Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1915-05-09
FIFTY YEARS AGO
IN THB STAR


scription. In The Star Of May 2, 1855,
is an advertisement of a call for con-
tributions in the name of the Lincoln
National Monument Association, Of
which Mayor Richard wallach was
president. Crosby 8. Noyes was secre-
tary and George w. Riggs treasurer.
The call stated:
1t Is proposed to raise for the pur-
pose the sum Of at least 100000 by
SUBSCRIPTIONS. to be limited in amount
from 81 to SO per individual contribu-
tor. Such Is the general solicitude to
contribute for such a purpose that 1t
is not doubted that the amount req
uis1te can be promptly raised, and the
monument erected during the year 1865.
IL 10 earnestly hoped that every news
paper throughout the country will call
attention to the object Of this associa-
ton. and give 1t such editorial encour-
agement as shall secure a general
recognition. 1t is the desire Of the as
ISOLATION to raise monument that
the sublime life and character Of the
lamented deceased-one that should be
creditable alike to the city and nation
With such ends in view 1t is not doubt
ed that this appeal will meet a prompt
and universal response"
this appeal the monument that now
stands in front of the courthouse. or
city hall. marble statue of Lincoln
on marble column. was erected.
With all of those directly suspected
of completely in the assassination con-
spiracy in custody with
JEFF Davis the exception Of John
Accused surratt. who was then
under pursuit, the pub
lie awaited the trial of the accused
persons with the keenest interest. Dur
ing the afternoon Of May 8, 1865,
President johnson issued proclafa-
ton that, printed in The Star Of that
day, sent a thrill of horror through the
community, for it was no less than an
accusation that the plot against Lin
coin and other members OF the federal
government was the inspiration of the
highest officials of the late Confeder-
acy. The proclamation read as fol-
lows:
Whereas it appears from evidence in
atrocious murder of the late Presi-
dent. Abraham Lincoln, and the at
tempted assassination of the Hon. Will
liam H. Seward, Secretary of State,
were melted, concerted and procured
by and between Jefferson Davis, late
Of Richmond. Va. and Jacob Thomp-
son, Clement c. Clay, Beverley Tucker,
George N. Saunders, William c. Cleary
and other rebels and traitors against
the government Of the United States.
harbored in Canada: Now. therefore.
to the end that justice may be done,
1, Andrew johnson. President of the
United States, do offer and promise for
the arrest of said persons or either of
them, within the limits of the United
States, so that they can be brought to
for the arrest of Jefferson Davis, $685.
900 for the arrest of Clement c. Clay,
$4,000 for the arrest of Jacob Thomp-
Ion. late of Mississippi: $4,000 for the
arrest of George N. Saunders. $4,000
for the arrest of Beverley Tucker. $1o.-
late clerk of Clement c. Clay. The
provost marshal general of the United
States is directed to cause a descrfp-
ton of said persons. with notice Of the
above rewards, to be published"
AS soon as the war was over former
residents of the District who had left
it for the south to join
Their Return their fortunes with
Not Wanted s tina Of the :,
disposition to return. but. doubtless
in part as a result of the assassination
of President Lincoln, feeling Of in
tense hostility developed against these
exiles. In The Star Of May 4. 1865, is
an advertisement addressed ito the citi-
zens of the District of Columbia" and
signed by more than 100 citizens by
name, calling for a public mass meet
ing to take action on this subject. 1t
read as follows:
The armed forces of the rebellion
have been almost entirely overthrown.
The enmity of many of it's leaders and
adherents is, however, undiminished.
Not a few of them were, at its COM
mencement, residents of the District
and the Immediately adjacent parts of
Maryland and Virginia. 1t has been
ascertained that considerable num-
Der of them will attempt to return, or
have returned, to their former resi-
dences, and claim the rights and privi-
leges of loyal citizens. This should be
prevented. The government has so de-
termined. 1t is in the power of those
who have been faithful to that govern
ment during its four years of peril and
CONFUSION to greatly aid in the carry
ing out of this determination. The best
plan of doing SO should be matter OF
consultation and elaboration. Many
loyal citizens are OF the oplnlqn tnat
the former residents OF the District
who have participated in the rebellion
should not be permitted to return or
remain within its limits or in its vicin-
ity, and that those who have approved
of their reasonable acts and desire fu-
ture association with them should pc
regarded as partakers OF their quit.
The hours for both words and deeds
have arrived public mass meeting
will be held in front of City Hall Tues
day evening, 9Th instant, at O'Clock,
at which resolutions will be presented,
able speeches will be delivered and
committees appointed. Citizens OF the
District of Columbia, appear at the ap-
pointed meeting and proclaim. as others
ha We done. that the men who have will
inply endeavored to destroy the gov
eminent can have no home in the capt.
tai of the nation! Patriotism, as well
as our own safety and peace, calls Tor
the proposed action"
The government surrounded its prep
arations for the trial of those accused
Of completely in the as
Conspiracy sassination plot with
profou ind secrecy.
lIlaI 1lans. Practically moth g
was printed regarding the program of
the prosecution. In The Star of May 6.
1865. is the following short paragraph
on this subject:
1T is doubtful if the government will
be ready to commence the trials of the
ASA ssination plotters SO soon as Mon
day next, we apprehend. From the
testimony to be classified, the task of
arranging the preliminaries must be