The Plymouth weekly Democrat. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1860-1869, 1861-10-03
ARREST OF JAS. THOMPSON.

The cause Of his arrest is said to be
that he is secessionist. The charge is
doubtless false. He detests aboltionists
and says so on all proper occasions. and
sometimes on improper occasions. He
has hurrahed for jeff. Davis several times,
when maddened and crazed with liquor.
but probably did not speak his sentiments
any more than certain Republican who
did the same thing in store in this town.
He was arrested by men who had no
more right or authority TO do such thing
than they had to arrest tho President Of
the United States. Many of tie
Republicans applauded the act. The real
cause Of his arrest, was that he is Dem.
crat and has some personal enemies, who
have instigated this matter for the purpose
of revenge.
We do not defend Thompson in any Of
the scenes of vioencs in which he has not
unfrequently been concerned. Indeed,
his course of conduct has been such as to
ALLEVIATE many who would otherwise have
been his friends. But this is no justi6ca-
ton Of those who violated the most posi-.
tive and undeniable rights recognized in
civilized communities.
II Thompson has violated any law, there
is mode and degree Of punishment
provided. There is no necessity, excuse
or apology for such proceedings. The
safety Of the government, or the peace
and good order of society. does not require
it. The Constitution and laws forbid it.
Our ablest jurists denounce it. Nobody
in this or any other community. who is
loyal to the civil government, will endorse
or countenance such proceedings.
The Constitution protects. or was de-
signed to protect, citizens of the United
States from unreasonable search and seiz-
ure. and expressly provides: (See Amend
ments to the Constitution. Article ivy
1.-The right Of the people TO be secure
in their persons, houses. papers, and
effects, against unreasonable searches and
seizures. shall not be violated. and no
Warrant shall issue but upon probable
cause. supported by Oath or affirmation.
and particularly describing the place TO
be searched, and the persons or thipgs to
be seized.
i" Article V. No person shall be held
to answer for capital or otherwise infa-
nous crime unless on presentment or
indictment of Grand Jury, except in
cases arising in the land or naval forces,
or in the Militia, when in actual service in
time of war or public danger; nor shall
any perseo be subject for the same offense
TO be twice put in Jeopardy Of life or limb;
nor shall he be compelled in any Criminal
Case TO be witness against himself. nor
be deprived of LIFE, LIBERTY, OR
PROPERTY, without due process of law:
nor shall private property be taken for
public use, without just compensation"
We publish the above for the benefit of
hose wEo have sworn to support the Con-
stitution. and yet engage in such scenes
IS were enacted here on Monday. Those
who have been SO clamorous for the en-
Iorcement of the Constitution and laws,
bad an opportunity of proving the SINGER
ty of their professions. and of course they
proved them to be false.
1t is news to the people that they are
axed, and compelled to support an army
which is used or permitted to trample un-
Ter foot the Constitution and the rights Of
men. The Constitution is in danger
enough from the Southern rebels, without
is existence being ignored by those who
nave sworn to support it.
The citizens Of this county are loyal to
o the government, and obedient to the
avs. We speak for the Democratic por-
ion. So many Of the Republicans as en-
lorse mob law, are traitors aud, SO far as
principle is concerned, their country's
worst enemies
p. s. Since the above was written,
Thompson has been released, and has re-
urned home. The terms of his release
We did not hear. The government is now
opposed to be safe; lin fact, very safe.
his is known to be the fact, for was not
thompson taken and kept in irons, and
eleased? Gen. Nc Clelan will doubtless
ssue an order complimenting the men on
heir timely deliverance Of the government
rom the immir ent perils which surround
d it,
We understand that Col. Miller says
e was absent from his regiment at the
me the arrest was made, and that it was
gaiEst his orders. Ii this is true, it is
compliment to him as man, but not as
com q ndino nfficer