The daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1848-1851, 1851-03-11

l 4 ~, kpnQ
-. ,ha, a case was not made out to the satisfac-
ian of the three juries to whom the accusation has
bsen submitted. 1t is impossible in this country to
punish men for lending their aid to the cause of
human freedom. To Greece and Poland, money
and men were given without any censure. In the
city of Boston, set ofsandards for Poland was car
ried through the streets, with all the pomp of mil
tary pageant the troops of the U. States formnga
part of the procession. If we mistake not, conlri
buttons were taken up in the New England church
es for the Greeks. Hundreds, if not thousands, OF
Americans went TO the relief Of their countrymen
in Texas. 1t is true that in this city prosecutions
were attempted, but failed in the case of Texas.
Before convictions can be had, all the facts mus,
be proved beyond a shadow of a doubt.
The act of 1918, while it is in accordance with
the law Of nations, is in conflict with the nature of
our institutions. The monarches of Europe have
laid down as principle of public law, that one
nation shall not permit expeditions to be fitted out
within its limits against another nation with whom
it is at peace This is intended to prevent nations
from interfering either in the foreign or civil wars
of each other. But how is it carried out! When
Hungary attempted to seceds from the Austrian
Empire, Russia went much further than 10 permit
the fitting out of expeditions- sent its armies to
culies between Denmark and the Duchies If
the despotsms may disregard this principle of pub
lie law, why may not republics initiate their ex-
ampes We say, repeal this statute, and leave the
subject where Russia and Austria place it. They
disregard the principle when absolutsm is jeopar
died. Let US do SO likewise when republicansm
is in danger.
While, however, the statute remains, it is the
Jutv oft n no 70 it's,
We regret to perceive an attempt made to Gre
ate political capital out of the ordinary administra
ton of law. The Delta considers the dismissal of
the Cuban indictments as triumph over the Adj
ministration. Let us look into this matter.
The Grand Jury of the Federal Court are drawn
precisely in the same manner those of the State.
The names are selected by lot, from list which
embraces the citizens liable to do jury duty. The
Grand Jury is composed of respectable citizens, of
every shade of political and religious opinion.
These persons, act under solemn oath to pre-
sent no man for envy. hatred or maice-and to
leave no one unpresented for love, fear affection
or hope of reward-but TO take cognizance of all
such matters as shall be given them in charge.
The charge of the Judge informs them that it is
their duty inquire into what offences have been
committed against the laws, and if probable cause
ers. A Grand Jury thus empaneled, sworn and
charged, presented indictments against Mr.. Hen
derson and several other persons. Was the Adj
mnstration responsible for this finding! The
District Attorney proceeded in those, just as in all
other cases. He caused warrants to issue, and all
were arrested. One of them was put on trial, and
three juries were unable to agree on verdict.
After this evidence of the impossibility to obtain
he has icpj
vested in him, and dismissed all the indictments.
But the Delta and the secession papers of the
South, have had great deal to say about the
persecution of Gen. Quitman. We have always
thought it the peculiar boast of this country, that
no man was aboue the law We have been taught
to believe that all men were equal in personal priv
ieges and responsibilities. But we now are taught
our error
In old times there were places of sanctuary
where offenders from justice fled for protection
These places in London were crowded by thieves,
DULLES, and other desperadoes, until the nuisance
was abated by act of Parliament. In this country,
it would SEEM by this new doctrine, that the
office of Governor is such sanctuary A man
who holds this office is not amenable to the crm-
nal law OF the land. So long the people of one
State choose to elect him their Governor, he is
not liable to answer to the offended laws of another
State, or of the United States. This is demo-
cratic principle
This not found in the catechism we were taught.
That old-fashioned primer contains no personal or
official privileges. 1t makes every man responsible
for his actions, and does utter single word to
the assumption that the office of Gov
ernor is place of sanctuary
What had the Administration to do with these |
prosecutions? 1t matter of notoriety that an
expedition had been fitted out at this point which
INVADED Cuba-was defeated and returned. Many |
If the persons known to have been in that expedi-
ion were arrested here. The strength of the bar |
vas retained in the defence. At least a dozen dis
lawyers appeared for the accused. 1t
vas physically impossible for one man to conduct
he prosecutions against great number of per-
ons and counsel. The District Attorney applied
or additional counsel, and one gentleman was as
igned him.
But there was persecution in the arrest of Gov.
lultman. Had not that gentleman already avowed
is innocence, and expressed his willingness to |
tand his trial after his term of office had expired
ow let us assume all this to be so. If the word
If one man is to be taken, both his innocence
md to his meeting the accusation at some con
venlent time, why should not the word of every
other accused person be received? Here again
comes up this regard for persons The District
Attorney would have patered with his oath had he
made any distinction.
"'Twill be recorded for a precedent
ana many an error. by the example,
Will rush into the State-lt must not be.
The District Attorney treated the Governor, Just
As he would the plain Mister. We shall on all &C.
,asions condemn the attempt to establish the odious
personal privileges Of monarchical Governments.
We shall, within our limited sphere, denounce this
attempt to create personal exemptions. A Cover
nor is no more in the eye of the law, than the hum
best citizen
The Grand Jury, acting under their oaths and
On such evidence as established as probable cause,
ound bills against several individuals for fitting
cut the Cuba expedition. The District Attorney
caused them to be arrested acithou distinction of
persons. One has been tried and not acquitted
nor convicted The District Attorney, exercising
lis judgment, has dismissed the prosecutions
Here ends the matter. We cannot discover any
particular zeal manifested by the Administration
We presume the President will give the same
attention to the Boston cases, and all others in
'olying important national consequences. =.
We cannot close this article without asking the
Dei'a Tor information on single point. The
Delta, OF May 26th, 1885, published the various
prociamatlons Of Gen. Lopez. The address to the
1