The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1869-01-14
EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE.
WASHINGTON, January IL. 1860.

WASHINGTON, january IL, 1869.
II is understood here, upon undoubted
authority, that the habeus corpus cases in
Virginia were summarily checked by Judge
Chase, who informed Judge Underwood
that his proceedings were wrong, and if
continued he should be forced to go down
to Richmond and take his seat. He insist
ed that Underwood should hear the cases
in chambers, 80 that appeals could be
taken, and thus prevent the discharge Of
the convicts. The case of Jcter Phillips
will not be permitted TO take the course OF
that Of sally Anderson. 1t may possibly,
and probably will, get no further than it
has gone; but If ii takes a step onward,
the question of the power of the court
which convicted him to try him will be
taken up by appeal and settled before he is
set at liberty. But it is quite probable pro-
ceedings will 90 no further.
OF course everybody understands that
the haJedS corpus cases were gotten up
simply to intimidate the Virginia Office
holders and drive them from their places,
in order that the hungry self-stylcd loyal
lists waiting outside might be admitted to
!, warm themselves by official fires, and pur-
chase their food with official compensation.
The taxes to pay which are paid by the
men whom these "loyalists" falsely style
"rebels.'
The first two cases were quite sufficient
for their purposes, and they really did not
want any more. Underwood was much
embarrassed by the Jeter Phillips case. 1t
was more than he bargained for. The two
negro cases were exactly in his line-espe-
cially Sally Anderson, who was sentenced
to be hunq-a horrible thing to the north
ern mind, which is strongly disinclined to
hanging, and caunot tolerate the hanging
Of a woman. The grave offence of Sally
her attempt, besides house burning, to burn
alive little iufant-was kept rather hidden
beneath Underwood's tender reference to
her as of "the feeber sex of the feehler
race" And he endeavorea to quiet public
apprehension by proclaiming that no
harm was done, and that no more con-
victs would probably be set ct liberty.
But having opened the door for their de-
livery, it was not for him to shut it; and
the interposition Of Judge Chase has no
doubt protected the State from the consc-
queuccs of the Underwood infringements of
law for party purposes.
The committee Of "nine" arc still actively
engaged in the pursuit Of their object with
continued encouragement. To-day Mr..
Stuart, the chairman, received kind let
ter from Horace Greeley concurring heartily
in the objects Of the committee, and saying
that he will use his influence in their be-
half. He moreover communicates sugges-
tions which the committee will make avail
able.
The Radical committee are here, illumi-
mated with the ample and ruddy features
of cold Rye" They are button-holing
members with uncommon zeal and activity;
but Congress has been sorely tried with the
persevcring applications Of these "adven-
turers and native co0perators. They are
tired Of them, and the testimony which
these eager "loyalists' have given has
been so entirely in the line Of what is
called swift ?" that very often of late their
cause has been seriously damaged, rs
Wallace" has already informed you.
They tell awful storics-too terrible for
crcdibility. Those stories are too well
understood. They were needed in the
great campaign, and were used with add
vantage. But in this matter of recOnstruc-
ton Congress is obliged to have some regard
for the welfare Of the country-it must lock
forward to the necessity of placing the
southern governments in at least some con-
siderable degree in the hands of competent
and reliable persons. This is essential 10
the safety and prosperity of the southern
States, and to that extent Of the Union.
Tomorrow the committee of =" nine" will
appear before the " Reconstruction Com
mittce. The interview will be interesting.
An interview during the course Of the
week will be held with the Senate Commit
tee of the Judiciary. C.