724
74 FEDERAL REPORTER.
criminate so as to give undue preference or disadvantage to persons or traffic similarly circumstanced, the act to regulate commerce leaves common carriers, as they were at the common law, free to make special rates looking to the increase of their business, to classify their traffic, to adjust and apportion their rates so as to meet the necessities of commerce and of their own situation and relation to it, and, generally, to manage their important interests upon the same principles which are regarded as sound and adopted in other trades and pursuits. The carriers are better qualified to adjust such matters than any court or board of public administration, and, within the limitations suggested, it is safe and wise to leave to their traffic managers the adjusting of dissimilar circumstances and conditions to their business. vVe affirm the decree of the circuit court.
NEUTRALITY CUBAN INSUIWENTS.
UNITED STATES v. HART et a!. (Circuit Court, S. D. New York. April 9, 1896.) LAws-Mn,ITARY EXPEDITIOS-t:lECTION 5286, HEV.
ST.
-AID
TO
Upon an indictment charging defendants with beginning or setting on foot or providing means for a military expedition or enterprise from this country against Spain in aid of Cuban insurgents by the steamer Bermuda, where the steamer was arrested before she sailed, after taking on board about 60 men neither armed, equipped nor officered, and no proof except the doubtful testimony of one witness belonging to the party of any other intent on the part of the men except to go to Cuba and join the army after arrival there, the jury were instructed: (1) That it is no offense for individuals, singly or in company, and in any way they choose, to go abroad for the mere purpose of enlisting in a foreign army, provided they do not enlist in, or set on foot here, or prepare, any military expedition or enterprise; (2) that such an expedition or enterprise, to come within the statute as one "carried on from this country," must consist of some body of persons designing to act together in a military way, and possess at the start from this country some element of a military character beyond the mere intent to enlist individually after arrival in Cuba; (3) that it is not necessary that it should possess all the elements of a military body at the start, but it is sufficient if there was a combination of men for that purpose, with the intent that it should become so before reaching the scene of action; (4) that it is not unlawful to transport peaceably and by an unarmed vessel a body of men as individuals to Cuba who wish to enlist there, and such transportation does not constitute a providing of the means for a military expedition or enterprise, unless there is some enlistment or combination or agreement of the men to act in some way as a military body, or the use of some military force is contemplated, if necessary, in order to reach the insurgent army.
On March 10, 1896, John D. Hart, Calixto Garcia, Samuel Hughes, Benjamin Guerra, Bernardo J. Bueno, Lawrence Brabazon and Joseph Miccheleno were indicted upon five counts, charging in substance a violation of the neutrality laws in beginning, setting on foot, or preparing for a military expedition or enterprise from this port against Spain, in aid of the Cuban insurgents, in violation of section 5286 of the Revised Statutes. They pleaded not guilty. Garcia did not appear pursuant to his recognizaI}ce, "\vhich was thereupon declared forfeited. The defendants Hart, Hughes, Guerra and
UKITED STATES V. HART.
