It was expressly decided in England long ago, that a treasonable communication, “though intercepted, is an overt act of treason”; and this early principle was repeated by the Court of King’s Bench, speaking by the voice of Lord Mansfield, in the case of Dr.
Sumner references a historical legal principle that an intercepted treasonous communication constitutes an overt act of treason.
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More from Charles Sumner
They are but leaders of the two contending factions into which the Slave Power is divided.
I am in favor of a tariff for revenue, such a one as will yield a sufficient amount to the treasury to defray the expenses of the government, economically administered.
This will be the FREEDOM POWER, whose single object will be to resist the SLAVE POWER.
I agree with the Convention in the importance of the new organization; nor do I think there are many candid persons, recognizing morals as the soul of all true politics, who will hesitate in this conclusion.
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