Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1861-05-08

Judge BETTs, of the United States District
Cour Of New York, charged a special grand jury
few days sgo, upon questions of piracy and
treason. After explaining to the jury the extra
ordinary events which required their session, thus
proceeded to define what constitutes the crimes
which they might be called cpoh to investigate
He said:
The most atrocious national offensss are IRA
son and PIRACY, (the latter involving wa- against
mankind, equally with hostility against the eoun-
try to which the offenders owe allegiance aad
coneomitant to treason,) the lesser but heinous
crime of misprison of treason.
The latter is only second to treason In being
negative in its character, in wilfully omittng 10
do what the duty of faithful citizen requires be
should do for the safety of the country Our
Constitution declares treason to consist in levy
ing war against the United States, or in adhering
70 their enemies, giving them aid or comfort"
The law pronounces the penalty of death against
every one convicted of the offense in any partcu-
lar of its definition or description Piracy con
sists in forcible capture or robbery on the high
seas of any vessel or her lading, by a vessel or
her company, not authorized by lawful commits
sion from our government, and organized and act
ing under the law of nations and is punishable by
death, in any tribunal Of all countries where the
ofense is triable
cessary to convict Of the high crime. or a confes-
sion by the accused in open court. His admis-
sion of acts done by him, made in writing OF YER
bally, are legal evidence, and become in judg
ment of law tantamount to the testimony OF two
Witnesses Giving aid or comfort TO the enemies
of the country consists in furnishing the militaTg
supplies, food, clothing, harbor or cOncedment.
or communicating information to them, helping
their hostiiities against the country and IL gov
ernment.
1t l. most probable that complaints will be lad
before you under this branch and definition ofthe
crime. Within il will be included acts of build
ins, manning, or in any way fitting out or vctusl
ing vessels 60 aid the hostilities of our enemies
sending provisions, arms, or other supplies 70
them. raising funds obtaining credit for their
service, indeed, every traitOr0us purpose mani
tested by acts committed in this district BY per
sons owing allegiance 10 the country, will be ac;s
OF treason.
II is not necessary that the accused should
have raised or created by his own acts; he levies
war BY acting with those who have set on foot. or
by se!zing holding ports, or like acts OF hostile
aggression The kindred crime of misprison OF
treason is this: Ii any person, owing allegiance
to the government, has knowledge of acts Ol
treason committed by Others within the jurisdic
ton of the court, and does not make il known 70
the President Of the United States. one of the
Judges of the United States or the Governor o.
comes guilty of miSprision of treason, and sub
ject to seven years Imprisonment and fine OF
s. 600 for the ofiense, and il is the duty O. the
grand jury t. present for trial therefor such Of
fender, whatever may be his individual connection
orTelationship with the offender.
The belief of individuals in the right of resis.-
ing government, either individually or by State,
on the claim Of secession otherwise from the
authority OF the government, affords no jurisiil-
ton or palaton of the crime. Secession, how
ever effected or sanctioned. is under our Consti-
tuition and laws. nothing other than rebellion.
You perceive in this slight sketch, gentlemen
of the jury, what vigorous provisions your laws
have adopted for the protection of the Govern
ment and people from the preparation of crime
| OF such magnitude. and how important % the
| well-being of society il is that your high func-
| tions in discovering and thwarting them should
be fearlessly and vigorously exercised. The couE'
will supply YOU with every aid the Law affords tc
/ further and facilitate the performance of your
great trust, and will, you may be assured, not fai
on its part, TO enforce vigorously the law agains
those you may present as having Violated IL.
Il - You are, however, aware gentlemen, that live
ly distrusts and apprehensions agitate the public
mind, and YOU will be cautious to discriminate
In the charges laid before you between those rest
Il ing on a solid foundation of facts and those
which nav be colored throug. over zeal of ac
cusers or rest essentially suspicious aid sp-
prehensions only; when the community IL highly
eXasperated and excited, men are prone TO exag
gerate statements and surmises against persons
suspected of crimes.
Whilst the citizen, whatever his personal con
sideration or worth may be, should be held strict
ly responsible for every act done in violation o
the law. it is right which should be sacredl,
!. preserved to him that he should not be exposes
in life or character TO the hazards Of a crimina
accusation and trial unless the grand jury ar
clearly satisfied there is reasonable proof of h
guilt.