The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1890-12-28
THE ms AND OUTS
OF SPANISH LAW.
Strange Interpretation Put Upon
Official Obligations.
An Innocent Young Man Betrayed by Hi
Lawyer-Strange Law Governing French
Gold and Silver Smiths.

nrARIS. Dec. 8, 1890.-Some months
~ ago, the French people were in I
NS*N state of CONSERVATION because an
innocent man had been condemned to death
and saved. only by a chance, from the hor-
rible fate that might have been his. This
mans name was Borras, and since his
rescue many criminals are trying to escape
condemnation, citing the case of BorraS as
precedent. Among these criminals is
one, named Redon, worthy of notice, be-
cause his father has made so many exertions
in his behalf. Redon Senior is man of con-
siderable wealth. and every paper that has
published anything derogatory to his sou
has been sued for libel. August 4,
1856, Talabard, the Bishop Of Moulins'
cook, was assassinated, and robbery
was the motive for the crime. After the in
quest, RedoD, young soldier, was arrested
and condemned to death; his sentence was
afterward committed to hard labor for life.
Great was the excitement for many per-
sons. even the lawyers, said that Redon had
been condemned without sufficient proof
of culpablity. 1t was proven that the MUIR
dered man had struggled with his assassin
and in the struggle the assassin's clothing
must have been stained with blood. Young
Redon's clothing had not one trace of blood,
and his shoes, that should have been
drenched with his victims blood, were
without stain.
INTANGIBLE EVIDENCE.
One proof against Redon was that he
could not account for the manner in which
he had spent his time the morning of the
murder; another that in his possession
were found $50 francs, and of the presence
of this money he could give no eXplana-
ton.
These proofs were very fragile and the
poor father left not stone unturned to
prove the innocence of his son. All was of
Eo avail. and we remember the account
given by the journals of the touching scene
between father and son, when the latter em-
barked for CAYENNE.
Since then the father has had only one
aim-to liberate his son. When he heard
that the Chamber of Deputies was going to
make new law, relating to the revision OF
criminal trials, law very necessary, as
proven bv the unjust condemnation of
Borras, Redon Senior decided to go TO
Guiana and plan for his sons escape.
Taking into his confidence the captain of a
Spanish vessel, he aided his son and the
two set sail for Spain.
The condemned mans flight was soon
known and the Spanish authorities were
notified. Perhaps Redon would not have
been arrested had not a Spanish lawyer,
from whom be asked advice, betrayed him
to the authorities. Redon and his father
arrived at Pdlencia in Spain, asked the
address of
A SKILLFUL LAWYER,
And to him they explained the situation. As
a lawyer he would have advised them to
flee, but he had just received an appoint
ment as magistrate. and as such he gave
instructions 10 have them arrested. Great
is the Indignation among Spanish lawyers,
and all the members of the bar at Palencia
have been convoked in solemn assembly to
decide upon his conduct
The entire population of Palencia en-
phatically protests against the arrest of Re-
don and his father. A delegation of the
Inhabitants has gDne to Madrid to intercedo
with NJ. Cambon, the French ambassador.
and through him to obtain pardon from
President Carnot. Poor Redon himself is
very i'll, and his father In despair. French
lawyers unite with their Spanish colleagues
in coHdemning the betrayer of profess
sional secret, and all affirm that had this be-
trayal occurred in France the author would
have been severely punished
CONFIDENCE BETRAYED.
When the unfortunate Redon presented
himself under his real name to his lawyer
he never dreamed that he was confessing
to some one who had the right to cause his
arrest; consequently the lawyer completely
betrayed his confidence.
Senator Maroon, the defender of Borras
and at the same time a jurisconsult well
versed in Spanish law, says that he does not
ind expressions severe enough to condemn
the conduct of the Spanish official. "Of
always assert that as a. magistrate
he could not do otherwise than
cause Redon's arrest; but Redon consulted
him simply because lie thought him law
yer and obliged to keep a professional Sc
cret. In France traitor of this kind would
have been punished, because neither priest
nor physician nor lawyer should ever betray
the secrets confded to their charge
But Spanish Justice is very different from
that metfd out in France. and it is probable
that, aside from general evidences OF dis
pleasure, the Spanish lawyer will not be
troubled.
A very important question is now before
a committee appointed by the Minister Of
Finance. This question concerns The law
for the fabrication and sale of gold and
gold and silver articles is regulated by the
law OF the Nineteenth BrumaIre, year VI,
and this law preserves many Of the customs
that existed before the Revolution.
A SINGULAR RESTRICTION.
At this time there was no liberty in manu.
facture. The choice of material. the man.
ner of working them, the quality of the
products, their dimensions and formal
were regulated beforehand, and whoever
made changes was liable to vigorous pun
ishment.
Under these circumstances the Industry
uO piUbiCoo, III Is flOL strange
that In former times this law was maintained,
but in these days it is absurd.
To-day 1t is forbidden to make and sell in
France any gold and silver objects not bear.
ing the Government mark, and this mark Is
always guarantee.
Inferior articles cannot be manufactured
and sold In France, but some articles of in
ferior quality are allowed to be exported.
However, there is great complaint that as
me manufacturers are obliged by law to at
NIX their own private marks to these articles,
and at the same time the standard of weight
and q lality, they do not compare fayorably
with foreigners who are subject to none Of
these laws
Consequently, all demand liberty, com.
plete liberty, for the foreign market, while
as to the regulation of the French market
there is much discussion.
A MooTED QUESTION.
Some believe that the severe law has made
the reputation Of French gold and silver
workmanship, giving the purchaser COM
piete security and protected the rights of the
weaker gold and silver smiths. Others saw
that the Government stamp is not SO great
guarantee as may be supposed, because
many unregistered objects are really in cir
culation.
There are advocates of each theory. but
all are convinced that the old law must in
any case be modified. With this end in
view the committee Is providing itself with
all the information necessary, and at the
next meeting the reforms will be dis
cussed and decided.
Baroness ALTHEA SALVADOR.