Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1865-10-20

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6 i67s 'Gl3 37s 1876 2ll ll5 1927 Il II
Interview with President JOhnsOn--Peti.
ton for Mr.. Davis.
On Friday last, Judge Waralaw, Freder-
ick lIugcr and Colonel Dawkins, Of South
Carolina, had an interview, by appointment,
with President johnson. They were accom-
panied by w. III. Prescott, who is in Wash
ington Oh business as executive agent of that
State.
The President, after the customary pre-
liminaries of reception. invited them to be
seated. when at once the conversation COM
menced by Judge Wardlaw informing him
that they were a delegation from the State
Convention of South Carolina, sent to present
certain memorials of that body These me-
MORALS had been very carefully considered
in the Convention, and he believed they told
exactly the truth The President nquircd
the object of the memorials
Judge Wardlaw informed him that one of
them was in behalf Of Jeff. Davis, A. II.
Stephens, George A. Trenholm and Cover
nor Magrath. lie said they had understood
that. by the kind interference of the Presi-
dent, Messrs. Stephens and Trenholm had
already been released from confinement and
permitted ''to return to their homes" lie
would ask for Governor Magrath either
pardon or that he might be released on his
parole. They could assure the President
that no harm would result from such clemen-
cy.
The President replied that all could not
be pardoncd at once The business must be
proceeded with gradually, and an cffcrt made
to execute the law. 4 discrimination was
necessary as We 90 along. 1t was a too COM
mon oppression by many, of argument for
clemcncy, that such a one had been par
doned. and that he was Just as bad as another
who had not. Judge Wardlaw replied that
the delegation presented no such argument
as that. The President said sometimes the
peculiar locality had much to do with par
dons. Like many other thin; . in human af-
, fairs, we cannot have u fixed rule. Much
depends on discretion and circumstances. -
Ii we know ourselves, we want to do what
is best anu just, and to show aproper degree
of humanity on the part Of the Government.
) Judge War(llaw remarked that they had
not come hither to express their own hopes
and desires, but as delegates from South
Carolina Convention, to present the nremori-
: ais of that body in formal manner
? The President 1--WE will, gentlemen, ex-
tend the facilities and civilities which the
questions rcquire-hc would prefer to pardon
twenty men than refuse one"
Judge Wardlaw replied chat they did not
design to say anything with reference to
J Governor Magrath further than that they be-
lieved much good would result ny the exer-
else of the Executive clemcncy toward him.
Colonel Dawkins said: If we can get Gov
ernor Magrath pardoncd it would be great
relief to him at the present time.
Judge Wardlaw thanked the President
for having released Messrs. Stephens and
Trenholm.
The President said we have that far, then,
anticipated your memorial. Mr.. Huger said
Mr. Trenholm was one Of the most useful
men, and there was no doubt he would cx-
: ert all his power with view to entire har-
mony between the State and the Government
The President replied that he understood
that was so, adding: If treason has been
; committed, there ought to be some test to
/, determine the power of the Government to
punish the crime. lie was free to say that
it was not mere contest between political
parties or question as to de tttcto govern
mcnts.
9 Looking at the Government as we do, and
: the laws violated III an attempt at the over
: throw of the nation, there should be vind-
cation of the Government and Constitution
even if the pardoning power were exercised
thereafter If treason has been committed it
: ought to be determined by the highest tribu-
: nal and the fact declared, even if clemency
;, should come afterwards There was no NAL
: ice Or prejudice in wishing to carry out that
duty. Judge Wardlaw remarked that they
were well aware Of that.
The President, rcsuming, said There
S may be some unkind feeling Oh this subject,
e but it did not exist to any great degree
Judge Wardlaw said: Although not instruct
ed by the Convention, he was induced to ask
whether Mrs Jefferson Davis, who was now
= confined to Georgia, could not cross into
4 South Carolina to sec her friends. The Presi-
: dent replied that he had received letters from
Mrs. Davis, but they were not very COM
mcnda'!c The tone of one of them. how
ever, was considerably improved, but the
others we're not Of character becoming one
asking lcnicncy. Judge Wardlaw intcrposcd
by saying that she was a woman OF strong
: feeling
The President said Yes, suppose she
is a woman of strong feeling and temper
but there is no intention to prosecute her
, There is as much magnaninlity and noble
. ness Of spirit in submitting as in trying to
put the Government at defiance.
MIR. Iluger remarked that they had deep
' consciousness of the truth Of all the Prcsi-
dent said.
e The President, resumng, observed that
2 the character of an individual may charac-
e terizc nation, which is nothing but an ag-
gregate of individuals. and when a proper
$ spirit is manifested, all can act harmonious
| ly The man who goes to the stake is al
| most dignifed by his bearing, It lifts him
g above humiliation. In these cases, gentle
: men, we will do the best we can. While
thee was sympathy, there was public judg-
mcnt which must be met; but assure you.
gentlemen, no disposition exists for pcrsccu-
: ton or a thirst for blood.
Judge Wardlaw remarked that the tone
: of the newspapers was more favorable and
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