New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-12-30


heavy importers, and subsequently induced many Of
them to buy of the smuggler in order to compete
with their neighbors. The manner of smuggling
so varied that it is unnecessary TO refer to it
particularly It's extent reached millions of dollars.
In some of the il Lawrence's habit to sign
fictitious names to his invoices and make oath to
them, representing himself as the one whose name
the invoices bore.
After years of rascality, he was finally caught in
England, and the case brought to the attention OF
the British Government on his Indictment. The
Webster Ashburton Treaty Of 1912, Article X,
says: ut is agreed that the United States and Her
Britannia Majesty ehall upon mutual acquisitions
by them their ministers, officers, authorities
respectively made, deliver up to justice all persons
who, being charged with the crime of murder or
assault with intent to commit murder or piracy or
arson, robbery, or forgery, or the utterance Of
forged paper committed within the jurisdiction OF
either shall seek an asylum shall be found within
the territories of the other" As smuggling is not
recognized in this treaty cause for extradtion,
| the charge Of forgery made against Lawrence
and he was surrendered by the British Government.
The case then became one requiring the acton OF
the United States authorities. 1t was proposed to
! try Lawrence frat the count in the indictment
charging smuggling. There was no doubt of his
conviction on that charge, while there was grave
uncertainty that the charge If forgery and utterng
! forged papers would end in conviction.
Ii is understood that at this point Sir Edward
Thornton, the British Minister, was appealed to, and
that he at once opened a correspondence with the
state Department, claiming that Lawrence should
be tried for the crime for which he was delivered to
our Government, and not otherwise The punport of
the correspondence is not definitely known, but ut
all events the subject brought up in Cabinet
meeting and discussed at considerable length. The
result was that communication was sent TO United
States Attorney Bliss acQuamtIng him with the
fact that the Cabinet had considered the subject,
and ordering him to proceed to the trial of Lawrence
| on the charge FOR which he was eXtradited. This
| order was not obeyed and during the past two
months three other letters sent 70 Nj Bliss,
the last dated few days ago, again and again
calling his attention to the first order. in addition
TO this the Attorney General gave verbal instruc-
tons to Mr. Bliss ut the formers Office IN tus CITY,
1t is thought that the last letter, although no more
explicit in language than the former ones, will have
the desired effect owing to it's peremptory tone
If Mr. Bliss diSTegaIds this lac disr5garded for
mer instructions, it would not seem unlikely
that he would receive different sort Of communl-
cation. 1t ia understood that the British Minister
has indicated, in becoming terms that IN the event
OF the failure of the court TO cOnvicl Lawrence on
the charge of forgery, the United States Govern
mcnt viii be expected to return Lawrence 10 the
soil of England The Cabinet has not yet decided
that point. but viii await the action of the court
IL is the des re of certain authorities Of the Govern
mcut to try Lawrence the smuggling charge in
any event; but, as the now stands, he will first
be tried for forgery, and then, if lac is acquitted he
will be held until bis can be again considered III
Cabinet.
From the tone Of Judge Perreponts late letter. 1t
is evident the Government regards the case one
of great Importance, and it would seem that the
| British Minister had been somewhat earnest in the
matter. The Acknowledgement would hardly have
used tho words he did in ordinary ease. lie Gays,
"This Is matter of very great importance, and you
must not blunder IN it. There are consequences
involved IN 1t of serious nature as have already
verbally told you, and want to proceed in StIct
| conformity with international law and international
courtesy" The Attorney General ia very anxious
about the case and has had cause to be annoyed at
| the course of his District Attorney.