The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1860-08-06

rh,ch the House Of Commons bad compelled him
10 institute. The ignorance Of the penalties Of the
law was thers, not his and without express vots OF
the House. the Attorney General declined 10 exercise
prerogative of mercy which neither belonged 20 him in
his individual nor official capacity. The law has had
its course and two days ago. at York, Mr.. W. Leath.
am al the prosecution Of the crown, was convicted Of
brocryan sencc which carries with It the punishment
OF Inc and Imprisonment. We say nothing respecting
the point which apparently has been reserved because
have confident belief that the ends of justice
suffer detrment from further discussion which
likely TO take place before the full court But throwing
tecbnicates aside, we wish to ask every sensible and
appropriated man whether candidate who places 81 500
In the hands Of 10 agent for election purposes
admitting that the expenditure Is " be at
the absolute discretion Of the agent-does not vir
tnay make himself responsible for any illegal
acts which that agent may commit The law declares
Uhe 18th and 18th Vic 1922 that every person shall
be guilty Of bribery who directly, or indirectly BY him
self any other person his behalf shall gye, lend
agree TO give lend, shan Offer promise, pro-
mise TO proeue, endeavor TO procure, any money or
valuable consideration to for any voter 10 vote,
frain from voting" Mr. Leatham either is, or was,
partner in the local banking house Of Ieatham, rew
Company and being afraid that clerks would gossip
II he drew out large OF money at the time Of the
election obtained g 800 from the firm Of Messrs. Over
end Quincy in London This money was despatched
who was employed TO assist Mr.. Wainwright the only
liberal solicitor in Waksfeld--a gentleman who, II
matters Mr., Thomas Field Gilbert, who was Familiarity
called ''the Doctor, the Confessor, and simply "M
Field during bis residence in Mr. Wainwrigats house,
various amounts, varying from $50 10 $40 one hair.
dresser admitted 10 Mr. james that he had receiv $40
for 'penetraor hair brush which he now sold at the
moderate cost OF three shilings Gilbert kept his
counsel bat he eectua!iy aidei aud abcttedby
Mr. Sharpiey, sub agent of corruptou who, having
made truthful disclosure, possessed the certcate of
indemnity which Mr. Leatham had not been able 10 OBJ
tain But the law further declares that expenses shall
be paid except through the intervention of the cleo
ton auditor. Mr.. Leatham gave a check upon
his private bankers Tor tue sum OF EATS 7s 3D.,
the amount Of his legal expenses; but he kept the
auditor in complete ignorance Of the 81 SEQ or 60 500
which had passed through the hands OF Mr. Gilbert
THIS gentleman, however, would seem to have poor
opinion Of Wakefield. He said in his evidence III
had had sackul OF money, such is the nature Of the
Wakefield electors, that could baye disposed OF it, 1t
is the annual bribery at the municipal elections which
whets their appettes II appears that the of f700
expended for watchers, and yet that many of the
watched gentlemen received double brides aud thus by
accident voted conscentously Mr. Gilbert further
would rather deal with ten thousand than with them.
they very peculiar sort of gentlemen AT first they
very moderate, aud wanted only f15 or CO. but
they doubled that as they went on, ana afterwards
doubled that and believe they got it, but not from U.s."
The evidence adduced at the trial, TO say nothing
ply Sufficient to justify the House of Commons in pdef.
nitey postponng the issue of new writ for Wakefield.
But say that q candidate who entruss the
large sum Of 60 500 to the hands Of agent and
who deliberately separates his legal expenses from the
probable charges of corruption not guilty within the
provisions OF the act Of the Queen? Mr. Leatham having
trusted much the clever artaccs Of Gilbert, has
become exposed TO the risk Of an ignomnious pun
shment. Will his example have q salutary and deter
ring effect? We believe that will. At all events the
public will appreciate the straightforward course Of the
Attorney General and contrast with the vaclatpg 20
cate that law which is their own handicra and
manslip.