nay, even praiseworthy in a subject to refuse to give evidence when called upon to do so by the crown.  There is a disposition too prevalent in this country to regard the law as an enemy, and opposition to it, either by passive obstruction or active rebellion, as a praiseworthy and patriotic act.  Can we wonder at this when we hear opposition to constituted authority openly preached by the instructors of “the nation,” and witness the eagerness of the “national press” to free itself from the terrible suspicion of coming to the assistance, even involuntarily, of the government in its struggle with sedition and treason?

It was amidst such an outburst of vexation and indignation as this, even from the government journals themselves, that the curtain rose next morning on Act II. in the Head Police Office.  A very unique episode commenced the proceedings on this day also.  At the resumption of the case, Mr. Murphy, Q.C., on behalf of the crown, said:—­

Mr. Sullivan and some other gentlemen complained yesterday of having been served with summonses to give evidence in those cases.  I am directed by the attorney-general to state that he regrets it, and that it was done without his authority.  He never gave any directions to have those persons summoned, nor was it done by anyone acting under his directions.  It occurred in this way.  General directions were given to the police to summon parties to give evidence in order to establish the charge against those four gentlemen who are summoned for taking an active part in the procession.  The police, in the exercise of their discretion thought it might be necessary to summon parties who took part in the procession, but there was no intention on the part of those aiding on behalf of the crown to summon parties to give evidence who themselves took part in the procession, and I am sorry it occurred.

   Mr. Dix—­I may mention that a magistrate when signing a summons knows
   nothing of the witnesses.  If they were all living in Jamacia he
   merely signs it as a matter of form.

Mr. A.M.  Sullivan—­I thank your worship and Mr. Murphy, and I think it will be seen that had your worship not allowed me yesterday to make the protest I did, the attorney-general would not have the opportunity of making the disclaimer which it became the dignity of the government to make.  The aspect of the case yesterday was very adverse towards Sir John Gray, myself, and other gentlemen.  Although my brother signed his name to the notice, he was not summoned as principal but as a witness, but if necessary, he was determined to stand side by side in the dock with Mr. Martin.

   Mr. Allen—­I am very glad of the explanation, because I was blamed
   for allowing persons making speeches here yesterday.  I think if a man
   has any ground of complaint the sooner it is set right the better.

   Mr. Sullivan—­I have to thank the bench.