Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1866-06-28


ed him through the conversation of some
soldiers in the guard-room, who sometimes
spoke to each other in loud tones what they
wished him to oyerhear 1t was probably
in no friendly spirit they bad given him
this news; but to him it was as welcome as
air to the drowning.
He then referred to the severity of his
treatment, surprising himself at present to
be merely held for trial, and not already
undergoing arbitrary punishment. AS this
conversation was a very important one, u
took full note of it almost Immediately on
quitting his cell, and it is now given in
very nearly ifnot precisely, his own words:
Humanity supposes every man inno-
cent" urged Mr. Davis, until the reverse
shall be proven: and the laws guarantee
certain .FS;yigeges to personsheld for triaf
e5neaaea e co.'s & E,58 a 5as ssa
ted BY laao-is revozting to the SPIRIT Of
justice. In the political history of the
world there's no parallel to my treatment.
England and the despotic governments of
Europe have beheaded men accused Of
treason but even after their conviction
no such efforts as in my case have been
made to degrade them. Apart, however,
from my personal treatment, let US See
how this matter stands.
eff the real purpose in the matter be to
test the question of secession by trying
certain persons connected Herewith for
treason, from what class or classes should
the persons so selected be drawn?
"From those who called the State Con-
ventions, Or from those who. in their re-
spective conventions, passed the ordinance
of secession ? Or, from the authors of the
doctrine of State rights? Or, from those
citizens who being absent from their States,
were unconnected with the event, but on
its occurrence returned to their homes to
share the fortunes of their States as a duty
of primal allegiance ? Or from those Of
ficers of the State, who being absent on
public service, were called home by the
ordinance, and returning, joined their fell
low-citizcns in State service, and followed
the course due to that relation ? .
ITO the last class belong, who ann the
object of greatest rigor. THIS can only
be explained on the supposition ttot hor-
ing been most honored, 1, therefore, e,rcate
most rerengetM feeliags-.tor ho'o else can
at be accounted for e. .s- s-
Il did not wish for war, but peace.
Therefore sent Commissioners to negotiate
before war commenced, and subsequently
strove my uttermost to soften the rlgors OF
war in every pause of conflict seeking,
if possible, to treat for peace Numbers
Of those already practically pardoned are
those who, at the beginning, urged that
the black flag should be hoisted, and the
struggle made one of desperation.
believing the States to be each sover-
eign, and their union voluntary, | had
learned from the Fathers Of the Constltu-
ton that State could change its form of
government, abolshing all which had pre-
viously existed and my only crime has
been obedience to this conscientious con-
viction. Was not this the universal doc
trine of the dominant Democratic party IN
the North previous to secession Did not
many of the opponents of that party, IN
the same section. share and avow that
faith They preached, and protested to
believe. We believed, and preached, and
practised. ... .....
eff this theory be now adjudged erron-
eous, the history of the States, from their
colonial organization to the present mo-
ment, should be rewritten, and the facts
suppressed which may mislead others IN
like manner to like conclusion.
y L Lo
to estt1le question Of SECESSION By q Judicial
decision, 'ohy begin1y expressing the chief
subject Of the experiment. ? Why, IN the
name Of fairness and decent respect for
the opinions of mankind, deprive him OF
the means needful to preparation of his
defence and load him with indignities
which must deprive his mind of its due
equilibrium ? 1t III conaports uith the Dig
nity Of great nation to eUince fear Of
giving to a single captire enemy all the od-
oantagcs possible for an opposition ef -.
SIDE Of the question:. A question: sett1ed 81
uio1ence, or IN disregard oft1'c nessst re-
main unsettled forerer.
Believing all good government to rest
on truth, it is the resulting belief that in
justice to any individual is public injury,
which can only find compensation in the
reaction which brings retributive justice,
upon the oprressors. It has been the con-
tinually growing danger of the North,
that in attempting to crush the liberties of
my people, you would raise Franken-
stein of tyranny that would not down at your
bidding. Sydney, and Russell, and Vane,
and Peters suffered !; but in their death
Liberty received blessings their lives might
never have conferred.
eff the doctrine of State Sovereignty
be a dangerous heresy, the genius of A
merica would indicate another remedy than
the sacrifice of one of its believers. Wick
life died, but Huss took up his teachings;
and when the dust of this martyr was
sprinkled on the Rhine, some essence of it
was infused intbe cup which Luther drank