The tri-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1866-1868, 1867-05-18
Scene and Incidents at Richmond nd.
Bailing Of jefferson Dauis-Press Banquet
Trial Of Mr.. Hayoard, Of Mass.
OPENING OF THE COURT.

OPENING OF THE COURT.
When Mr.. Davis entered the Court it was
within few seconds of III o'clock, and he
found there crowd of between three and
four hundred people, white and colored, of
both sexes. The prisoner was seated within
the box on the lett-hand side of the Judge,
with Gen. Burton on his right and Deputy
Marshal Duncan on his left. At about the
same time Judge Underwood entered. The
Court-R Room then presented curious scene.
To the right of the Judge sat the Grand
Jury, composed of both whites and blacks,
AMI containing such prominent citizens as
John Minor Bolts and Joseph Segar. Inn
mediately in front was the table Tor the
counsel and distinguished persons, and
around it sat such men as Charles O'Conor,
William B. Reed, George Shea, William NJ.
Evarts, District Attorney Chandler, and his
assistant, J. T. Hennessey, Governor Pier
pont, Horace Greeley, Augustus Schell, James
Lyons, distinguished lawyer of Virginia,
Judge Ould, and others. On the left were
members of the press and citizens generally.
Many of the latter were, distinguished gen
tlemen. Generals Fitshugh Lee and Imboden
of cavalry fame, Judge Meredith Harry
Gilmor, and Others were scattered among
the audience, and attracted attention When
Mr. Davis was brought in of course all eyes
were turned toward him, but he paid not
the slightest attention He was dressed IN
a plain white and black plaid suit. with
sack coat wore green kid gloves, and carried
a cane.
BAIL DEMANDED-wHAT JUDGE UNDERWOOD
SAID.
The court said The question is whether
the offence is bailable. 1t is Il little remark
IL -, L.
the Congress of the United States changed
the punishment of an offence with death to
fine and imprisonment but under these cir
cufnstances it was very honorable to the
Government of the United States, and eX-
hiBited its clemency and moderation. This |
is 2 fact which relieves the present case of
every doubt as to its being bailable, and it |
is also in my judgement eminently proper
that the motion should be treated with favor |
as the defendant has been ready for year
to submit his case to the courts of the coun- |
try.
It is true the prisoner has not until this
day been in the custody of this court.
think, however, that no persons acquainted !
with the circumstances of the country would |
not suppose the fact reflected on the justice of |
the Government. Considering the natural !
effect of great war; which lashel all the Gle |
ments of society into fury, it was not to be |
expected the passions and prejudices aroused |
would be subdued in Il moment; and it is a
consequence OF the prevalence of this dis
turbance and tumults which have been
abroad in the community that the Govern
mcnt has felt it could not safely proceed with
this case. After consultation with the highest |
judicial officer, it was thought best to omit
the trial last fall. But fortunately we have
81 hi .++ 4;
We may now hope for restored confidence,
and that we may not again be disturbed by
violence and commotion. l think there are
reasonable assurances in the indications
around us that we are about to enter on a
peace more permanent than ever existed be-
tore. l ought, perhaps, to state the fact that
this court expects to be in session oil this
week, and l liave received letter from
Chief Justice Chase intimating his intention
to come to this city if any important causes
are likely to be tried. I ought perhaps also
to say IN justice to the district attorney that
he expected to dispose of this case during
the present term. / believe he was fully
prepared for the final disposition Off at this
time, but have no doubt that grave consid-
eFltlOns have induced the Government to
take different course. So it seems the re-
sponsibIlty OF the trial is with the Govern
ment, and not with the court or district at
torney, and no doubt for good and proper
reasons The Government cannot complain.
since the delay was its own. 1 am glad
that the counsel have agreed on the amount
of bail. 1t meets with the appreciation of
the court, which will not confine the sureties
to the District of Virginia. 1t would no
doubt be satisfactory if about half of the
sureties be confined to the State of Virginia.
There is no objection to having the remain
der Of the bail from other portions of the
United States. [ would inquire of the coun-
sci for the prisoner whether his sureties are
present to enter into recognizancc to-day.
Dir. O'Conor. They are all prepared.
MIR. Davis, during these proceedings, ex-
hibited much cheertulness, especially as
many persons in the crowd extended their
hands to congratulate him ON the prospect
of his speedy release.
HORACE GREEDY AND JOHN NJ Bolts.
Mr.. Greedy went up to the Clerks desk
and signed the bond, after which Mr.. Davis
him, and they conversed several
minutes with each other for the first time in
their lives AS the other gentlemen named
as bondsmen came up they also talked with
MIR. Davis. Among those whom he seemed
glad to see was John Minor Bolts. the men,
ton OF whose name a few minutes before
was greeted with few smothered hisses,-
After eighteen of the bondsmen had SIGNED
their names, Mr.. OConor announced that
two more would come by boat, and that he
would hold himself personally responsible for
them. With this understanding, Mr. Chan
der announced himself satisfied, and judge
Underwood dismissed the prisoner.
ovATIoNs TO THE Ex-PREsIDENr.
As soon as Judge Underwood announced
that the prisoner was discharged Davis left
me courtroom and proceeded to his carriage.
As ne emerged from the building the air was
rent with cheers upon cheers, and the rebels
stood with uncovered heads The United
states troops who were on guard along the
square looked ineffably mean 1 am sure
hey felt ashared of themselves or of the
Government they represent. Davis was driv.
IN rapidly to his hotel. The crowd followed
lis carriage, cheering wildly all the time
As he neared the Spottswood Hotel, Mrs.
Davis and other ladies in her room waved
heir handkerchiefs from the windows