Honorably discharged.
--
Mr. E. H. Craige, whose case has been so much commented on by the papers, was again before the
Mayor yesterday and discharged, his Honor remarking that there was not one particle of evidence against him. The arrest was made on the affidavit of
Mr. John W. Davies, of this city, on a charge of hostility to the
South, and giving aid to the U. S. Government.
Mr. Davies and several others appeared as witnesses for the
Commonwealth, but failed to prove anything at all unfavorable to the accused, except that, like many other merchants, he is selling goods which were bought at the
North.
A number of well-known gentlemen were introduced by the accused, who testified to his sympathy with the
South, and his universal character for sobriety and honesty.
The examination was continued several days, in order to allow the fullest investigation, and the result showed that, instead of aiding our enemies,
Mr. C. has been giving his money and risking his life for the good of the
South.
Mr. C. is well known in
Eastern Virginia, in which territory he owns the right of sale of the Wheeler &
Wilson Sewing Machine.
He does business in this city, in
Petersburg and in
Norfolk.
He also travels extensively through the
State in the prosecution of his business, and often goes North to buy goods.
To this latter fact and the reports in circulation that the manufacturers of his machines had given a flag to some New York company, we attribute his arrest.
We are now perfectly satisfied as to what
Mr. Craige's sentiments are, and are pleased to know that he is honorably acquitted.
We will also state in this connection, that we have it from good authority that the Wheeler & Wilson Manufacturing Company did not give the flag, as reported; it was given by a person in their employ.
It was a private matter, of which the company knew nothing and over which they had no control.
We do not wish to shield
Messrs. W. & W. from any blame which belongs to them, but believe in giving the devil his due.