725
Bueno were brought to trial before a court and jury on April 5th to April 10th. Ko witnesses were called by the defense. The evidence for the government showed that at about 10 p. m. of February 24, 1896, a tug put about 60 men on board the steamer Bermuda, then lying at anchor a little below Liberty Island; that the steamer was thereupon taken in charge by "Cnited States otlicers on board the revenue cutter Hudson, which had been watching her; that an hour or two afterwards another tug came alongside the Bermuda and put the defendant Hart on board; that the defendant Garcia was upon the same tug and was arrested; that at about 2 a. m. the tug again returned near to the Bermuda, and seeing the cutter, steamed away, but was afterwards captured, with about 40 additional men; that these men with the others who went on board the Bermuda were mostly young men, apparently Cubans; that they were without arms or other military equipments, except that a few had revolvers and that no arms were on board the Bermuda; that at about 3 a. m. the revenue cutter found and seized the tug Stranahan further down the bay, loaded with military arms and equipments, consisting of about 900 rifles, besides revolvers, machetes, boots and shoes, hammocks, blankets and medical supplies, all of which had been taken on board the Stranahan at the Atlantic Basin between 8 and 10 o'clock the evening previous; that the defendant Hughes was in charge of this cargo; and that a chest with clothing bearing his name or initials was found upon the Bermuda. The defendants Guerra and Brabazon were on board the Bermuda and stated that the steamer was bound for Cuba with men for the insurgent army some of whom were not on board, and that a tug with ammunition was down the bay. The witness Del Villar testified that he visited Garcia twice at an office on Broadway about the 10th or 12th of January, 1896, where he was addressed as "General," and on the last occasion was accepted by Garda to go to Cuba and join the insurgent army; and that he signed a paper containing other names. On the first day that he testified he stated that he did not read or know the heading of the paper he signed, that it was not read to him, that no other person signed it in his presence, and that he did not have there any conversation with other men about it or about going to Cuba. The following day he testified that he saw the heading of the paper, which was in writing a fPw inches 100Jg, that he did not read the whole heading but saw at the top the words: "Soldiers Incorporated in the City of New York for the Independence of Cuba." He further testified that after this he went on board the steamer Hawkins on the 26th of January, with numerous other men; that the Hawkins soon after leaving New York foundered, the men being rescued, and at length returning to New York; that he recognized a number of the same lien on the Bermuda that were on the Hawkins; that during the interval before boarding the Ua wkins (.n the 24th of February, he had received $5 per week three times from a person named Almazor, who had conducted him and several others to the Hawkins, and who had directed him to the tug that put him and others in his charge on board the Bermuda. The evidence further showed that the Bermuda had been purchased
726
74 i"EDERAL REPORTER..
ostensibly for the fruit trade not long before, by the defendant Hart in the name of a British subject resident here; that Hart paid a portion of the price, and the defendant Guerra, the balance; that Hart had also engaged some of the officers of the Bermuda, including Brabazon, the registered master, who was intended to act afterwards as mate; that the Bermuda was cleared at the custom house in the afternoon of February 24th upon the oath of Brabazon, the ostensible master, that she was going to Santa Murtha. Jason and Max J. Kohler, Asst. U. S. Attys. William M. Ivins, for defendants Hart, Hughes, and Brabazon. Emmet R. Olcott, for defendant Bueno. Horatio S. Rubens, for defendant Guerra. BROWN, District Judge. Gentlemen of the Jury: The object of the neutrality laws is mainly to prevent complications between this government and foreign powers. They were designed to prevent such complications by making criminal such acts as tend to embroil us with other nations; and in part, also, to assert, as history shows, our own sovereignty over military enlistments attempted to be procured on our own soil. Within five years after the adoption of the constitution, so long ago as 1794, these enactments were found necessary; and the law then passed is substantially the same as it exists to-day. In 1818 it was revised by a few changes of words here and there, not affecting the section under which this indictment has been framed. In the Revised Statutes of the United States adopted in 1874, the same provisions were incorporated and are now referred to by sections under the latter act. Section 5282 deals with individual enlistments. Section 5286 deals with military expeditions. Section 5283 deals with armed cruisers, designed to commit hostilities in favor of one foreign power as against another foreign power with which we are at peace. Sec· tion 5282 prohibits any person from enlisting in this country as a soldier in the service of any foreign power. It also prohibits any person from hiring or retaining any other person to enlist, or to go abroad for the purpose of enlisting. But it does not prohibit any person, whether citizen or not, from going abroad for the purpose of enlisting in a foreign army. By our very legislation on this subject therefore, as apparent from this statute, our law permits individuals to go to foreign countries to enlist. I consider that important in this case, in its bearing upon the construction of section 5286, which was a part of the same original act. I say the law as thus framed cannot be construed otherwise than as designedly leaving the field open for all persons within our jurisdiction, whether citizens or not, to go to foreign states to enlist in their armies, if they choose to do so. As this is lawful for one man, so it is lawful for ten men or for twenty or a hundred men. It is a necessary incident to this lawful right, that men may go abroad for this purpose in any way they see fit; either as passengers by a regular line steamer, or by chartering a steamer, or in any other manner they choose, either separately or associated; so long as they do not go as a militaI')j
UNITED STATES 11. HART.
