The New York herald., 1870-01-31
Novel and Intcrostin9 Scene In Virginia
Court--JudGo Underwood und Ex-Governox
Henry A. WiHc.

In the United states Circuit Court, at Richmond
Wednesday, Judge Underwood rendered hts decision
Steamer John Sylvester. The painnln, an ex.con-
rederate off1cer, broke his knee pan by Stepping
INTO coal mole on the steamer sued the owners IN
1000, and motion for . new trial being now
heard the Court decided to present the plaintiff the
alternative OF new trial or receiving instead
OF $4,000 IN acqulttance. Ex-Governor Wise ap-
peRred Tor the pialnrn.
In the course OF the Judge's remarks he gave an
account OF his frst coming TO Virginia teacher,
thirty years ago; the Kindness and courtesy
SHOWN him by distinguished gentleman after arrl-
in political CANVASS the grateful return for these
services; hts subsequent marriage, DC. He tnen al
verted 70 the difficulties into which he fell on ac-
OF his ant1-slavery sentiments. He stated that
he had been educated IN tins belief that belonged
to the straightest sect OF Hamitonian federallsts
that he OF the school OF Penn Fox; that thus
difference OF opinion had not aenated the personal
regard OF his Virginia friends He expressed IN the
most glowing terms his admiration for The ta.ents,
requirements and character Of Governor Wise, the
leading counsel for the plaintiff He said that this
admiration had been formed years before he
with full knowledge OF his strong pro-
slavery opinions; that ne attributed the differ.
ence In Their opinions on this subject entirely to
their different educatiOns and associations; that
since Mr.. Wise had commenced practising In his
court no had always treated him with the utmost
mos. agreeable; tnst the Governor in the argument
OF the case had insisted, Ia the most eloquent way,
that the defendant should be subjected to punttory
which the plaintiff had sustained his injury that he
did not think the case for such damages ~ the
negligence proved slight; but that neglected
to charge the jury to TINS effect although specially
asked give such instruction, and that he thought
that the jury, In consequence Of tnts omission and
persuaded 0y General Wise'g etoQuence, had given
an excessive verdict For this reason he should
decide TO put the plaintin under rule to abate his
damages and If ne refused that he would grant
new trial.
Az this point Governor Wise arose and stated 10
the Court his hearing imperfect and that he
had this way failed 70 catch several sentences OF
Judges opinion oHe had heard the word slavery
used. He asked what IN Gods Dame slavery had 20
40 with the question Of Q common carriers LIABILITY
We had suffered enough In all conscience, already
from this tete,TtDld c1usG belt Fer one he &C.
cepted the fact OF is overthrow, and was willing 60
trust IN good faith, upon the new state OF Affairs,
He did not question the honesty Of his Honors senti
ments on she subject His own, though, were very
different on the institution ~ established, although
not perhaps. 50 much 80 on the question OF the ab-
stract right But this difference Of opinion had been
Fatally ana nnally ended. Negroes had become free
But the great question now was whether millions OF
white men should remain manacled slaves.
Here Judge Underwood interrupted ana stated
that No was IN favor OF universal Suffrage and uni
versa amnesty. "Act with me, )" said the Governor,
ION this platform; aid me IN wrenohlng the letters
from these arms and from the arms OF my people,
ana We Will ngnt out side BY side the great battle
Tor American liberty" he claimed that no power
on earth tnae no tyranny or Oppression should ever
keep Mm Hom using botA nand and tongue fear