Delaware State journal and statesman., 1865-05-16
From the philndelphla p es.. !

IhE TRIAL Of 1nE CONSPlhAIOkS.
1t is deeply TO be regretted, while the nation
is deman ding thorough investigation Of the
most fearful crime Of history. and while Europe,
sympathising with our sorrow, Ie-echoes our
deteststion Of it's guilty authors, aud our desire
for their detection and punishment, that II
portion Of the loyal press OF the country should
violently denounos the Military Commission
which the Government has, for wise reasons
selected for the trial Of the subordinate confed-
crates Of the assassiDS
We arc living iu Ru area which should make
every honest heart resolve to-
"- put on manly readiness
And qussaoH this most bloody piece of irork
To know it farther. IHdseds ars seldom slotp.
Nor angle. Dread horrors still abound,
Our country Weeps-it blgeds aud each new
day
A cash is added to her wounds"
In the most ordinary criminal trials It is not
unusual, at the request of couusel, to adopt
measures to prevent witnesses from learning the
testimony OF their associates, and the ends Of
justice are often signally served by such pre-.
cautions Where the ramiGcations of crime
extend over a continent and where tho results
OF trial may affect tue destiny Of nation,
surely there is good reason for adopting the
only practicable mode OF ensuring the secrecy
that may prove Of incalcuable service. II must
be remembered too, that the investiga alton now
progressing at Washington will not merely
determine the guilt of the parties who are on
ac,usl trial, but that ii will lead to such dis
closures as will enable the whole world TO Judge
Of the validity Of the fearful indictment that has
been formally made against Davis aud his agents
10 Canada.
But ne do not wish to enumerate notifications
OF the course OF the Government Ii is only
fair to ask for 1t the confidence and support Of
the American people. The men who couuselled
and who are conducting this proceeding are of
the highest character. They have no ulterior
purposes TO serve, and no possible harm can
result from the course they have adopted. No
one need fear that single innocent man will
be condemned, or that one iota OF undeserved
punishment will be inflicted. II the general
belief that Paine attempted to assassinate
Secretary Seward, that Harold was the accessory
OF Booth, that AtEerOth was hired to assassinnte
President Johnson, that Mrs. Surratt was an
active assistant Of the villain who has already
been Overtaken by retribuve justice, is un-
founded, their innocence will be as readily es-
tablished before Military Commission as before
Criminal Court.
We hazard nothing in the prediction, however,
that the trial will not merely satisfy the country
Of the guilt Of the subordinate criminals, but
that il irW establish such record agains, ne
distant and poWtIfA mshgdtors Of Ms Jearjul
plot as eliJastgy lie mode Of procedure that has
been adopted
When the Chief Magistrate of the nation was
stricken down before the eyes Of thousands of
his iellow-citizens, and when q similar fate was
assigned to his successor a state OF public
danger was developed which warrants the au-
thorites in using the most diligent efforts TO
probe the hidden secrets Of the conspiracy. No
sentimental clamor should be heeded where the
world demands a full history of this gigantic
crime Those who confessedy have the best
information on this whole subject have chosen a
method OF conducting this investigation which
they have judged to be both right and expedi-
enti and when the nation learns tho whole story
Of the musder of Abraham Lincoln, they will
approve and applaud the measures taken 10
detect aud punish his assas.us.
The Trial of the Assassins.
WAsnlHaToS, May l2.-Eiye of the counsel se-
lecled by the consprators have appeared and
rendered their services Nothing OF yesterday Y \
proceedings has been permitted TO be made pub
llo. Mrs. Suratt yesterday, for the frat fine.
showed signs of conirlion, and completely abau-
doned the stolcal indifference she has maintained
heretofore.
The repertoire for the press wsre to-day again
unsuccessful in their application for adniss ou
to the military court now engaged ia the trial of
the assassination consplrators. II ia believed.
however, that some arrangement has been Off =
cially made for the publication Of such testimony
and proceedings pending the trial as may not
result In injury to the public aud tue ends of
justice. The court has corps of sworn report.
ers. Msssrs. F. A. AikeR aud John ". Clam.
pitt, Of this city, appear as counsel for Mrs.
surat aud Laughlin, aud it is more than pro-
bable that the Hon. Reverdy johnson will act aA
advisory counsel for Mrs Surait. Frederick
Stone, Of Maryland, and Thomas Ewing. Jr,.
appear as counsel for DR.. Samuel A. Mudd and
Harold. Il is not known whether the other
prisoners have yet procured counsel. The
prisoners are all humanely treated aud provided
with all necessary comforts, but are subject to
close custody.
The court-martial engaged in the trial of the
parties implicated 10 the assassination plot
agreed on Saturday that the proceedings should
be published. Gen. I, NJ. Harris objected to
Mt. ReVerdy johnson as counsel for Mrs, suratt.
as he had expressed disregard for the sapctity
OF ap oath. A sharp discussion ensued between
Mr.. johnson and Gen. Harris. The court was
then cleared, and Upon reopening, Gen Harris
withdrew his objections The examination Of
witnesses was then proceeded with. The evil
denoe showed that Booth had paid frequent Wis.
Its to Suratfs house, and had private interviews
with Suratt, and also with Mrs. Suratt. 1t was
also shown that DR.. Mudd had introduced Booth
to friend in January last, and then aecompa-
MED the party TO Booths roon Uhera nine a nj