Daily Davenport Democrat. [volume] (Davenport, Iowa) 1864-1874, 1865-07-10
WASHINGTON. July 0,

President johnson was waited upon yes
terday by Messrs. James. A. Jones, L. \.
Lancaster, VIM. II. Hasall and J. A. Appcr-
son, representatives Of merchants and others
of Virginia, who wished him tn amend the
Amnesty Proclamation by striking out the
18th exception, the 10000 clause. They
represented that this feature interfercd with
the developments Of industry, by binding up
capital and in this way oppressed the poor,
and that when they entleavored to borrow
money in the Northern or Middle States
they were at once met by the objection that
perhaps they had 90, OOO, and il they had
the accommodation could not lie extended,
so they were unable to give work to the
men who called upon them, &c.
The President reminded them that the
Amnesty Proclamation did not cause this
distrust It was the commission Of treason
and the violation Of law that did it. The
Amnesty Proclamation left these men just
where they were before. Il did not odd any
disability u them. II they had committed
treason they were amenablc to the c0nfisca-
lion law which Congress had passed. and
which be, rs President, could not alter nor
amend In the Amnesty Proclamation he
had offered pardon to some PERSONS but that
did not injure any other persons Would
they like to have the Amnesty Proclamation
removed altogether, Would they feel any
easier in that case?
One OF the deputation-No but it would
assist US very much If OuwOuld extend the
benefits Of the proclamationtop persons worth
The President replied, that in making ex-
ceptions he had acted on the natural suppo.
sitiOn that men had aided the rebellion &C.
cOrlling to the extent of their pecuniary
means. Did they not know this?
One of the delegation-No; did not
know II.
Presidcnt.-Why yes, you do; you know
perfectly well that it was the wealthy men
of the South who dragged the people into
secession. lived in the South, and know
how things was done. am free to say to
you, that think some of you ought to be
taxed on all over $4,000 to help The poor
When was Military Governor Of Tennes-
see, assessed such tax on those who had
been wealthy leaders of the rebellion, and it
had good effect.
One Of the Dcputation-1t so happens
that none Of us were leaders. We staid out
as long as we could, and were among the
hast to go in. .se
President. -Frequehtly those who went
in ; but be that MS il may, understand me,
gentlemen, don't say this personally i
am just speaking Of the general working of
the matter. know there has been an ef-
fort among some to persuade people that
the Amnesty Proclamation was injuring them
by shutting up capital, and keeping work
from the poor. II does no such thing. II
that is done at all, il il done in consc-
quencc Of the violation of law and the
commission of treason.
The President concluded by saying that
he would look at the papers they presented,
Tut SO far had seen no reason for removing
the 18th exception.
Now that the conspiracy trial is over and
the sentences of the Military Commission
are executed, there will soon be some def
mite action concerning the trial of JEFF Da-
Wis. If it should be determined to try him
for treason. the proceedings will take place
before a civil tribunal. From present indi
cations it is more probable he will be tried
by Military Commission, as leader or ihsti-
gator of the conspiracy; for it is said in
government quarters that there are newly
discovered proofs against him in that con-
ncCtiOn.