727
exppdition, nor set on foot a military enterprise, which section 5286 prohibits. We have, therefore, to consider these two sections together. It is a military expedition alone that is prohibited by section 5286. The language of the act is that "every person who within the jurisdiction of the United States begins, or sets on foot, or provides or prepares the means for, any military expedition or enterprise to be carried on from thence," that is, from this country, "against any foreign prince," and so on, shall be guilty of a high misdemeanor. \Vhile, therefore, the right of individuals to go abroad for the purpose of enlistment is undoubted, they must not go as a military expedition; they must not form, nor begin, nor set on foot, any military expedition to be carried on from this country, nor furnish or prepare means therefor. These five defendants are indicted under section 5286; and they are now on trial before you on the contention of the government that they have either set on foot such a military expedition by forming a part of it, or that they have provided or prepared the means for it. Here the question then it is the p['incipal question you have to decide: Was this enterprise, in which some 60 men are shown to have embarked on the Bermuda, besides about 40 others who, it is alleged, were designing to embark,-was this enterprise designed merely for the transportation of these men peaceably to Cuba, as individuals who wished and intended to enlist jn the insurgent army on arrival there, and who, it may be, had promised to do so, but any military organization here, or any intended military organization before enlistment in Cuba, and without any intended employment of military force in reaching the Cuban army; or, on the other hand, was the embarkation of these men on the Bermuda the beginning of a military expedition to be carried on from this country against Spain? What then, is a military expedition, as distinguished from a nonmilitary transportation of persons for enlistment abroad '! Th<' term "expedition" signifies a journey or voyage by a body of men for some definite purpose. '1'here are various kinds of expeditions. 'Ve have had expeditions of exploration, like 'Vilkes' expedition, Fremont's expedition, Greely's expedition and Peary's expedition; and so there have been many military expeditions. We speak of Xerxes' expedition into Greece. A military expedition. therefore, is an undertaking by a body of men of a military character. There must be a body, because one or two men cannot constitute an expedition. To fall within the statute, it must be a military expedition "carried on from this country." A mere lawful intent to enlist abroad cannot give a voyage a military character. The expedition must be military in character, as is admitted; and I cannot conceive how an expedition can be characterized as military, or be deemed to be "carried on" as a military expedition "from this country" within the language of the statute unless it have some at least of the essential elements of a military body when it starts. The essential elements of a militarv body' are. first. soldiers. as ts indicated by the very word "military,''' derived from miles, a
728
soldier. The fundamental idea of a military enterprise or expedition to be "carried on" from this country is that it is undertaken by soldiers or in some military service. Next is the relation of the soldier to the commander. It imports officers, and the duty of military obedience. Next arms; such arms as are appropriate to the enterprise; such as will enable the body to do the military work contemplated. Next, that it shall act as a unit in a military way, i. e., as a body bound together by organization under a definite command. And, finally, a military purpose, a purpose of attack or defense, a hostile purpose. . Now, here was an enterprise of some kind to transport men by the Bermuda,-to take them somewhere. A part went on board. Others, there is strong evidence to show, intended to go on board, but did not, because the,}' were intercepted before they had embarked. For the present, I will assume that you find that the destination of all these men was the Cuban insurgent army. But if you find that they were designed to be taken there, or that they wished to go there, do you find in this undertaking beyond reasonable doubt any of the essential elements of a milital'y expedition? I do not say that in order to constitute a military expedition to be "carried on from this country" as the statute reads, it must be complete at the start, or possess all the elements of a military body. It is sufficient if there was a combination by the meu for that purpose, with the agreement and the intention of the body that embarks that it should become a military body before reaching the scene of action. Such a combination and agreement, if means for effecting it were provided, followed by embarkation in pursuance of the agreement, would show such a partial execution of the design on our soil, as to bring the case within our statute, as "a military enterprise begun and carried on from the United States." If, however, the expedition or enterprise was designed only to transport munitions of war as merchaudi8e to Cuba, though for the use of the insurgent army, and at the same time to transport a body of men as individuals to Cuba, who wished to enlist there, and that was all, then it was not a military expedition or enterprise under this statute; it would not be so unless the men had first combined or agreed to act together as a military force, or contemplated the exercise of military force in order to reach the insurgent army. In that case, I should regard it as a military expedition, for the reason that they had prepared for and intended to exercise military force in getting to the insurgent army, or landing in Cuba. The question then for you upon the facts is whether there is sufficient evidence in what has been produced before you, mostly circumstantial, to show beyond reasonable doubt that there did exist the design of making this body of men who were leaving upon the Bermuda, a military force, or whether they contemplated, as a body, any military action; or whether they had already enlisted here in the Cuban army. If they had done the latter, if they had enrolled themselves as members of the Cuban army, and had thus become members of that body, agreeing already to act together as
Ul\ITED STATES V. HART.
