Columbian Eloquence (Volume 1); Being the Speeches of the Most Celebrated American Orators, as Delivered in the Trial of Samuel Chase, Before the Senate of the United States (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1806. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... man, at the very time when these crime* of the judge were committed, the con* gress of the Unitedr States, the guardians of our lives and liberties, were actually in session in the very city where the deeds were done, and probably witneff;d the whole transaction. I do not expect to be answered here, for I cannot suspect our honorable opponents of so much illiberality, that at that period the administration of our affairs was in the hands of the political friends of the judge, and therefore he was perntitted to escape, however atrocious his crimes. Whatever, sir, may have been the character of that administration, even is as weak and wicked as it his been represented, it could have no object in protecting any individual at so great a risque to themselves and their reputation. If judge ' Chase had really violated the law and constitution to come at the blood of Fries, and had done this in the face of the public, the administration would have put too much at hazard by endeavoring to shelter him. I hope, however, no such reason will be given for the neglect of these charges; and as we most cheerfully and truly confide in the justice of the present administration, we trust no such distrust will be avowed of the integrity of the former. We seel as sase under trial now as we should have done then, and look without distrust for the same impartial justice from this honorable court, we mould have expected and received at any time. We seel however, sir, a serious inconvenience from the delay of this prosecution. In five years facts sall into oblivion, and witnesses engaged in their ordinary occupations of lise, cannot tax their memories with the circumstances of such distant events. It is difficult to discover indeed who were present at the transaction. To guard against i...