Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1866-11-08
THE WILMINGTON JOURNAL.
WILMINGTON, n. c.,
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8. 1866.
The Trial of E1-President Davis.


AS the time for the regular term of the
United States Circuit Court. at Norfolk ap-
proaches, the question of the trial of ex-
President Davis is again on the lips and in
the hearts of all. From present appearan-
ces, the term will come and go without a
hearing or an attempt to bring on the trial
of the eminent prisoner at Fortress Mon
roe The authorities, who have in charge
this case, having time and again delayed
the trial upon such paltry and silly excuses,
properly subjecting them to the condem-
nation of mankind, that now 1t Is deemed
unnecessary to give any reason wnateVer.-
The cruel imprisonment, wearing away,
slowly but surely, the life of the patient
sufferer, as much from mental as physical
prostration.
In the meantime, even Radical papers at
the North are railing against this solemn TIL
fling as unworthy great government, and
the entire South, by respectful petition,
by earnest protest and by solemn prayer.
have endeavored to bring the case of ex-
President Davis to the consideration of the
Executive and Judicial officers of the Gov
eminent. 1t seems that the President is
either powerless or afraid to interfere, and
the States Rights record of the Chief JUS
tice stands like hooking spectre between
him and the trial.
In speaking of this trial, the Augusta
Constituencies closes we'll considered ar
ticle with the following remarks directed
to the President
eve once heard an anecdote of the President,
which may go far to inspire him IL this matter
All remember what cruel indignlty was perpe,
trated upon him just pUor to the breaking out OF
hostiities. Any ordinary man or man OF Deasuy
instincts, such as Butler, would have cherished all
undving principle of vengeance against the author
of so gross personal insult. He was, at mat
time plain Andrew Johnson, Senator nom len
nessee. When he, by strange destinies, became
the dispenser of pardon and almost supreme ar
bitter Of fate for millions. he was approached by
prominent gentleman from North Caronna, seek
ing Executive clemency. After some pleasant
chit-chst, the President suddenly exclaimed u
pray tell me what has become of --P The
name mentioned was that of his old assailant a
Lynchburg The North Carolinian replied tina
he did not know, bnt supposed that he would d.
the last man on earth to come near Andrew john
son. The President reioined L wis., he wouio
come here for a d ,rdon' What would YOU do.
then, Mr.. PRESIDENT What would l dog said
the President, Why pardon him on the spot, Sir,
to prove my magnanlmIty!
You have a better chance, Mr. President, 10
prove magnanimity. The small game has escaped
you, but nobier game remains If ever the e Was
q time for striking decisive blow tor mercy-it II
the present. 1t is not given unto many men to
achieve such glorious deeds as are now ready for
your hand Very soon, perhaps, the opportunity
will be gone and then will remain ONLY another
illustrious example of the loss that comes OF
hesitation You have, respected sir, a pursuance
equal to that of the Russian 7ar. Since 1t
has become fashionable to form perilous ALLAN
COS with the MuscOvte, be generous as
that autocrst prince. The most dramatic scene
in the history of these latter days was the
adhesion of the great SCHANITL., the Circas
Like Jefferson Davis, his resistance was equally
stubborn, his right of resistance equally substan
tial, his overthrow quite disastrous, his per
sonal liberty not less impetuously menaced. But,
in his case, the Gossack has taught the Republi-
can and Anglo-Saxon lesson. No manaces ever
defled the limbs of the warrior prince Of the eau
casus and no foul dungeon destroyed his vital
forces. Still rehelliOus but paroled prisoner, he
was treated with kindness and distinction worthy
of his blood and cause. Finally, the magnanimity |
Of his conQueror worked more miracles than the
majesty of arms. Constant benefcence crumbled |
forever the outworks of pride which kept the gran
lite heart of Schamyl obdurate. He publicly profess
ed that he had been overthrow for the first time
in a stronghold which he held in spite of captivity
the invncibility Of his spirit. So he yielded to
generosity what force could never subdue. A |
prouder than Schamyl, greater than the fierce
Mohammedan Is before you, Mr.. President. Shall
it be said that the standardization of Russia is
more glorious than that Of enlightened America |
bear the palm of nobility from a Republican Pre- |
sident.n