Civilian & telegraph. [volume] (Cumberland, Md.) 1859-1875, 1865-08-17
CUMBERLAND, MD. THURSDAY, AUGUST IT, 1865.

evidence, ana would prove 1t even to the sat
isfaction of Virginius himself, the principal
| sufferer in the case; and it was reasonable,
he added, THAT in the meantime, the servant
should remain in the custody of her master
The advocates for Virginia, pleading that
Virginius was absent on business of the State
aud would, were notice sent him, attend
in two days time, and that it was unreasona'
BILE that a suit concerning his child should be
carried on in his absence demanded of Appius
to adjourn all proceedings in the cause. until
the fathers arrival; that, in conformity tc
the law which he himself had framed, he
should leave her in the mean time in the Ell.
joyment of her liberty, and not suffer q
young woman of ripe age to encounter the
hazard of her reputation, before the case ol
her freedom was determined.
Appius prefaced his decree with observing 6
that Every law. which Virginius's friends
held out as the foundation of their de-
mand, was proof how much he was in
clined to favor liberty however, that law
could afford no firm security to liberty, if it
were not invariable in the tenor of its opera
ton, without regard either to causes or per-
sons In the case of those who. from servi-
tude. claimed right to freedom, the privil-
egc mention was allowed, because any citizen
can &C. in their behalf; but in the case of her,
who was in the hands of her father, there
was no other person to whom the owner
should yield the custody Of her. 1t was there
fore his determination, that the father should
be sent for that, in the meantime, the claim
ant should suffer no loss of his right, but
should take the maiden into his custody, and
give security for her appearance, on the ar
rival of HIM who was alledgcd to be her faith
cr." Whilst all murmurcd against the i'll
justice of this decree, though not one had
courage to oppose it, Publius Numtorius, the
maidens uncle, and Iclius, her bctrothed-
spouse, arrived at the spot. The crowd hav-
ing readily made way for them. because they
were Of opinion. that, if any thing conld stop
the proceedings of Appius, it would be the
interference of Icilius. the lictor called ont,
that sentence was passed )" and, on Icilius
making loud remonstrances, ordered him to
retire. Even cool temper would have been
infamed by such gross i'll treatment: Icilius
said, "Appius, you must drive Inc hence with
the sword. before you shall accomplish. in ST.
lcnce. what you wish to be concealed This
young woman intend to wed. and expect to
find in her lawful and chastc wife. Call
together then even all the !ictors of your col.
leagues, order the rods aud axes to be got
ready: the spouse of fciiius shall not remain
in any other place than her fathers house. -
Though you have taken from us the protec-
ticn Of tribunes, and an appeal to the Roman
people, the two bulwarks which secured our
liberty. yet there has been no grant made.
to your lust of absolute dominion over our
wives aud daughters. Vent your fury on
our persons and our lives; let chastity, at
least, find safety. If any violence is offered
to her, shall appeal for suceour to the citi-
zens now present, in behalf of my spouse;
Virginius will appeal to the soldiers in be-
half of his only daughter and all of us to the
gods, and to all mankind nor shall you ever
carry that sentence into effect, while we have
life to prevent it. charge you, Appins.
consider again and again to what lengths you
are proceeding let Virginius, when he comes
determine what measures he will pursue in
regard to his daughter; only of this | would
have him assured, that if be submits to this
mans claim of obtaining the custody of her,
he must seek another match for his daughter;
rs for nc, in vindication Of the liberty of my
spouse. will forfeit my life sooner than my
honor"
The passions of the multitude were now
-aised, and there was every sign of violent
contest ensuing. The lictors had gathered
,onnd Icilius, but proceeded, however, no far
her than threats, when Appius said. THAT
he defence of Virginia was not the motive
which actuatcd Icilus /; but, turbulent by Da-
ure. and breathing, at that instant the spir-
t of the tribuueship, he was seeking an oc-
,asion of sedition. He would not however.
1t that time, give him matter to work on
,ut, in order to convince him at once that this |
Indulgence was granted, not to his petulance,
,ut to the absent Virginius. to the name of
be father, and to liberty, he would not then
lecide the cause, nor ir terposc any decree
,e would even request Of Marcus Claudius
o depart somewhat from his right. and suffer
he maiden to be bailed until the next day. |
Gut if, on the next day. the father did not
ttend, he now gave notice to Icilius. and to
'ersons like Icilius, chat, as its founder, he
would not fail to support his own law nor, as
to show proper degree Of resolu-
ion nor should he call together the 'ictors
f his colleagues, to check the efforts of the
omenters of sedition, but be content with his
wn lictors" The execution of his iniqui-
Gus design being thus deferred, the advocates
+ the girl having retired. resolved, first of
il, that the brother of Iciius and the son of
nm ;torius active younp men should set oF |