United States v. Petit
United States v. Petit
Opinion of the Court
{orally.) In this case, which involves substantially the same question as' the preceding case, and which is before the court upon a motion to quash an indictment, the court will certify a division of opinion in order that the question may go the supreme court of. the United States. With regard to the question involved, it-is of very much more importance than the case itself, and therefore-I am not prepared to announce that I have reached a final and matured decision in opposition to that of the district judge. I am, prepared to say that it is a case of so much importance that I think.
Mr. Estes, (counsel for defendant.) It is a plea to the jurisdiction. I suppose it has the same effect.
Judge McCrary. Yes, sir; the same thing.
Mr. Bliss. Yes, sir. I was proceeding with the indictment. I will state this: there are no eases to be brought before the grand jury, except this one, that I now recollect. It is a question to be considered whether the government shall be put to an expense of $5,000 or $6,000 in order to get one indictment. However, I shall consult with Judge Treat in regard to that.
, Judge McCrary. Whatever course you shall pursue the court’s action will be as indicated, and you can take such action as you see fit. We can fix such a moderate bond as the prisoner can give.
Mr. Bliss. If the prisoner only give a moderate bond he may not answer here when the supreme court passes upon his case.
Mr. Estes said that such remarks were unnecessary and uncalled for. He had offered to give bond and it was refused.
Mr. Bliss. Of course, what I shall say will not prejudice the prisoner. Our opinion of this prisoner’s connection with other criminals is such that he will not return. I am willing to abide by any determination of the bond that the court may make. I will say that this man lived in close connection with a band of counterfeiters —with the Biebusch gang, writh which the court is familiar. I think that the bond ought not to bo reduced.
Mr. Estes. We had two hearings in this matter already — one before the commissioner and the other before Judge Treat. The district attorney speaks about his connection with a band of counterfeiters. There was no such evidence, except that he passed some counterfeit money on storekeepers in this city. He has been in court 10 months, and I think he is entitled to some consideration.
Judge McCrary. The question of bond I shall leave entirely to the district judge. He knows all about the matter; I know nothing.
Judge Treat. There have been very full discussions had in a number of the courts as to the meaning of that clause in the federal constitution, and it was very fully and elaborately argued before me and considered. I am still of the opinion, not in accord with a great many opinions delivered by other judges. The question can receive
Mr. Bliss. Under the custom, this question can be advanced and heard on the first Monday in October.
Judge Treat. All the better. Making a bond that will carry you over the November term will carry you a year from the coming May, and in the mean time you can have it advanced and determined. That gives ample time, and enables this defendant to give bond.
Mr. Estes. I ask for information if I can give bond with one good bondsman ?
Judge Treat. Under the circumstances of the case I will take it. I want some one as surety who will exercise his vigilance of the prisoner as bailor. He is under penalty of producing him on the bond. Bring that matter before me in chambers.
. Later in the day the bond was procured and approved, and the prisoner was released.
Note. A crime is not infamous within the meaning of the fifth amendment unless it not only involves the charge of falsehood, but may also injuriously affect the public administration of justice by the introduction therein of falsehood and fraud. U. S. v. Block, 4 Sawy. 214; U. S. v. Yates, 6 Fed. Rep. 861. In early times the character of the crime was determined by the
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