The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1865-10-26
Interview Of the South Carolina
Delegation with the President.

law, Alfred Huger and Col. Dawkins, Of
South Carolina, this afternoon had an in
tcrvicw by appointment with President
Johnson. They were accompanied by
W. II. Trescot.g who is here on business as
executive agent of that State. Tho Pro;
sident, after the customary prelinNnarics
Of reception, invited them to bo seated
when atoncc the conversation commenced
by Judge Wardlaw informing him that
they were delegation-from tie State
Convention of South Carolina, sent hither
to present certain memorials of that body.
These memorials had been very carefully
considered in tho Convention, and he be-
licvcd they told exactly tho truth The
President inquired the object of the me-
morials Judge Wardlaw informed him
that one of them was in behalf of Jcffer-
son Davis; Alexander Fl, Stevens, George
A. Trcnholm5 and Governor Magrath. Hc
said they had understood that by the late
interference of the President Mcssrs. Ste
phens and Trenholm had already been
released frolr close confinement, and per-
.mittcd to !rcturn to their homes. Flo
would ash for Governor Magrath either :.
pardon or that he might be released on
Ais parole. They would assure the Prcsi;
dent no harm would result from such an
act of clcmency.
Tho President replied that all could not
be pardoncd at once. The business must
bo proceeded with gradually, and an ci-
fort made to execute the law. A discrim-
ination was necessary as we went along.
1t was too common expression. bS way
of argumentin regard to-clcmcncy, that
such q. onenad beer pardoned, and that
he was just as Lad as another, who had
not been pardoncd.
Judge Wa1'dlaw replied that tho dele
CATION presented no such argument as
that.
The Presidcntsaid sometimes the pccu-
liar locality had muchto DO with pardons.
Like n:.lny other things in human affairs,
VIC cannot have fixed rule. Much de-
pends on discretion and circumstances.
IF we know ourselves, we want 10 do what
- best and just, and to show proper de-
gree efhumanity on tho part vi the Gov
cramcnt.
Judge Wardlaw remarked that they
bad not come hither to express their own
hopes and desires, but as delegates from
the Sout.. Carolina Convention, to present
the memorials of that body in u formal
manner.
The Prcsidcnt-Wo will, gentlemen,
extend. all the facilities and courtcsics
which the Questions require. We would:
prefer to pard... twcnty men than to re-
fuse one. -.
Judge Wardlaw replied that they did
not design to sayany thing with reference
to Governor Magrath further than That
they believed much good would result by
the exercise of the Executive clemeDcy
toward him.
Col. Dawkins said-If we can get COY
Magrath parolcd, it would be great re-
lief to him at the present time.
Judge Wardaw thanked the President
for having released Messrs. Stephens and
Trenholm.
The President We have that far, then,
anticipatcd.you memorial.
Mr. Hugcr said that Mr.. Trenholm was
one of their most Useful men, and there
was no doubt he would exert all his power
with view to entire harmony between
the State and Government.
The President replied that l,o under
stood that was so; adding, If treason was
committed there ought to be some test to
determine the powcrof the government
to punish the crime Hc. was free to say
that it. was not Il. mere contest between
political parties or question as to de-
jacto governments. Looking at the Gov
ernmont as VIC do, the laws violated and
an attempt made at the life Of the nation,
there should be a.vindication of the Gov
ernm'ent snd the Constitution, even if the
pardoning power we're exercised there
after. If treason had been committed it
ought 10 be determined by the highest
tribunal and the fact declared, even if
clemcncy should come aftcr&aret. There
was no malice or prejudice in carrying
out that duty.
Judge Wardlaw remarked they were
we'll aware of that.