Weekly Calaveras chronicle., 1867-12-07
For the Chronicle.
Have We Civil Tribunal
Mr.. EDIToR.-
Mr.. EDITOR

This inquiry is suggested in view of ex-
listing circumstances and the awful tragedy
that has been enacted in our midst. 1t is
understood that besides the author of this
fearful murder, there are two others held in
our Jail charged with like crime, one of
whom has been tried. convicted and SEN
fenced to be hung, and though the time fixed
for his execution has expired months since,
no steps are in progress with the authorities
for the final disposal of him or his accom-
plice.
The opinion is current, and amounts to a
conviction in the public mind, that no man
in Calaveras county who can raise n few
hundred dollars, need suffer the penalty of
the law for any crime. Is it, therefore,
strange that rufian who, by his long con-
tinued deeds of violence has made himself
terror to his neighbors, should by one act
connected him with the ordinary sympathies
of humanity nor is it to be supposed, that
after the commission of so foul deed in the
presence of competent witnesses, he would
have had the hardihood to surrender him
self, but with the natural and confident ex-
pectation that by SO doing he could most
easily escape the penalty of his crime.
Let those who plead for kindness in a case
like this, know that the greatest kindness
that can be rendered by them to this unhap-
Ply person is to show the community that in
its ciuil authorities there is protection
against his atrocities. CITIZEN.
There are number of errors in the above
communication which we desire to correct.
"Citizen," speaking in reference to the ne
gro, Ferguson, who has been convicted as
one of the murderers of Mr.. B. r. C. john
son, says: HE has been tried, convicted
and sentenced to be hung, and though the
time fixed for his execution has expired
months since, no steps are in progress with
the authorities for the final disposition of
him and his accompllces.' "Citizen" has
stated what is incorrect. The facts in the
case are these: Ferguson was tried for MUIR
fenced to be hung on the It'll day of July
last His counsel petitioned the Supreme
Court for new trial, ard stay of proceed
lngs for sixty days was granted in order to
allow the Justices to examine the evidence.
At the expiration Of that period the petition
for a new trial was denied and the case re-
rmanHp1 to ba D,rtr;o+ Court for
Since that time the District Court has not
been in session, SO the delay cannot be caus-
ed by desire on the part of the authorities
to retard the operation of the law. No term
of the District Court has been held since lis
supposed accomplish, Miranda, was arrested;
consequently his trial has not been possible.
So far as Fallon is concerned, while we have
no sympathy for him and do not wish to be
considered as his advocate we do not coun-
tenance the proceedings of those who have
endeavored to take the law into their own
hands, and whose acts "Citizen'' evidently
wishes to justify. Laws are framed for the
protection of the innocent and punishment
of the guilty, and their execution is placed
in the hands of those elected for that pur-
pose by the people. The right of trial by
jury is sacred. and innovations upon it de-
throne justice and tend directly towards an
archy and confusion. While our columns
are open for the discussion of all questions
of public interest, those who wish to avail
themselves of the privilege must furnish us
with their names-not for publication, but
that we may guard against imposition
led. CHRONICLE.