729
such, and the transportation of these men was under such an enrollment and agreement, I think that would be setting on foot a military expedition here. Almost all the evidence in the case is indirect. But you must remember that it is natural that this should be so. Inasmuch as it is legal and lawful for men and munitions of war to be transported to the scene of belligerent operations, those who are engaged in it run the risk of capture, of being sunk in the operation; and there is a necessity on thpir part, while doing an act which is lawful so far as this country is cOllcerned,-there is a necessity, I say, that they should protect themselves by every reasonable means against surprise. There is nothing, therefore, out of character in such an expedition, though it be a lawful one here, that it should be secret, or that there should be an air of mystery about it, or that it should be conducted as secretly as possible. It would be the same if it were unlawful. Secrecy and indirection are, therefore, wholly inconclusive circumstances. They are as consistent with a lawful expedition designed to transport men peaceably to Cuba for the simple purpose of enlistment there, as they are with the existence of a hostile expedition. 'rhus all the circumstances that attend such an enterprise make it difficult for the government to prove its charge. This is inherent in the nature of the case, because of the necessity that exists even for a lawful expedition, such as I have described, to work in secrecy. In passing, I may observe in regard to the clearing of the Bermuda for Santa Marta, and the false oath which seems to have been made by the master a few hours before this seizure, that that false oath is equally inconclusive. That is a separate offense, not on trial here; and it was an act evidently done for the same purpose of keeping secret the taking of passengers, and the nature of the intended cargo, in case you find the vessel was destined to carry the arms and men to Cuba. It was an incident, therefore, of the same kind as all the other secret means taken to prevent the knowledge of the expedition from reaching the Spanish authorities and thus subjecting the expedition to greater danger. I shall not go over the various circumstances in the case upon "\vhich reliance is placed to lead you to a conviction that there was a military expedition. If I have made myself understood, I think you appreciate snfficiently what the court understands to be a military expedition, as distinguished from a peaceful and a lawful one. I only repeat that while it is not necessary in my jndgment that all the elements of a military expedition-soldiers, officers, a military organization, arms and equipments-should exist or be supplied at the time when the vessel sails, it is necessary that there should be a combination for those purposes, that these should have been within the understanding and intent of the parties and that some of these things should be consummated here. The most essential thing would seem to be a combination for some kind of military organization, some enrollment, some enlistment, or some agreement which bound the men to act together as a body for military service. If
730
this agreement existed, other things might be supplied afterwards before the scene of action was reached. In the present case these men as a body were not armed, as appears to the court, in any such manner as would be effective, nor as would be probable, in case they were designed for militarJ service before they reached Cuba. A few side arms, a pistol and a belt for a few men, or a sword and belt for a small portion of the men, do not constitute such an arming of a bodJ of men as JOu would expect in ease that bodJ was designed to lict as a milnarJ force. A good deal of stress is lai<1 upon the evidence of enrollment. It is for JOu to judge what interpretation you shall give to the circumstances that have been proved in that regard. I think there is onlJ one witness, De Villar, and only one piece of evidence in the whole case, that tends to show anJ military combination. He says that when he first went to Garcia, after a few moments conversation Garcia said he did not want him. On a second visit, after some five or ten minutes, he finally said he would take him, and that the witness signed a paper with other names upon it, at Garcia's request. When the witness was called on the second day, changing somewhat the testimony which he gave on the first day, he said that other men were there who signed the paper and that the paper was pointed out on the table by the other men who told him to sign it; the first day he said Garcia told him to sign it, and he did so. The first day he said he did not know what the paper was, except that there were two or three leaves containing names after the heading; that he did not know what the heading was, and did not read it. On the last day, he says he recalls that he saw the words in the heading, "Soldiers Incorporated in the CitJ of New York for the Independence of Cuba"; and that although the heading was in writing, about three inches long on the page, he did not read the rest of it, and did not try to read it, nor was it read