The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1865-10-19

nao not come hlther to express their
own hopes and desires, but as dele
gates 4rom the South ' Carolina Con
ventlon, to present the memorials of
that body in q formal manner.
The President--We will. gentle
men, extend the facilities and civil
ties which the questions require. We
would prefer to pardon twenty men
than refuse one. Judge Wardlaw
replied that they did not design to
say anything with reference to Co
vernon Magrath, further thar that
they believed much good would re-
suit by the exercise of the Executive
clemency toward him,
Colonel Dawkins said if we could
get Governor Megrath pardoned, it
would be a great relief to him at the
present time.
: Judge Wardlaw thanked the Presi
dent for having released Messrs. Ste
phens and Trenholm.
The President 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 exert all his
power with g view to entire harmony
between the State and the Govern
ment. 4
Tie President replied that he un-
derstood that was so, adding: If trea-
son has been committed, there ought
to be some test to determine the
power of the Government to punish
the crime. He was free to say that it
was not mere contest between poll
tical parties or question as to de
jfdcto Governments. Looking at the
Government as we do, and the laws
violated In al attempt at the over
throw of the nation, there should be
a vlndication of the Government and
the Constitution, even if the pardon
ing power were exercised thereafter
Ii treason has been committed. it
ought to be determined by the highest
tribunal and the fact declared, even if
clemency should come afterwards
There was no aaalice or prejudice in
wishing to carry out that duty. Judge
Wa1law remarked that they we're
well aware of that
The President, resuminc. said:
There may be some unkind feeling on
this subject, but it did not exist TO
any great extent.
Judge Wardlaw said: Although not
instructed by the Convention, he was
induced to ask whether Mrs. Jefferson
DAVIS, who VAS now confined to Geor-
ga, could not cross into South Caro-
lima to see her friends The President
replied that he had received letters
from Mrs. Davis, but they were not
very commendable. The tone of one
OF them, however, was considerably
improved, but the others were not of
the character becoming one asking
leniency.
Judge Wardlaw interpose1 by say
ing that she WAS woman of strong
feeling.
The President replied: eyes; Isup-
pose she is u woman of strong feeling
and temper, but there IS no intention
to persecutc her. There is aSmnch
maGnanimity and nobleness of spirit
IN Submitting as i'll trying to put the
Government at defiance. %
Mr.. Huger remarked that they had
a deep consciousness of the truth of
all the President said. The President,
resuming, observed that the character
OF al individual may characterize
nation which is nothing but an aegre-
gate of individuals, and when a pro-
per spirit is manifested, all can act
harmoniously. The man who goes to
the stake is almost dignifed by his
bearing. It lifts him above humilia-
ton. In these cases, gentlemen, we
Will do the best We can. While there
was sympathy, there was public
Judgment which must he met I
assure you, gentlemen, no disposition
exists for persecution or thirst for
blood.
Judge Wardlaw remarked that the
tone of the newspapers was more fa-
vorable, and different from what it
was. He then asked if the President