The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-09-26

The magistrates met in the court. house, at Ian
caster, on Tuesday morning for the purpose fhear-
ing testimony in the case of Cashier, Hanway,
Elijah Lewis, and others, charged with aiding and
abetting in the Sudbury township murder and
also with treason in resisting the execution of the
laws of the United States.
The following counsel appeared on the part of
the Commonwealth: Hon. John l.. Thompson,
district attorney; William h. Fordney, esq.,; Thos
E. Franklin, Attorney General of Lancaster coun-
ty; George l.. Ashmead, esq, of Philadelphia, and
representative of the United States authorities, In
place of John w Ashmead, United States District
Attorney absent on official business, and Robert
Brent, Attorney General of Maryland. The Hon
John Nelson, formerly Attorney General Of the
United States, appeared for the friends of Mr..
Gorsuch
For the defence: Thaddeus Stevens Reah Fra
ger, Messrs Ford, Kline, and Dicley
Long before the hour for the examination to COM
mence the court room was crowded TO excess, and
the most intense interest was manifested in the
proceedings.
The district attorney proceeded to open the case
by stating history of the facts. He said the ne
gro prisoners, here in court, examination, were
charged, in the first place, with being guilty of
wilful murder, not only by the firing OF guns but
by being present at the time and the two white
persons were charged with aiding and abetting that
murder. They are now charged, also, under the
laws of the United States, as being in open rebel
lion against the Government, IN defying the pro
cess of the United States officers and laws of Con-
gress He read the act of Congress of April goth
as to treason; and in support OF his argument also
referred to other acts OF Congress, the decisions of
Justices of the peace and other magistrates of the
several States, who authorized to exercise ju-
risdction as prescribed in primary proceedings in
cases of crimes and offences against the United
States.
Five witnesses were examined, among whom
were United States Marshal Kline, DR.. Pierce, and
Mr. Hutohins
Nothing important further than what has here
tofore been published, has yet been elected.
However, it is apparent that strong Of trea
con has been made out.
The defence intimated that they had some thirty
witnesses TO be examined.
On Wednesday morning The examination was
resumed.
Dr. Pierce and Marshal Kline were recalled
and after their examination the testimony of the
Commonwealth closed.
Hon. Thaddeus Stevens opened for the defence.
Up to this time but six witnesses for the defence
have been examined. The defence depends main
ly upon the contradictory testimony OF the prin-
cpal witnesses for the Commonwealth
John Carr and John s. Cochran both testified
that Scott, who the day before stated that he saw
John Morgan cut Edward Gorsuch over the head
with cutter, saw Mr. q. shot, and supposed
that Simms shot him, was in the house of MIR.
Carr when the occurrence took place, three miles
distant
The court adjourned till q p. m.
A telegraphic despatch dated at Lancaster on
the evening Of the oath, says:
"The Commonwealth to-day only examined one
witness and closed.
"Mr. Stevens opened for the defence, by stating
that they will prove that Lewis and Hanway were
attracted to Parker's by the firing, and did not
counsel the resistance made by the blacks, and that
they were not present at the time Of the murder.
'FFen witnesses were examined for the defence.
Considerable discussion ensued relative TO the adj
mission of certain testimony. AT the close, the de-
fence rested their defence.
"Mr. Thompson, the district attorney, has Ia
bored zcalousy in behalf of the laws Of the State
and OF the United States. While his whole course
has been on the side of mercy he has showed just
determination to uphold the supremacy of the laws.
see from the evidence adduced that he will ask
that the prisoners be committed TO answer the
charge of treason against the United States.
"1he magistrate will give his decision in the case
to morrow morning at o'clock.
"Another important arrest was made OF Chris
tana this morning at 10 O'Clock"