Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1870-04-01

CIRCUIT COURT, Jsdye Cdrtter.-Yesterday, ,
in the case of Page agt. Stewart, the jury were
unable to agree, and were discharged.
SUIT FOR LIBEL-THE CARNEY CASE RE
DIvIvUs-A NEW PHASE OF AN OLD CoNrRo-
To-day, IN the Circuit Court, Judge Cartier,
the case Of 5. Chase Barney agt. Harvey Linds-
ley was taken up-MessIs. X. j. Brent anu IL
Harrington for plaintiff. and Messrs. A. G. Rid
die, r. ID. MISSY and w. Y. Fendall for defend
ant. The plaintiff sues the defendant for hay.
a letter. dated the 25th of November, 1851, ad-
dressed and delivered to the Hon. James Har-
Ian, containing among other things the words
ioiowing' THAI Is TO say the pen ioner mean,
Barney, IT., who was then petitioner TO Con-
gress for the passage of law authorizing his
name to be changed) in this case is my ward and
is anxious TO have his name changed, on account
of the bad character of his father, (meaning the
plaintiff who is the father of the petitioner ,)and
an uncle, (meaning brother of the plaintitf,l
who have brought disgrace, as he thinks,
on the name" Also, that he addressed
another letter, dated November Is, in which
he makes similar statement Barney
claims damages to the amount of $4,000.
In the return of Senator Harlan to a subpoena
duces tecum to produce in court a copy OF the
letter read by him to the Senate on the 10th of
November. 1867, Senator Harlan answers that
at the time Of the application for a change of
name. he was chairman of the Committee on
the District of Columbia; that the COMMITTEES
acted favorably on the application, and reported
a BILL which passed both houses of Congress;
that the letter in question was sent with the bill
to the House and not returned to the files of the
Senate; that he never had in his possession any
etter for DIR. Lindsey other than as a member
| OF the Senate that such communication became
the property of the government; that communi-
cations addressed to Congress are privileged,
and that their production in evidence against
the parties making them is not required by law,
and would be a subversion of the right of petit
ton, than which no right is more precious to
the American people.
Mr.. Harrington moved an attachment for
Senator Harlan, and the Court overruled the
motion, stating that under the Constitution the
Court had no power to arrest or attach MEM
Der of Congress during its sessions.
Mr.. Harrington opened the case for the plain
tin, stating that they expected to prove the allie
cations of the bill are true. and that the plain
tiff is entitled to large damages, reading the
letter on which the suit is based.
CRIMINAL COURT, Judge FIsher.-To-day
Essick Vinegar, indicted for stealing a horse
from DIR. Laub, at the Soldiers Home, was found
guilty and sentenced to Albany penitentary for
two years. He was also found guilty of petit
larceny and sentenced to Jail for five days JAS.
Brown, indicted for petit larceny, pleaded
days in Jail.
CASE OF FALSE PRgTKNCEs.
The case of the United States agt. Antonio
Pelletier indicted for obtaining property from
Ezra l.. Stevens under false pretences, was
taken up, b. p. Lovejoy, Esq, assisted by A.
A. Riddle and +. Miller, Esqs., appearing for
Webb and II. A. Pierce, Esqs. for the defence.
1t appears that Stevens, the prosecuting wit
ness, and Pelleter, the defendant, were en-
gagged i'm buying and selling horses. Stevens
making the purchases at Oberlin, Ohio, where
he was residing, and giving drafts on Peletier,
at Washington in payment. 1t Is contended by
the prosecution that Pelleter, by falsely repre-
senting himself as a man of property induced
Stevens to purchase the horses and give his
drafts in payment. The drafts were not hon
Ored by Pelletier, and the consequence was
Stevens had to pay them. The case will prob
ably occupy several days.
THE FIFTEENTH ANENDMENT-Demons tration
Of the Fire Depdrtment.-Yesterday afternoon,
about O'Clock, general alarm was struck, by
order of the Chief OF the Fire Department. from
box 81, Bank of WashingtOn,) which brought
out the Fire Department for the purpose OF a
parade in honor of the ratification of the Fiji
teenth Amendment. The line was formed, No.
I taking the lead and the Hook and Ladder
Company bringing up the rear. The men were
In full uniform, and presented a fine appear
ance. Chief Engineer Martin Cronin gave the
signal for the start, and the procession, pre-
ceded by him, moved past Police Headquarters,
where they were reviewed by Mayor Bowen and
then moved down AZ street to Pennsylvania
avenue, and thence to the Executive Mansion
President and Mrs. Grant appeared at the open
window and returned the compliment OF the
department by bows of acknowledgment. The
department passed the residence OF Vice Presi-
dent COfax, the engines saluting by blowing
their whistles; and, on returning, the signal
was given for a run, and the department passed
through the Presidents grounds at full speed
the men cheering as they passed the Mansion.
OFFICER A. ID. CHASE, of the second precinct
rendered his resignation to the Board OF Police
yesterday, and was accepted.