The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1851-10-23
From the Albany Evening Journal.
INDICTMENT FOR TREASON.

There is spirit Of subserviency among US
on this question, which should awaken indgna-
ton rather than contempt. The sentiment of
freedom on the subject of slavery has found a
very low standard. The press, with but few
| rare exceptions, are pandering to that spirit
The judicial proceeding against the Chris
tiana negroes is in violation of that clause OF
the Constitution which defines the crime OF
treason thus:
Treason against the United States shall
consist only in levying war against them, OF
adhering to their enemies giving them aid and
comfort. No person shall be convicted of trea-
son unless on the testimony of two witnesses
| to the same overt act, or on confession in
open court"
There is no warrant for that proceeding,
therefore either in the Constitution or i'm any
law of Congress nor is there any judicial pre-
cedent for this strained construction. And yet
the public sentiment is 80 overawed and the pub
lie press so tanned that scarcely voice of re-
monstrance or reproof is heard
Look at the spectacle of a colored preacher,
who stands indicted for treason because he in
formed that the slavecatchers were on their
way to Christiana after fugitves.
That colored preacher obeyed an impulse for
which he can, and, if need be, will 90 to the
dungeon or the gallows rejoicing. To with
hold that information from those who were
flesh of his flesh and bone of his bone,p would
have been an offence against the laws of ma
ture and humanity. There is not law upon
any statute book, that either in letter or spirit
makes the act with which that colored preach
er is charged crime But high judicial
tribunal has had him indicted for treason
Before sentence can pass against him, there
must be a trial--a trial, God be praised, by
jury.
Slavery, acting upon the hopes and the fears
of men who are looking to the South for politi-
cal or pccuniary advantages is now exerting a
powerful sway over the public mind And this
Peculiar Institution is most exacting and ar
bitrary in its demands IL asks security in a
bond, that henceforth the North shall not dis
turb, even in the way Of an amendment, any Of
the Compromise Laws" And to this despotic
demand there is, by politicians and merchants,
a tame acquiescence.
THE BANKER LATBAM-The Richmond Re
publican, in quoting our notice OF the Hogarth
Cane, recently conveyed across the Atlantic "a
present to MIR. Latham, says:
at gives us great pleasure to transfer to our
columns the following article from the Wash
ington Telegraph. Mr.. Latham is one Of the
most sagacious and energetic Of the business
men of this country, and combines with fine in
telligence generous sympathizing, and liberal
soul. He is one of Natures noblemen' and
we are glad to know that he has won the
smiles of Fortune az well as Of Nature, and is
coming money fast enough to keep up the Dig
nity Of Natures patent of nobility. Mr.. Latham
is self-made man, and by his own clear head
and indomitabIe spirit has conquered obstacles
which would have affrighted common minds
and placed himself upon theatre which AZ
fords wide field for distinction, honor and
usefulness We rejoice in his success and were
il not an unwise and therefore an unfriendiy
wish, we could desire him TO become rs rich as
Cresus But, instead of this, we trust he will
be satisfied when he acquires the fortune Of
Girard or John Jacob Aston We know that
he will take care 10 distribute his money TO de-
serving objects before he dies, and that he will
not follow the example Of some old skinfiints
whose hands are never open till death unclasps
their grippe and who give their money TO the
moor from the same necessity which c0mpels
them 10 Weld their souls to the devil"
Ameriean Telegraph.
ANOTHER TRIUMpn-.Thc London Morning
.l..l