New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1861-01-26
THE TREASON OF AARON BURR.

The treason OF this remarkable man mas OBJ
tanned historical prominence as much from the
high political and military position of the perpe-
traitor, as from the deadly and comprehensive
character Of the treason itself. Burrs whole
conduct was shrouded under q vail Of sinister
mys,eriousness which rendered hun an object Of
suspicion among even his military comrades
When the war closed, and he plunged into the
political melee which succeeded, his natural fond
ness for mystery and intrigue, coupled with
towering ambition which did not hesitate to seize
and apply the most Infamous agencies to accom-
plish its aspirations, speedily laid bare the sell
fshness which formed the real substratum OF bis
character. His treason took place 30 many years
ago, that few beyond the students of American
history have any just conception Of what he n-
tended to accomplish. The popular estimate Of
Burr's conduct and character is correct one;
but the masses are uniformed az to his real de-
signs, or to the comprehensiveness of the plans
be had conceived and organized for rendering
them successful. His treason was essentially
different from that of Arnold. Its striking SINH
larity to that now being practiced by Southern
men, makes the subject worthy of being critically
examined. He corrupted only two Senators.
The present treason has corrupted ten. His two
were arrested and indcted-why not the ten
now
Burr's trial in the United States Circuit Court
at Richmond, Chief-Justice Marshall presiding,
was deliberately reported by stenographers, with
all the volumiuous arguments of counsel, and hills
three closely printed volumes. Though much I'M
certainty is even now expressed by some writer's
as to what he really intended to accomplish,
whether to dismember the Republic or to invade
Mexico yet these volumes afford clear insight
into his plans, from witnesses to whom he con-
fded them, showing beyond all question that his
treason consisted in an organized conspiracy to
seize New-Orleans, and make it the capital of a
Government in which he was to be chief The
Court met at Richmond on the 22d OF May,
1907. Burr, who had been taken on the Missis-
| sippi, had given bail in $4,000 to answer any
Indictment that might be found against him, his
crime, when arrested, being supposed to be only
q msdemeanor, because Of the then prevalent
belief that be merely contemplated an invasion OF
the Spanish colonies, or the planting OF agricul-
tural settlements there To few chosen spirits
he had avowed the former to be his object, while
to nbordinstes and the public he gave out that
be intended the latter. Hence the superstition
that his ofense was only o misdemeauor. He
appeared in Court attended by five distinguished
lawyers, while George Hay, United States Attor-
ney, assisted by William Writ conducted the
prosecution. At the very outset Of the proceed
ngs, Burr aud his counsel showed disposition
b. - n ba and in
course they pertinaciously continued through days
nd weeks Of Argument, so ably and successfully
as to secure repeated rulings in their favor, rs
well as in extending the trial TO the 3lst Of Au
gust, . period Of over three months. In these
arguments, hs well as throughout the trial. Burr
took an active part especially in challenging the
jurors. His bail, pending the action of the Grand
Jury was increased to 500, 900; but he and his
counsel managed to occupy the time of the Court
with motions, objection, snd arguments, until
June "a, when the Grand Jury came in with in
dictments against Burr and Bannerhasset. charg
ing each with misdemeanor aud treason. They
subsequently, indicted Jonathan Dayton, late q
United States Senator from New-Jersey; John
Smith, Senator from Ohio, and sundry others,
all for treason. About 40 witnesses were sum.
moned for the prosecution.
Burr now appealed to the discretion Of the
Court not 10 commit him. asserting that the in
dictment had been obtained by perjury; but he
was sent to prison. Previously. however, he
pleaded not guilty. On the 10th Of August, the
first juror was called up, He said that any man
acting as Burr had acted ought to be hung.
Burr catechized him closely, and rejected him.
Most Of the venire held the same opinion. To
get at their opinions required long and patient
investigation; but on the 18th the panel was
completed. Burr was then commanded to stand
up while the indictment was read. 1t charged
him with intending to disturb the peace Of the
country, to "excite insurrection, rebellion and
"war against the said United States, on the
" tenth of December, in the year of Christ one
" thousand eight hundred and six, at q certain
place called and known by the name of Ban-
nerhasset's island, in the County of Wood,
and District of Virginia, and within the
"jursdction Of this Court, and that with force
"snd srms, unlawfully falsely, maliciously,
"and traitorousy, be did compass, imagine,
"and intend to levy war, insurrection, and
rebellion, against the said United States"
The second count charged him with collect
ing bodies Of armed men at the same time
and place, and proceeding down the Ohio River
for the purpose Of capturing New.Orleans.
The reading was followed BY long and able
opening from the United States Attorney, after
which he called Zen VIM Eaton M q xv;toass