aloud. It is unfortunate that we have nothing more of this heading. It is always dangerous to judge by a small part of a written instrument. How can we tell what the other provisions were; or what qualifications were placed upon the words quoted, or what agreement there was by the men signing it, if there was any agreement? The court was in doubt, for that reason, whether this piece of testimony should be admitted at all. If, however, JOu interpret the words quoted bJ what De Villar says he did, by what he understood, and by what he says he expected to do, you would apparently find some qualification of what these words. quoted might On .cross-examination he says that what he expected to do was to go to Cuba to enlist in the Cuban army. If that is correct, it would indicate that he did not understand that he was enlisted in the Cuban army here. Again, from his actions and conduct, and from the way he testifies there does not seem to have been any understanding on his part that his signature put him under pay. Whether the heading said anything about pay, we do not know. The way he got money from Almazor seems accidental. He speaks of it as if he had not expected it, and as if there was no
uNITED STATES V. HART.
731
contract about it. He says that Hernandez, his friend at the same boarding house, told him that some others were getting money from Almazor, and if he would go there he would get it; that he went there and got $5 twice before the Hawkins sailed; and that after the Hawkins was lost, and before the expedition on the Bermuda, he got $5 from Almazor for two or three of the last weeks. Now it is for you to determine, whether there any enlist· ment of men for pay; whether what De Villar says that he did, and what he expected to do do not indicate rather what was the real purpose of this expedition. He had no conversation, and no agreement with any others of the men. There seems to be no evidence of any common understanding except such as might be in· ferred from what he says about this paper, which he says quite a number signed; and the purpose of the paper may be inferred from what he says he did, and expected to do. ·Whether there were officers or any relation of soldier and commander, there is almost an entire dearth of evidence. I do not recall any evidence to show that there was any officer whatsoever; not even that Garcia was an officer, or was connected with the in· surgent army. If there was, you will give it its weight. De Villar caned himself "under the hand" of Almazor. 'Vhether that was anything more than simply looking after certain men who had arranged to go to Cuba, you must judge. Almazor conducted De Villar and six others to the Hawkins; and in like manner De Vii· lar took in charge seven men for the purpose of taking them down to the Atlantic Basin, where the tug McCaldin Brothers received them on board for the purpose, as you may find, of embarking on the Bermuda. I think there is no other evidence of direction or command than what mav be inferred from that. It is for vou to say whether that imports any military command, or whether it is anything more than looking after a certain number of men who had signed their names as willing to go to Cuba, and keeping track of them and getting them on board the proper vessels to go there when the time came. In regard to the ammunition which was on board the Stranahan and which never reached the Bermuda, it is for you to draw your inferences, whether that was in fact designed for the Bermuda or not. If it was, then you are to consider whether the evidence in· dicates that it was to be transported peaceably as merchandise to Cuba, possibly for the benefit of the insurgent army; or whether it was for the purpose of aiding in a hostile attack and invasion on the part of this body of men who were to embark on board the Bermuda, or was a part of a military enterprise. If you find that the circumstances warrant you in believing that the body of men who embarked and those who intended to embark upon the Bermuda, were designed to constitute, or to act as a military body before they joined the insurgent army, the presence of arms on board the Bermuda, and the furnishing of them in some way would be ex· tremely important. Proper arms would be a necessary adjunct and attendant on any such design on the part of the men embark· ing, unless they were to obtain arms from some other source; be·
732
cause, as I have said, in the condition in which they embarked they were not prepared, they were not equipped, they were not armed so as to be of any substantial use for military service. It is incredible that an expedition designed for any military service of its own should be sent out without other arms than what they had personally about them, unless a further supply of arms was planned. On the other hand, if you find that there was no intention or design on the part of this embarking body to act as a military body, or to exercise any military force as a body in getting to Cuba, and if you find that they had not joined the Cuban army here, so as to become incorporated with it, and were not to be transported from here as a part of the insurgent army, then the presence of these