Abridgment of the Debates of Congress, from 1789 to 1856, Vol. 3 (of 16)United States. Congress
History
Abridgment of the Debates of Congress, from 1789 to 1856, Vol. 3 (of 16)
United States. Congress
Law -- United States; United States -- Politics and government
“A new Parliament was called in which the interest of the Whigs
predominated, and a secret committee, chosen by ballot, was appointed to
examine all the papers, and inquire into all the negotiations relative
to the late peace, as well as the cessation of arms by which it was
preceded. The Committee of Secrecy prosecuted their inquiry with the
greatest eagerness, and, in consequence of their report, the Commons
resolved to impeach Lord Bolingbroke, the Earl of Oxford, and the Duke of
Ormond, of high treason.”
One circumstance is worthy of attention. A cause of dissatisfaction
at the conduct of the judge has undoubtedly prevailed. Whether he is
wrongfully accused I will not say; but the dissatisfaction is manifest;
for the representatives of two respectable States lately came forward and
opposed his being assigned to circuits which embraced their States. This
single fact ought to make an impression on the House.
It is alleged that there is no proof before the House; but one thing is
notorious--is universally known. It is this, that this man (Fries) was
tried before that judge for his life, and was tried without being heard.
This fact cannot be disputed. When we consider the importance of the
life of a citizen, and know that such an event has taken place, is it
not the duty of the only body competent to inquire into the fact? With
other gentlemen, I believe that the fountains of justice ought to be kept
pure; I believe also that the judges are like other men, and that like
them they are subject to the common frailties of human nature; and I do
believe that when the frailties of human nature produce such effects, the
House cannot be justified to themselves or their country without making
an inquiry. Our duty to our country calls for it; our duty to the man
who is implicated also calls for it. If innocent, a proper regard to his
character claims it; and his friend from Maryland informs us that he will
rejoice at this opportunity of coming forward and vindicating himself.
If, then, the inquiry be equally necessary for placing the character
of the man upon its proper footing, and for preserving the purity of
justice, how can the House resist it?
Mr. DENNIS said he had only expressed an opinion that such an
investigation would be rather solicited than avoided by Judge Chase.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account