Daily State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1865-05-19
what shall be Done with Jeff Davis

JErF DAVIS is prisoner. He is at the mercy
of the federal authorities. but the question natu
rally arises, what shall be done with him7 The
New York Tribune in commenting upon his dis
position. remarks:
"A We are officially assured that he is proved
to be inculpated in the plot which eliminated ID
the murder OF President Lincoln, we trust he is
to be indicted arraigned and tried for that horrd
crime against our country and every part of IT,
We hope he may have a fair, open. searching
trial, like any other malefactor. and if convicted
uus, he will be treated just like any other
We have no faith in killing men in cold blood. oi
in hcs blood either. unless when (as in battle
they obstinately refuse to get out of the way; bu
neither expect nor desire that the execution
or non execution of the laws shall depend on the
= accordance or disagreement with our convictions
Of sound policy. But let all things be done de
Gently and in order.
This expression comes from high republican
source and is entitled to consideration. IfJErF
DAVIS is guilty of completely in the ASSASSINATION
Of President LINCOLN, of aiding or advising il in
any way, let the fact be established beyond any
reasonable doubt. This is due to our
national dignity and just regard for the opinion
Of the world But unless there 10 clear evidence
that he was a party in that infamous plot he
should be arragned for the high crime which the
country holds him responsible
An officer of high rank, who was for long
time confined in a rebel prison. uncomprom-
isng republican in party politics. expressed to US
the hope that the rebel chieftan would be put
upon trial for in a civil court. with every
reasonable facility granted to him to meet the
accusation. He suggested that he should be
tried in the United States circuit court. Chief
Justice CHAsx presiding. which certainly would
be a guarantee that justice would be impartislly
administered and bv tribunal to which the
most ultra republican partisan could not object
The Tribune expresses its conviction of the pro-
priety Of such a course. Ii says: Z" We hope be
may have a fair, open searching trial, like any
other malefactor and. if convicted. we trust he
will be treated just ike any other" trial of
this character would furnish the best
history of the rebellion. so far as
the crminslity connected with it is concerned
and it would be before judicial tribunal which
would command universal confidence and respect
10 would also bring under review the culpsbility
OF all charged with giving aid and comfort to the
enemies of the government during the rebellion.
aud make clear the crime Of treason as a warn
ing in all future time. So far mere punish
ment is concerned. it is matter of but little con-
Germ to JEFFERSON DAVIS upon what accusation,
or by what tribunal he is tried. but it does make
vast difference when the moral effect is con
sdered. AZ Nh LINCOLN once remarked we
are making history and decent regard for the
opinion of mankind should influence us to make
the record right This cannot be done il the
spirit OF Vndictiveness takes the place Of justice
These suggestions are not ours: they come
from republican sources, and they are worthy of
serious consideration We claim no credit 10,
presenting them. The rebellion il ended and
the national authority over the insurcep, states
is fully established. The object. of the war in
those regards are accomplished. But the task Is
finished. We have now to provide against a
repetition of the terrible conflict OF the past four
year by restoring the union upon enduring
basis of equality. fraternity and justice. aud this
10 work which requires the exercise Of the
vissst craftsmanship.