The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-02-03
Our Quebec Correspondence.
QurBEc, Jan. %. 1854.

QUEBEC, Jan. %, 1854.
Trial and Acquittal of the GauaSzi Rioters, &c. Il
Yesterday the trial of the parties connected With
the Gavszz riots in tis city, viz. John Hearn, gro
Ger; John Gilhin, grocer; James Bovine, peder;
John Donsghue, gentleman; Michael Mcnamara,
stevedore; Edward John Charlton gentleman; Jas.
Kelly, printer; Michael Fox labsrer Gone of the po-
lice); James Redmond, carter; Martin O'Brien,
iaborer; Hugh Gallagher, laborer; Thomas Burns,
cooper; William Maher, stevedore; Francis Christie,
laporer; and James Roach, butcher-all of Quebec
ior having riotously begun to demolish Chalmers
chnrcn, came TO an end. Such Ia the state Of society
here that it is not difficult to foreell when Won see
the jury empanneed, wha. the verdict Will be: and
accordingly, from the moment when the Solicitor.
General (Ross) commenced his opening address
which WAS very able performance-no one doubted
the result Some Of the jurors were cracking jokes
with the prisoners, immediately before entering the
box, and the latter seemed TO look upon the whole
thing as . very pleasant way Of passing few days
at this dull season. They cared little what the wit
nesses might say, feeling perfectly safe. But the
jury were rot called upon to stretch their consciences
at ALL the prosecution failed to establish the intent
to demosh laid in the indictment, although 1t was
clear enough thai there had been riot and attempt
the main object Of the rioters to attack the per-
son of the lecturer and not to damage the church;
and accordingly the presiding Judge informed the
prisoners counsel that they need not enter upon
their defence. At this stage Mr.. Justice AylNin
took his seat upon the bench Judge P. charged the
jury in French, and Judge A. in English. The lat
Ter enere into the history OF the Riot act and with
great force laid down the distinction made by the
lsw OF England and Of this country between offences
against the person and offences against properly.
Upon his ntmating that the prisoners were entitled
to IN immediate acquittal, there was considerable
capping Of hands and stamping OF feet which near.
ly threw the high constable into At, but which vas
promptly suppressed by o remark from Judge Ayl-
win. he stated that if any person WAS detected in
Il act Of disturbing the Court in that manner he
would be punished with such everity that he would
probably never again repeat the offence The pri-
soners were then discharged and with their friends.
left the Court az quiet as mice.
Another Indictment, for assault with intent to muir.
der was found at the same time as the one just dis
posed Of 1t has excited much surprise, particularly
among the Professionals Of the city that the govern
ment should have tried the rioters first up On the
in making out ard it has been supposed that it vas
nothing more than dodge to pu; an extiaguisher
upon the nvestgation of that arocious offence COM
nitted by Roman Catholics, by expanding the time
of the Court and the patience of prosecutors and
witnesses upon trial which would necessarily end
In smoke. They would not allow the misdemeauOr
to be tried first, because there would have been
NO challenges, and fair trial might have the
prisoners to tie pententiary for time. Ooe thing
seems to be clear a0d to be the natural result OF this
mode of conducting the Administration of Justice
that Prtestans must not rely upon che courts Of law
stood, and It'll vel that 1T should be; friends and
fees should alike EEL that there is but ono
way OF preserving the peace and that timely severity
is kind consideration. Q.