The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1864-07-29
Partisanship for Crime.

Just sixty years ago the present month.
Aaron Burr, Vice President Of the United
States, murdered Hamilton, his political
rival. Up to this time it may safely be said
that no name bore promise Of greater honor
in the future than that Of Burr. But he
suddenly found himself an outcast. with the
utter adherence Of his iellow-citizcns. He
was indicted for murder in New York and
New Jersey, and nothing but the fact Of his
still being Vice President prevented his ar
rest, trial and execution. Tho Mexican
scheme followed soon after this, with the
design OF severance Of the Western States
from the Union, and Burr was sent pris-
oucr to Richmond, charged Nth high treason.
The trial lasted six weeks, and although ac-
quilted by the jury, public opinion was
against him, the public press denounced him,
and he, overwhelmed by tho terrible force Of
that opinion, prepared for secret flight to
Europe. Four years no spent in exile, and
and o. length returned to this country to exc
out a miserable existence, permitted so to
do by tho suiTcranco Of the people whom he
had betrayed.
Notwithstanding tho evidence Of Burr's
unhallowcd ambition. and the firm stand
taken by the Administration OF Jefferson in
regard to his treason. the six weeks OF trial
mt Richmond were among Burr's most popu-
lar days. The party opposed 10 Mr.. Jsger-
son made has cause their o,cn they cxtollcd
his great abilities, and denounced the arbi-
trary acts of tho Administration, and ladies
showcrcd upon him flowers and dainties and
marks Of their esteem.
We have traced tho circumstance Of Burr's
fall and attending f.cts, with view to point
out the starting point Of u dangerous feature
Of our American politics, and one which has
increased to an alarming tent,-that OF CIV
ing partizsn support to persons convicted
Of incompetency, and even Of crime. Per-
haps in ordinary times the trouble COM
planned Of cannot extend to any very great
degree, owing TO the uncxcited verdict Of tho
people which isquite sure to be given to men
and measures. But in perilous war times,
rs We have seen during the three years Of the
war, the evil has grown to be fearful, and
oae which may excite apprehensions for the
future.
As An illustration, wo may mention that
tho Government has not placed its hand upon
single traitor, however dangerous he has
been, but what the act has been denounced,
and the crimes Of that traitor either palliated
or denied altogether, by large and power
sul party. A man Of prominence devotcs
his time in haranguins the people to resist
tho authorities; by his teachings an excited
populaco do resist the law, and bloodshcd
eusucs. Thercupon tho Government, in
stead of bringing him to responsibility
equal 10 his oiicnse, sends him beyond our
lines. virtually saying to him, "Your life,
which you have forfeited, we will not take
but IL you ares,ill determined to handle tire,
wc insist that you shall not do il to endan-
ger our property" Immediately that indi-
vidnal becomes martyr worthy to DO en-
shrincd rs saint in tho hearts Of thousands
and thousands, because Of what? Not bo-
cauro the people do not believe him to DO a
traitor. or that his offence Is doubtful, or his
punishment unjust; but he happens to wear
the party livery, and BY tightening his crimes
the Government can DO more eaectually Op.
posed.
A General disobeys orders and thereby
causes the defeat Of our army, and hysoper
tho way for the capture of tho Capitol. Id
is court mar.ialed, tried by his peers, ant
siser long and patient investigation OF the