Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1865-03-08
The Voice Of Liberty not yet Hu5hcd.

The Voice OF Liberty not yet flushed.
1t is gratifying to learn that at least
some members IF Congress. who have
heretofore assented to acts Of the present
Administration aiming fatal blows at
public liberty in America. are beginning
to manifest willingness to relrace their
steps. On the u inst, when lie civil ap-
preparation bill was under dis cussion in
the House OF Representatives, (0 bin that
must either pass or the heels Of Govern
meut stop Mr. Davis, of Maryland, Of
fercd an amendment, fuIbi lding The trial
by courts martial or military commission,
Of any person except those mustered in
to the military or naval service or rebel
enemies charged with being spies" and
that all proceedings heretofore had, con-
trary 10 this section. shall be vacated,
and all persons so held, and now under
SET tence, shall be forthwith delivered to
the civil tribunals" &c. The amendment
was adopted by yeas 70, nays ca. The
latter clause Of the amendment was at last
stricken out by the close vote Of I3 to l..
| his is 10 be regretted But let US be de-
voutly thankful for what has been gain
ed, and that these monstrou5 Outrages a.
gaiuot the personal rights Of the citizen
must cease. Mr.. Davis, violent republi-
can as he is, deserves the thanks of every
lover Of liberty for his efforts in this be-
half and if we are correctly advised, The
country is also. indebted 10 Gov. Curtin for
valuable efforts in this connection.
The following is q sketch of the debate {:
The civil appropriation bill being under
consideration, Mr.. Davis, Of Mary land, Of
fered an amendment that no person shall
DC tried by military commission or court
martial where the coutts are open, except
persons actually mustered into the mill
/ tary service Of the United States and reb-
el enemies charged with being spies; all
proceedings heretofore had in such cases
are declared void, and all persons not
subject 10 trial by military commission or
court martial shall be forthwith disCharg-
| ed or delivered over TO the civil authorl-
/ ties.
| Mr.. " ashburne, of Illinois. raised the
question that the amendment was not in
order.
This point was sustained by the Chair
man, Mr.. Pike, but on appeal from his
decision was reversed yeas 40, nays 60.
! Mr.. Herman, OF New York said he trus-
ted the amendment would oe adopted
without rousing partisan feeling. BY re-
ferring TO the many cases OF arbitrary ar
rests and trial, he thought the House ow-
ed it to constitutional liberty and the
preservation OF u republican gov eminent
to adopt the amendment.
Mr.. Dawes, of Massachusetts,, said that,
having been on special committee to
examine into frauds in contracts, he had
!, united in reporting bill, which become
law, subjecting such offenders 10 trial by
court martial. 1t was an extreme meas
ure, but he felt that it was necessary to
check what seemed to be great evil. He,
at the time, thought the law would be adj
ministered with reason, but he was sorry
10 say, from his observation, that the adj
ministration of the law had been such du-
ring the past year as TO compel him TO
support the amendment. We had lost
sight of the guarantees of the Constitution,
and soen, TO forget that any man has a
right to trial by jury or even to be fur
nishel with the knowledge Of the offence
with which he is charged. Courts mar
tial appeared to be formed with view to
convict, and many Of the proceedings
were not only reproach TO the admins.
tration of justice, out shame and dis.
grace. He alluded to the trial of NJ essrs.
Smith, of Boston, contractors for the ma
Wy, as without parrellel in inlamy since
the days of JeiIries.
Mr.. Schenck of Ohio, would have no
J objection if the amendment confined
courts martial and military commissions