The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-04-03
circumstantial Evidence.

The opinion seems to gain ground that no cir
cumstantal proof can be sufficiently conclusive to
justify the conviction of prisoner charged with
murder. 1t would be difficult for those who preach
this doctrine to support it by any logical argument
Two persons OF fair character testifying that they
were eye witnesses of murder, and identifying
any individual the murderer, would, If the
pus deficit was established, and in the absence of
rebuting evidence for the defence, be sufficient to
convict the accused party of the crime. And yet
these two might both be guilty of perjury.
They might, from desire of revenge, or for the
purpose OF hiding their own guilt or from some
other sinister motive, accuse an innocent man.
They might have two or three accomplices ready
to corroborate their testimony, and thus might vii
lany weave chain round its victim from which
escape would be impossible. Such things have
been, and we do not doubt that thorough exami-
nation of the criminal records of any civilized
try for the last half century would disclose
unjust convictions founded on direct and positive
testimony than on circuInstantial proof
II is not 10 be supposed that such conspiracy
we have referred to could exist among the large
number Of witnesses usually called by the prosecu-
ton in cases where circumstances relied upon
to establish the guilt Of prisoner. IL such con-
spiracy possible, web of testimony
by many agents would abide the test of legal
scrutiny. Rigid cross-examinaton would rip il to
pieces. No twenty, or thirty, or fifty persons could
fabricate chain of evidence the links of which
should nicely tally with each other to prevent
the detection OF flaw. Consistent circumstantial
evidence therefore is not open to great objec-
ton which may Justly be taken against the direct
testimony Of a very limited number of witnesses.
We can sec reason why harmonious series
Of facts all tending to establish hypothesis and
none other, should be considered inconclusive.
The existence OF Creator rests upon circum.
stantial evidence. No man has seen Him face to
face. We do not know by ocular proof that He
guides this planet in its sphere, causes the seed
cast into the earth TO germinate; but thousands and
millions of witnesses, animate and nanimate, tes-
tfy in favor Of the theory that all the operations Of
nature ordered by His hand, and the strength
OF this incontrovertible crcumstantial evidence
believe and adore.
OF course we do not mean 10 say that any cir
cumstan tia proof of human guilt is equally infal-
ble. Nevertheless, il may be 50 strong to leave
room for reasonable doubt, IL uncontrovcrted by
equally reliable testimony. --Nooh's Sunday Times
ExHlBiTIoN OF THE WoRKs OF ISDUsTRy OF ALL
NATIoSs.-The American Institute have issued
circular inviting the cooperation OF our inventors
mechanics, manufacturers, agricuturists, SC, in
aid Of the above exhibition, which is to be held at
London in 1851. Accompanying the circular is the
following letter from the American minister:
LONDON, February %, 1850.
To the Secretary Of the AMERICAN Institute.
DEAR sR: You have doubtless been apprised,
through the public press that an Industrial Exhib-
ton is proposed by Great Britain, 10 take place in
May, 1851. The invitation embraces all nations.
The plan has met with general appreciation here,
and by the representatives Of the different countries
Of Europe accredited TO this court
II has commended itself 10 my judgment, as the
representative Of the United States. / have taken
interest in its success in behalf Of the people Of
the United States, believing that great benefits may
be derived not only by the citizens Of the Union.
but by all mankind.
Ientertain an abiding confidence that zoe pos
sess the material TO present at the proposed exhibit
ton, such combinations Of science and art will
crafty the highest anticipatons Of that class of
men who have been, and will continue 10 be- the
creators Of wealth, and, through their inventions
and labors, the civilizers Of mankind throughout
tho world.
If such response should be given TO this invita-
ton NJ may be expected, the exhibition will present
10 the world victory gained by a congress of ma
tons, not acquired by arms or physical strength,
but the triumph Of mind matter.
The details Of this great plan will be published
earlyday which shall have the pleasure of trans
mittingto you in the mean time, send with this
note copy Of the report Of the eleventh French
exposition, with the royal commission establishing
the proposed exhibition, and the proceedings OF the
first public meeting. Will you do me the favor 10
place these papers before The government Of the
institute, and IL the plan should be approved, to
open correspondence with similar institutions in
other States, that there may be concert Of action in
the arrangements for the exhibitions.
have the honor TO remain, sir,
Your obedent servant,
ABBOTT LAWRENCE.