticipated your memorial, -. .sG :.
Mr.. Huser said that Mr. Trenholm was one
of their most useful men, and there was no
doubt he would exert all his power with a
view to entire harmony between tie State
and Government -
The President replied that .he understood
that so adding, if treason was committed
there ought to be some test 10 determine the.
power Of he government to punish crime.
lie. was free to'eay that it was not II mere.
contest between political parties ora Question
as to.1e tecto governments. Looking at the
Government as We do, the laws violated and
an attempt made at tie life of the nation,
there should &c vihdication Of thovGoTern-
ment and the Constitution, even if the par-.
doning power were exercised thereafter If
treason has been committed it ought 10 be
determined by the 'lishest;'t ibdnhl and the,
fact declared, even il clenehty should conc,
atlerward., There WAS noinalice.or prejudice
iii carrying ous that duty.
Judge Wardinw remarked they swerc well
aware of that. 80 >. ~. = ,s.fs.,-. ...:, -
The President, resumirg: said. there may
be some ynkind feeling on this subject, but it
did not exist to any great extent; - :
Judge Wardlaw ,s.id, although lIotS in.
structed by the Convention, he was induced
to ask whether Mrs Jefferson Davis, who was
now confined in Georgia, could not cross into.
South Carolina to sec her friends. :.
p The President replied that he hadreeeived
letters from Mrs. Davis, but they were not
very commcndable. The tone ofoneo OF them,
however, was considerably improved, but The
Others we're not Of the character becoming
one asking leniency. So ~ -. =.
J Judge WarGlaw ,interposcd.by saying that
she was woman of strong feeling. 5..,
The ;Prcsidcnt--Yes;.I suppose slc:is q
woman Of strong feeling and temper; i but
there is no intention 20 prosecute her. There
is as much maghanimity and independence
and nobleucss of spirit.in submitting as IN
trying. to put the Government at defiance.
True magnanimity takes things as they are
and #hen,taken in tue proper nAy discon-
meet them from. humiliation. Manifestations
Of temper and defiance DO no good.
Mr.. Huger remarked they all had a dccp]
Of tie truth Of all the Presif.
dent said. 49, '.lo4ssi Il
The President, reEuming, observed that the
oAnr Of on ;,,diuid ~ NAV. chm a.aa