Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1867-07-26
Tyranny In Washington City-Ths Free
dom OF Speech Prohtbited--A Man Arrest
e.. for the Utterance of Words against the
Action OF Congress.
If it would be likely to avail anything
substantial we might be tempted to quote
from the Constitution

If it would be likely to avail anything
substantial we might be tempted to quote
from the Constitution
PARTICLE l.
Congress shall make no law respecting an es-
Enlistment of religion prohibiting the free eX-
ercse thereof; abridging the freedom of speech,
of the press or the right of the people peacea-
bly, to assemble, and to petition the Government
for redress Of grievances"
But what is the use Congressman, or a
majority of them, have ignored the Consti-
tuition, and Thad. Stevens has pronounced
that instrument dead letter; that its ghost
merely remains to brighten some Radicals
and give them the kidney disease there
fore we merely make the quotation as q
matter of reference, and give the report of
the arrest of man in Washington, for
words spoken, as we find it printed in our
Northern exchanges:
On Saturday Mr.. Samuel Strong, who lives on
Maryland avenue, near First street, Washington,
complained to Senators Harlan and Nye and Judge
Fisher OF the workmen engaged in laying the
pavement near his house, for talking against Con-
gress and using abusive language. Heparticular-
lied one Individual, whom he afterwards identified
as Charles Sorre, alaborer, and was thereupon adj
vlsed to have him arrested. This was done by the
detectives, MIR. strong accompanying them. The
Sunday Herald contains the following account of
what then occurred
At the police headquarters Mr.. Sorrell stated
before Justice Walter that before the days work
had commenced Mr.. Strong sweeping the
sidewalk in front of his residence, which had
been recently paved, and remarked to the work
men assembled that Congress had finished their
labor, having passed the military reconstruction
bill, and would adjourn at o'clock. Mr. Sorrell
remarked that Congress and the capitol ought
to have been blown up before they passed it -
Whereupon MIR. Strong exclaimed, "You are a
ID rebel! 1 will have you arrested right
away. The Dry Tortugas is the place for YOU.
sir" He thought nothing more Of the language
ne had used, and proceeded with his work.
MI. Strong being sworn, stated thar he had of
ten heard the workmen talking against Congress,
and they were engaged at this time in using abu-
slve language. He also said, heard the prison.
er say, Il wish could place fifty barrels Of gun
powder under the Capitol, and blow them all to
hell" 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 Sena-
| tor Harlan, and told him the conversation had
| heard, and remarked that it was ahabit of these
secessionsts to abuse and threaten Congress- He
| told me to go with him to the Capitol and he
| would see about it. The sergeant-at-arms was
Iotiied Of the threatening language that had
| tol police to make the complaint
lspoke to Senators Harlan and Nye, and also
to Judge Fisher, and they all said that was per-
fectly right about it.
The next witness sworn was John E. Roberts,
connected with the Capitol police, and formerly an
attache OF Gen. Bakers detective force, who told
story about the pointing at the Capitol, &C.,
which was denied by the prisoner.
Justice Walter, to the prisoner-You will know
hereafter how to talk, and not to be SO free in
speaking your feelings. Prisoner-Yes, sir; I did
| not know that it was any harm to say what did.
The justice announced that he should hold the
prisoner IN $500 for his appearance hereafter,
whenever he may be wanted, and also for his good
behavior for six months. Mr.. W. T. Walker Offer