The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1860-12-16
LOUISIANA.

From the New Ovtcans Bee, Dec. al
The doings of the secret Vigilance Committee, the
knowledge that they actively but quietly investgst
Ing the Of certain suspicious residents in midst
and the belief that they will ferret organized
rang Of aboitonsts and make public some astounding
dscosures at present occupying every mind almost
70 tho exclusion OF other public topics The citizens of
New Orleans, almost to man. have awakened from the
ethargc Indifference that has characterized commu
nifty but too long in regard 10 this vitality important sub
jcc, and which attributable, not much to the
crossing demands Of their business want OF proper
spirit AZ 70 their complete ignorance OF the prcscncn OF
number Of nsAatical or unprncipled men among them
who have been writing fraudulent passes for slaves en-
ccuragng dissatisfaction among them and aiding them IN
escape to the North. All this Indifference has passed
away; the nrsi law of nature, self dcicnco, has been
adopted. and of beat and most responsible
citizens leading movement that viii not be impeded
by 'the laws delay, 10 rid our city Of moral IL not
tual, ncendaries. We deem that We are violating no
confidence IN publishing this much as the public should
understand sufficiently OF what y going TO lend their
countenance and aid, II necessary.
In our Lat issue we reported the application made by
VIM y Harris for A writ Of babeas corpus II was re
urnabe In the First District Court at half past ten
ocock saturday morning aud the court crowd
cd tho occason Une cf the sunday Journals gives the
follows ing account Of the prcceedings.-
Attorney General semmes being present, Judge Hunt
Attorney said he had not had time 10 prepare written
report, but would make a verbal one. Mayor Monroe,
the Chief q Police and Recorder Emerson we're present
The Attorney Generals report but the reading of the
affidavit "a by the Chief of Police before Recorder
Emerson that the said William Harris, from informa-
ton received had violated the 26th section OF the
Black Code Of the Statutes Of louisiana The Attorney
General then read the section OF the Code and concluded
Judge iIunt-Who maker the anldatty Attorney Gene
ra-fhe Chief of Police, Honor made the am
davt Col Field would state the Court that tho
Mayor held my ellen, iarris) and the only witness
against him the Testimony Of one man who heard
him (Harris) say to a frend-thoush he didn't know a
he was earnesthat II there had been Lincoln electoral
ticket in the city be (iarr-) would have voted ~ and
that there another in the city who would also
have voted H. Mr.. Bidwel said Col Field, testified be-
fore the Mayor that Harris and another once IN biz
employ mcnt-Mr b being part owner OF the Academy OF
Mscdesired 10 vote for Bell and Everett IN this city
but we're prevented so doing by being nonresisterei
Recorder Emerson being called and sworn testified 70 the
adayt against Harris having been sworn out before him
at quarter to two O'Clock yesterday. lie didn't issue
war; ant for the arrest OF Harris, but returned the
nfidayit to the Mayor, with memorandum on the
hack He did MT examine any witnesses, and there
was no charge made the record book against
Harris until about SIX O'Clock Friday evening. Mayor
Monroe being called and sworn, IN answer TO the
Attorney General. said thaA Harris had been arrest
"a hy tie Chief a Police aided by himself The arrest
WIS made the night n the Goth utimo Next morning
had the accused before me N my room and one witness
marks about voting the Lincoln trkc, " there had been
one IA the city Az ten O'Clock OIL Field came IN while
examining the case, and asked II lwoud permit MIN
10 act "a Harris counsel IN the matter. said would
be very happy, indeed u have hun "A counsel Tor the
man. a. wanted everything done fairly and properly
uciock lie had business In the Second District Rccor
dcrs Court consented saying that did no, Sec how
ever why the Harris should be detained ever ~
lng IL there was nothing sgains, him. Col Fold and
Harris then agreed TO let tho matter wait over TN one
o'clock But in the meantime he, Io flel, sues 0ut
wr, habeas CORPUS against The arrest u the man
HArrIs was made by my orders the written repre-rn
aions If the person alleging Harris 20 have said what
stated about the lincoln ticket instituted inquiries
responsibility Of this person 50 informing ms
and found him man Of position. CUl Field-Wih you
state Mr. Mayor, n Mr.. Bdwell was sworn M,yor-So
he Vas not though he gave Information at the tim.
Col Field think he sworn. ] am sure he was
Mayor--So, cir, he was not Col F-Wii you state
Whit the testimony was taken before your Msyor-l'
has already been stated and there IL in the writing
sen, to me. Judge Hunt understand you, Mr. Mayor
10 that you gave legal counsel opportunity TO in
vestirste the matter before yous Msyor-Yes, sir
Judyr lfgntloi ficd did understand you TO say yes
tefay that could not get access 70 ths prison or Ar
opportunity b. present at the examinations Cot p
No your Honor mus, have misunderstood ma. Judg'
Hunt here remarked that the closed, and tn
Attorney General said there charge against Harris
1he Court LEGAL grounds In THE charge for the ar
rest OF a man who casually speaks hts sentiments 70
friend a. "a whom h. would vote for and therefore, ds
charges the accused said casual remarks not being un
derssood be earnest AT the time BY the nfornsn
against the accused -, .,
| tm Saturday nigh, committee Of three gsntlemei
called at the two story brick dwelling corner OF @ot
and 81 Charlie streets which u the -ign IA VI Bur
rift NJ n H,sneorathic Physician" Inquring for thu
person they were ushered into his pre-enoe md 10 hn
asioniahmcnt and terror preceded " inform him tina
the obcc, their visit suggest the return W tncd
Northern homes ~ himself ami h.s 'housokeepI, MRS
Harriet r., they were wei Informed ~ " his snte
cceLt and that At present he was an active aootoaiss
while bis .hnasekeeper" the View Orleans corrrs
pendent of the Brton B1nncr NJ Li1h. on course n
protested against this view 81 affairs and tried u nduc
the belief that some Of his wife's actions had been acc