The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1804-12-13


though am already luiiciently jueifed my own
confidence.
My cool Judgment tells me that were to vote in
favor of the p-eient impeachment, II s prei-nt form
n,c2 forfeit my etn,a,iCn that political cha
rater republican, which it has been the iudy OF
M life acquire and preierve, ard which has h,her-
To iecuied me the confidence of people truly re-
publican have exilted in any age nation. L.
upon republican pr pies that oppoe the report.
AT the lat FELTON, declared myclf in favor of the an
peacment 20 far only related the conduct OF Judge
Chat, upon the trial of James Thon,plon Calender.
confdcrcd the conduct of the Jude upon that occaon
as amounting denial of important constitutional
privileges Calender, the privileges of compr.lory
procefs for wneIes ard of trial BY impartial jury
of his country ;and had the committee taken that
nroug ground, mutt have given il my tppport. They
have however, abandoned it and ann decidedly of
opinion thar ifthe conduct Of the Judge did
to violation of the contribution, it ought TO be conf
dered as mere in Judgment. And for erroTsof
Judgment tnagiirate is not impeaehable.
1t is upon any trfling minute diitinaon be-
tween form and fubance tina. found my objections
the (econd and third articles, Blu, upon what con-
hder irouy and fold ground But to he fourth
article there variety of objections Alter Eav-
Rated in the iecond and third articles every thing
which it was neoefaryto fate whenthe itrong ground
OF the contribution abandoned, are preiented
with the blacke catalogue of judicial crimes that has
ever beer invented. This article Will forever form
Oh
niand admiration by its wonderful dpay of the powers
OF invention, amplifcaton, and embellhment. Never
have been more completely convinced that genius is
capable Of creating any thing whaever that itPoiees
even magic powers. We here pretented with i
itupendous pyramid OF judicial guilt, OF which 0sanf
irgfise forms the pedeita and indea. iiei.adt
ttitutes the apex. Judge Chafs is accued OF manifet
inuee parality, intemperance, rudeneis, vexation,
ioicirude, &c. &c Il this horid In of the crimes of
nudge is TO be crowned by "iolcitue IF 'iolcitude"
is TO iwe! the lift of tranfgreIions mutt till
be permitted to believe that its deeenoy indecency
has very little eonnexion with the eGence of its crimi-
naty Betdcs, the conduct Of the Judge different
at different aages of the trial. and were to conGder
his iuppoied focitude criminal could conder
| the report confident with truth unefs amended
10 as to read in this manner-Lr s-anifjirg, in tie
Early part Of tbt trial, indecent eitae, an at its
a'fr fHge5, Vtry decent chatadt, for tie ssxVie-
iio7 Of tbe Proner, SJe. Solictude is mental
operation Had the Judge dilpayed an anxiety to
fave the Proner he might with equal proPriety have
been impeached guilty of6mSoiLy or Pity.
cannot for the lat article without violati-
on OF my political principles. do not believe that
the expreion of political opinion is crime in i
publican government. | have repeatedly declared
that coniidered it improper in Judge to read poll
teal lectures from the bench and have aiio had
frequent opportunities both former and recent oc-
Gallons of expreing my conviction that judicial off,
GERS ought not to be Punihed for declaring their po
litioal opinions. We ought ourelves to practice
what we reprobate in others, and it is always dera-
BILE to carry our own theories into practice.
With theie powerful coniderauons others Of a
different nature have naturally mingled ,hen,lelves
| IN my own mind, while refleding upon this impor-
tant iubea. Is there no danger that the feeling and
views OF party have, imperceptby ourfeves invol-
we'd themielves with our reflections and that they
VIII improperly influence conduct For nlyfelf
am difpofed to loo! upon member of oer higheff
judicial tribunal, upon whom, with correct motives.
uch an irreiItble torrent Of public opinion precipi
tated with favorable eye. 1t is duty to endea
YOUR to realize the ancient idea of the bndnefs of ju
nce. Let u5 be blind as it reflects the man. blind to
his political opinions, but eagle eyed as it repeefs hi.
CRIMES The pure fountain of jufce ought not to be
polluted with Jingle muddy particle Of the fpirit of
party.
| have faid enough to explain my fentiments and
views upon this fubjea, and will not trouble the
committee with repetition of any of my arguments
at the lsft felton,
Mr.. Nie6oJon enquired of the Chairman whether it
would be i'll order to move amendment to-any of |
the articles now they have been feveraly agreed TO-
Cen Tarnnnr (chairn,an) faid the amendments
might be moved IN the HOMIE agreeing tn the re-
port of the committee Of the whole or in the commit
tee by vote to reconiider.
Mr.. =. Ranaai9b thought it of Importance that if |
amendments were necefiary they fhould be brought |
forward in committee of the whole to give gentlemen
an opportunity Of fuller dcuion In the Houfe mem
oers were tramefed by the rule permitting them
only ofPeak twice on the fame que1ou, but here we
are free to dfcufs and debate pleafure-If an a.
mendment is wilhed, he would to reconider the
iirit artole-Apd he did move it.
1t was carried without oppoiition.
Mr.. NieboJfan then oblryed that part Of the milf
conduct of judge Chafe which was complained of,
had taken place previous the trial He would there
fore move to make it read by the iniertion of the
words in taIic the fad Samuel Chaie aafeeeIe.. 70
and on the trial of John Fries cover the whole
ground.
Carried
Mr. Mis5oJos Propofei fmilar amendnen. to
the fourth article " That the conduct of the faid
Samuel Chafe was marked during the whole courfe of
the fad trial t'tD az aoteccdrt refO," with mani
left injutiee, Partality and inpemperanee."
The amendment was LOFT.
After fome deiultary conversation j. agreed that
the amendment to the ir article be altered by nfert
ing the words in relation yeto inlead of thofe in TIA
lie, and iiiuillr amendment agreed to in the
fourth article.
The committee Of the whole rofe and reported the
articles amended.
Adjourned.