Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1867-08-01
The Radicals Deny Free Speech!

On Saturday Mr.. Samuel Strong, who
lives on Maryland avenue, near First street,
Washington, complained to Senators Har-
ian and Nye and Judge Fisher>of the work.
men engaged in laying the pavement near
his house, for talking against Congress and
using abusive language. He particularized
one individual, whom he afterwards iden-
tilted as Charles SorrelI, a laborer, and
was thereupon advised to have him arrest
ed This was done by the detectives, Mr.
Strong accompanying them. The Sunday
Herald contains the following account Of
what then occurred aa i
At the police headquarters Mr.. Sorrell
stated before Justice Walter that before
the days work had commenced Mr. Strong
was sweeping the sidewalk in front of his
residence, which had been recently paved,
and remarked to the workmen assembled
that Congress had finished their labor,
having passed the military reconstruction
bill, and would adjourn at 3 o'clock Mr..
Sorrell remarked that econ greess and the
capitol ought to have been blown up before
they passed it, whereupon Mr.. Strong
exclaimed, ''You are id REBEL ] will
have you arrested right away. The Dry
Tortugas is the place for you, sir" He
thought nothing more of the language he
had used, and proceeded with his work.
Mr. Strong being sworn, stated that he
had often heard the workmen talking
against Congress, and they were engaged
at this time in using abusive language.
He also said, [ heard the prisoner say, II
wish I could place fifty barrels of gunpow-
der under the Capitol, and blow them all
TO he'll" asked the man who said it his
name, but he would not tell me; [ then
asked number of the mechanics what the
mans name was who made that remark,
but could not get any Of them to answer
me. came to the city and met Senator
Harlan, and told him the conversation
had heard, and remarked that it was hab-
it eff these secessionists to abuse and threat
en- Congress. He told me to go with him to-
the Capitol and he would see about it.
The sergeant f-arms was notified of the
threatening language that had been used,
and he sen. the lieutenant of the Capitol
police to make the complaint.
I spoke to Senators Harlan and Nye,
and also to Judge Fisher, and they all
said that I was perfectly right about it.
The next witness sworn was John E,
Roberts, connected with the Capitol police,
and formerly an attache of General Bakers
detective force, who told story about the
man pointing at the Capitol, &c., which
was denied by the prisoner
Justice Walter, to the prisoner
will know hereafter how to talk, and not
to be SO free in speaking, your feelings
Prisoner-Yes, sir; did not know that
it was any harm to say what | did.
Thejustice announced that he should
hold the prisoner in $500 for his appear
ance hereafter, whenever he may be want
ed, and also for his good behavior for six
months. Mr.. W I. Walker offered the
necessary security, and Mr.. Sorrell was
permitted to have his liberty .as# S
Mr.. Charles Sorrell is poor laboring
man, about thirty years of age, and is a
peaceabe citizen, residing on the island.
He served in the Union navy during the
late war for over two years, and is highly
respected by all who know him for his ex-
emplar conduct.
i a