Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1867-11-08
THE WILMINGTON JOURNAL
trial of Er-Presiient Davis.

AS the time rapidly approaches when
has been fixed for the trial of ex-Presldent
DAVIS, the subject naturally excltes much
attention. Although Chief Justice CHASE
hos declared his intention to be present at
tbe trial. if the distinguished prisoner IN
terposes no objection to the trial beginning
early in the term, the limitation which he
has placed upon his stay renders 1t abso-
Iutelv impossible for him to remain longer
than during the initiatory days, and the
important duties of Justice Underwood, rs
q member of the Constitutional Convention
of Virginia, may even interfere with his
presiding through the trial, and we should
not be surprised to see that the case is
again postponed. In fact, we begin to
think that the Government does not intend
to Try him, and yet fears to acknowledge it
by dismissing the case.
The New York Times, i'll remarkable
article upon the subject, says: GAS the
time draws near it is impossible not to feel
some uneasiness as to the results and
effect of that proceeding" His acquital,
argues this paper, would stand in the light
of justification of secession, and yet if
tried he may be acquitted. "Unless the
trial becomes itself q greater crime
than the alleged otfence-unless what
pretends to be a solemn appeal to
absolute and supreme abstract justice,
is turned into a paltry and contemplate
trick, we are bound to admit that this
man may go forth from the bar relieved
from all stain of guilt, carrying the sane
ton of the Judicial Tribunals of the nation
for the whole tremendous transaction of
which he was the recognized and respon-
sible head" It further deplores the fact
that the case must be tried-fears the
trial Will detract from the decision already
made in the conflict of arms-regards the
question, over which four years of war
had been waged, for which two million
men had been under arms and half mil
lion have laid down their lives, and which
has had such great influence upon the po-
litical, industrial and social institutions of
the country as too momentous to be sub
mitted to the solemn judgment of twelve
men to be drawn without distinction of
color, who may be presided over by Judge
Underwood fact would be q proceed
ing too broadly farcical to be regarded with
entire complacency. The Times says:
''The forthcoming trial is worry likely to do us
damage and dscredit. We see no way IN which it
can possibly do us good. If Davis should be
vlcted, he will not be punished; believe
for a moment that he will be either executed or
imprisoned. HIS conviction would not deepen the
impression of the rebellion on the public mind in
the least degree; indeed, the fact that its guilt is
allowed to be soemnly called in question will in
faliby weaken the public sense OF its enOrmity,
and cause it to be regarded as a subject which
opinions may justly differ. II he should be
Quilted, he may be, the consequences espe-
cially on public sentiment III the Southern States,
would be still more injurious. And considering
the character and c&libre of the presiding District
Judge, the mode of constituting the jury and the
prevailing temper OF the parties who have control
of the whole proceeding there is reason to fear
that steps may be taken to procure conviction
which Will reflect more lasting disgrace and infiict
deeper injury whole political system than
even acquital would involve.
1.-The matter has become so complicated by the
long delays and irresolute action already had that
its solution is s matter OF small difficulty.
But we believe the country would feel relieved if
the whole proceeding could be dismissed The
rebellion has been tried and condemned; and there
IS neither necessity for trial nor possibility
OF any Greater punishment than it has already re-
ceived.'