The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-04-18
CORRESPONDENTS IN THE FgEED.

Secretary Stewards Action i'm the Case OF
Robert u. Lynch-Pardoncd by the
Canadians Through American Inter-
ference.
The case of Robert B. Lynch, who was arrested
and tried In Canada for participation In one OF
the Fenian raids into that country, possesses at
the present moment more than ordinary interest
lie was tried at Toronto and condemned to death.
Lynch, who was British subject, accompanied the
invaders in the capacity Of newspaper corre-
spondent to report the incidents OF the campaign
and had no connection with the Fenian organiza-
ton. The circumstances OF his case and
the great peril in which he stood, con-
sderng the exasperated feelings Of the volunteers
called into service and OF the people gener-
ally across the border, caused the United States to
intervene actively in his behalf. AFR. Seward Sec
rotary Of State, took high ground in his cor
respondence with the English government, and in
sisted that there proof OF Lynch's guilt and
that his detention and punishment would be re-
garded as an unfriendly act towards the United
States. He followed the matter up with remarka-
BILE vicor and nrmness, claiming that Great Britain
should not permit Canada to deprive an innocent
man OF his life. The relations between the two
countries were far from being in a satisfactory
condition at the time, and during the discussion In
this particular case, in connection with other un-
settled questions, Mr.. Seward did not hesitate to
declare tslat the continuance OF peace between
England aud America was In imminent peril. The
facts relating to the capture and trial OF Lynch
were as follows:-
THE ARREST
In June, 1866, General o'Neil led body OF
Fenians to the Canada line and crossed over to
Fort Erie. They encountered body OF regular
and colonial troops, and after some fighting in
which there was considerable loss on both sides,
ONei returned to American territory. Some were
left behind and taken prisoners. Among these was
Lynch. He declared when arrested that he was
present only as correspondent for the Louis
vile PRESS that he was unaware of COM
hitting any offence by following, according
TO the instructions OF his employers, his profession
as reporter and that he came over with no hos
tile intensions. At the trial, which took place in
october following, there was evidence introduced
for the prosecution to show that Lynch was among
the Invaders; that he appeared armed with a
sword, apparently exercising command and that
he was addressed as "Colonen The accused SOL
EMMY denied that he acted in the manner stated,
and before coming to trial in order to prove his
assertion made an application
FOR A SAFE CONDUCT
for persons in the United States who were present
at Fort Erie; but the Canadian authorities refused
to grant 1t. The accused was, therefore, lett with
out any witnesses to show that he was not armed
and did not exercise military authority. The EVIL
uence was all one way. point OF law was made
by his counsel to the effect that the Indictment
charged him with being citizen OF the United
States when. in fact, he was a British subject.
Lynch, II appears, wrote to friend while in prison
o letter In which he stated he was an
American citizen, and the Solicitor General
argued that they had good and sufficient ground
for alleging he was not a British subject for they
had it in his own handwriting, lie went on to say,
'.Any person Is an American citizen who has re-
sided here for any length OF time, and we know
well that he came from the United States.n 1t was
argued on behalf OF Lynch that he was in law and
in fact
AN ENGLISH SUBJECT AND NOT AN AMERICAN
CITIZEN.
His counsel exclaimed Here is the life Of fellow
being trembling In the balance, and we have cvi-
dence to acquit him. but we are unable to bring it
forward" The gentleman (air. MARTINI proceeded
to say that 1t was proved Lynch seen IN Buffalo
and beng on that side he had no reason TO disguise
his intention, being among his friends; but man,
he be what was alleged OF him. would rather
boast and seek to curry favor by holding out that
ne was Fenau that the crowd might pat him on
the back. II he was engaged with the Fcnians he
would then have been staggering about telling
them to do this and TO do that but the very
verse was the case. He said he was among them
merely to report.
EVERY GREAT NEWSPAPER,
MT. Martin said, sends reporters where any.
thing OF Importance Is likely to occur, vet no ma
ton would think Of hanging q reporter who was
found with an army for tho purI ose of telling the
public the details Of the war. You remember the
great war between the Northern and Southern
States. Reporters were there in every quarter or
Importance. The leading papers or England mad
representatives there. Did they hang RussclI or