The daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1848-1851, 1850-01-16
[From the Boston Herald, Jan. 81
rhe Parkman Tragedy, in BOI

The seal of secrecy which the authorities have
imposed upon all persons in any way-even the
most remote-connected with the Webster and
Parkman tragedy, yet remains in full force although
judicial action must soon interpOse and the public
be admitted that knowledge of these transactions
which, we think, public justice, often appealed
to, and yet so often trampled upon-to say nothing
of public policy-imperaiively demands, and was
entitled to ii in the first instance. Whoever is most
to blame in advising the course that has been pur
sued will find vast weight responsibility thrown
upon him or them, when, in violation of the rights
of the community, this case is cited precedent
land made 10 serve as rule for future determine
tions in similar or analogous cases.
| On Monday morning next, the January term Of
the Municipal Court will be commenced A new
grand jury will be empanneled, to serve six months,
and they will be instructed by Chief Justice Wells
as TO the duties of their Office and the requirements
of law concerning grand jurors But, more espe-
cialy will lie charge them in reference TO Tue great
case which will demand their attention among the
first of their official duties. The papers and evil
dence in the of Prof Webster will be laid be-
fore the jury in the early part of the week, and
shortly after--T they find bill-as who shall say
| they will, through the mystery behind which the
prosecution has hid itself!--he will be arraigned
| before the proper tribunal.
We have already stated that Professor Wehster's
counsel have been furnished with copies of evidence
sworn TO before the coroner's jury, and we are not
| prohibited now from saying that his counsel and
friends are as sanguine at this time, as they have
been from the first day OF his arrest, that ful and
| complete defence and will bring him out trl-
umphant, amid all the difficulties by which ms case
seems at present TO be surrounded.
We learn, from the best authority, that the de-
pertinent and bearing of Professor Webster in his
cell, is as much unlike that of prisoner cpnfined
under capital charge, as can possibly be imagined
So far from appearing prisoner, he seems, TO those
who. are admitted to see him, like the secluded
scholar the man of science, who has retired awhile
from the scenes and turmoil of active life, that he
may call his thoughts home, and indulge in reiiec
tions SO we'll beittng man of his studious ha bits
The Professor is permitted to enjoy all the liberty
consistent with his safe keeping and the rules adopt
ed for persons in his situation. His counsel visi
him quite often. A few familiar friends are admit
ted to his CELL and not day passes that some mem
Der of his family does not give him the pleasure 0
greeting them. Books and writing materials ar
allowed him, and his time is as fully occupied as
would be perhaps in the discharge of his duties a
the University.
l. He is yet on terms Of communication with some
if not all, of his brother professors at Harvard
From thence he is supplied with the means Of pre-
scouting what studies his tastes or inclination ma
I lead him TO give his. mind to. Yesterday, he Il
quesed one of the professors to send him the " Lii
Of Mahomet"
The friends of Professor Webster proclaimed
when the secret inquest was in progress, that ne
ther he nor they had any desire for eoncealmsn
: The means ofremovng that secrecy are now with
their reach. Will they draw aside the veil! "
:. have no doubt that they were fair and upright
their first declaration, and therefore confidently e
psct TO be enabled next week 10 give the public mo
l. authentic intelligence than has YET been spread
10 fore them.