The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1850-06-21
Vol Il.

Mr., Hunton proceeded From the de-
nunciations ofthe Spanish Consul, It would
be imagined by stranger, that it was a
matter Of doubt whether there had been any
expedition to Cuba at all. He ayowsd his
sympathy in all efforts to achieve indepen-
dence and extend liberty, but whenever he
engaged in such enterprises he would prefer
doing SO under American commanders. Mr..
Hunton disclaimed all desire to excite popu-
lar feeling on this trial He desired to have
the trial conducted in digni6ed and proper
manner.
MT. oigur stated that he could not dlstin-
gulsh between these matters communicated
10 MN as attorney, and those which were
not SO. but ne considered IT has duty to
say, mat uenerai Lopez having been his
guest, ne should consider y preach OF hos
Pitaiity 70 divuige any conversation commu-
nlca!ed TO MN whilst ne was 10 his house,
sharing ms hospitality ana coincidence he
would 60 70 the gallows before ne would d.
vulge such communications. lie meant no
dlsresPect 70 the Court nor 70 the District
attorney OUT ne did not consider compli-
a a., with law always the Llghest morality.
I mere was law among the ancient TO-
mans, compelling the citizens to worship
certain statues' out the christians did not
consider II their. duty, OF as a moral obiiga-
ton, 20 OBEY TINS law. 30 ne would not
violate the most sacred duty OF friendship
ana hospitality, 70 satisfy the demands Of a
hard and unustiaw. lie would submit con-
tentediy TO any punishment the Court might
lnillct; but ne would not and could not d.
vulge information communicated to HIM IN
the relation which subslsted between him
ana Gehcrai Lopez. a4 ...i...
The District Attorney stated that he did
not wish to extort from Mr.. Sigur any infor-
nation communicated to him in the conf
dence Of client. He then changed his
question, and inquired if Mr.. Sigur had not
heard Gen. Lopez declare, in a speech, that
he had been to Cuba. a
Mr.. Sigur replied that the speech wolld
speak for itself
Mr.. Hunton then offered in evidence the
speech Of Gen. Lopez, as published in The
Delta of Sunday, delivered from the portico
Of the st Charles.
. Mr.. Sigur stated that the speech was
written out by the General in Spanish, and
translated by him.
Mr.. Henderson called for the reading of
the speech. 1t was accordingly read by Mr..
Sigur, and at its conclusion the Hobbies gave
it loud round Of applause. Is,
In reply to question proposed by the
District Attorney, Mr.. Sigur stated that his
translation of Gen. Lopez's speech, at the
ST. Charles Hotel, was literal one, but
that made on the balcony Of his house was
very freely rendered. The reports given in
the Delta. of these speeches were substan-
tally correct. 2a a
Mr.. Hunton: There was an effort for the
Liberation of Cuba spoke Of in the speech
from the balcony. What was that effort?
Mr.. Sigur, as counsel, and Mr.. Hender-
son, both objected to the question. The
speeches could be as well understood by the
Court, or the District Attorney, as by the
witness. His inference as to the meaning
Of the General was not evidence.
( MIR. Hunton said the objection was a
mere bubble, and should not be enter
tanned. e.
Mr.. Henderson was astonished at the Dis
trict Attorney. The rules of law on the
subject were, clearly laid down, making
broad distinctions between differences and
facts.
Mr.. Sigur said that he might have an
opinion as to the meaning of General Lopez,
but he could not swear that that opinion was
correct. He could not swear to conclusion
Of law taEita5. fe.i;gj4 RI b' t5E
Mr.. Hunton: Does witness know what
effort for the liberation Of Cuba was referred
to by General lopez
Mr.. Sigur hoped the question would not
be persisted in. General Lopez stood to
him in the intimate relation Of guest and
client. As such, he had made confidential
disclosures, and these he conld not be ex-
pected to make public. 81
Mr.. Hunton: Did the Neffsrt" refer to
the late expedition to Cuba? $40
3 Mr., Sigur: ] do not recollect that General
Lopez ever told me what particular expedi-
TT T77t- :, ElFI ", 49, = l.IF7.