New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-03-07

sunburned face glowed with pride and pleasure
A quiet. self-possessed man was this Doctor Jim,
with a thoughtful rather than handsome face,
and without trace Of the sordid Spectator or
political adventurer. His companions were tall,
erect. sinewy fellows with not little dignity OF
presence and without apparent consciousness OF
disgrace in occupying the prisoners dock. Indeed
apart from the Judges address. there was little
in the brief preliminary examination to suggest
that they accused If the grave offence OF
rebellion against the Queen and might be sem
fenced. upon conviction to imprisonment for
two years. They had been technically arrested
on the river almost at the last moment. and they
allowed to leave the court upon their own
recognizance gentlemen whose word was as
good as their bond.
Perhaps the most remarkable tribute to the ex-
ceptional character Of these political prisoners
was paid from the bench Itself In remandng
them q fortnight the Judge made singular APP
peal to them not to take advantage Of their popu-
larity He entrcated them. both for their own
sakes and for the sake Of the good faith Of the
country, to keep away from any place in which
public excitement might be aroused by their
presence He asked them to conduct themselves
with discretion. and not to appear In public II
they could avoid II. nor to remain together more
than they could help. He requested assurances
from them that they would not do anything that
would disturb public peace A more astonishing
appeal from the bt nch to group OF prisoners
the seriousness and gravity OF whose offence the
court had taken pains to emphasize. was never
heard 1t was judicial admission that these
so-called rebels could easily make themselves, II
they were not already the heroes OF London
With this almost pathetic appeal for self-re-
straint ringing In their ears. Jameson and MS
companions left the courtroom. but not until
there had been another outburst OF cheering
from the audience, followed quickly by Sir John
Bridges angry remonstrance: THAT sort OF
thing might bring the name Of England into con-
temptw Outside they narrowly escaped being
mobbed by their friends before they could reach
their carriages.
Still even In the courtroom. in the previous
mystery-play Of the detectives and officials some
thing was done In the Portuguese manner IN
order that the Beers might see 1t. Mr.. Charles
Mathews had announced that In view OF the
great Importance Of the case the conduct of the
prosecution even at the preliminary hearing.
would be conducted by the law officers OF the
Crown This exceptional procedure Indicated
that the authority Of the Crown would be ade-
ouately represented in every stage OF the pro-
ceedings Moreover. the presiding magistrate
had declared his opinion that there couid
not be a graver offence than that when
was charged against jameson and his Fellow
raiders. The crowd OF sympathizers ana nero
worshppers might smile and cheer, and the
prisoners might retire like gentlemen whose word
was guarantee that they would not attempt 10
escape from justice; but the bench had dec.areu
with solemnity of manner that the offence OF IN
vading the Transvaal without the Queens con-
sent was "a crime Of the highest possible gFaN-
t,y." That at least. is concession maze IN
good faith, and the Beers and their wary fresi-
dent have cause to be grateful for It, l. n. +.