munitions of war on the Bermuda would be unimportant. I must advert briefly to some general rules of law applicable to your consideration of the evidence. I should first say, however, that unless you find these defendants or some of them were a part of the body designed to be a military expedition, you cannot find them guilty unless you find not only that there was a military expedition, but that the defendants had knowledge of it, and assisted it. The evidence as affecting :Mr. Hart is that he was instrumental in the purchase of the Bermud'l, ostensibly for the fruit trade, and that she cleared for a fruit port. He furnished some money in payment of the price of her, and Mr. Guerra furnished the larger part. Both of these men were on the tug that brought Garcia down to the Bermuda. If you find there was a military expedition, their association with Garcia,-who, upon the evidence, must have been a ("'1ef instrument in planning and arranging it,-and their presence ,,' th Garcia when he came down to the Bermuda that night, and when Hart went aboard, would be a pretty strong circumstance from which you might infer their acquaintance with his unlawful design, though that would not necessarily follow. I believe there is no other evidence than that single circumstance. It is for you to say whether that is sufficient. Neither Guerra nor Hart seems to have been in any other way identified with this body of men. If it was military in character, Guerra and Hart cannot be convicted unless they understood it; and unless the purchase of this vessel and the use of it for those men and for that purpose was known by them. Brabazon and Bueno stated to the government officers their knowledge that there was to be a transportation of men to Cuba for the insurgent army. Further than that I do not understand the testimony of Bagg to go upon that point. Bueno designed to enlist there, to fight in the Cuban army. Brabazon knew this general purpose. In rQgard to all this evidence, how, upon weighing it, you are to act in view of any uncertainties you may feel, is governed by the maxim in criminal cases, that if there is a reasonable doubt on the whole evidence with regard to the guilt of the accused, you must give him the benefit of the doubt. You must be satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt of the guilt of the accused, and of the existence of those facts, and each of them, which you deem essential to the finding of guilt. And as to the various elements of a military expedition to
UNITED STATES V. HAR'l'.
733
which I have referred, and the intention, if in any of them you think there is such reasonable question as to lead you to a reasonable and substantial doubt, it is your duty to give the defendants the benefit of that doubt. By that is not meant a mere possibility of a different opinion; nor the mere shadow of a doubt. It is to be a doubt based upon a reasonable consideration of all the circumstances, a reasonable and sensible view of the whole situation. Another point that I should mention in connection with the testimony of De Villar, and which I have been asked to charge is, that upon his own testimony, if there was a military expedition, he stands in the situation of an accomplice, testifying for the state; and that his evidence given in that character is to be looked upon with suspicion. It may all be true, but criticise it. You apply tests freely. If you find it corroborated by circumstances which seem to make it probable, you accept it as probably true. In matters where it would seem improbable, if you do not find it corroborated, you should not act upon that alone. The testimony of accomplices, being viewed with suspicion, ought to find some corroboration. The government does not intend to rely, and does not ask a jury to convict defendants upon the mere testimony of accomplices. It is for you to say to what extent you find De Villar's testimony corroborated; and if you do find it corroborated, then in this case, as in all others, the testimony of an accomplice may be extremely valuable, because it may explain naturally and easily the other evidence so as to enable you to reach an undoubted and rational conclusion. It is for you to say whether De Villar's testimony is thus corroborated in its essential particulars; and to what extent his own testimony supports the contention that a military expedition was designed on the part of the men who embarked. I am also requested to charge· you, as I do, that the failure of the defendants to testify in this case is in no degree to be imputed against them. They may rely entirely on the ability of the government to make out a case against them; and when they or their counsel consider that no case is made, and they do not go on the stand as witnesses, that circumstance is to be wholly disregarded, and is in no way to be taken to their prejudice. You judge by the testimony given whether the accusation is made out or not. The burden of proof from the beginning is upon the government, to establish before you the fact of guilt by credible testimony, and beyond reasonable doubt. If you find the circumstances relied on to show guilt are as compatible with the theory of innocence or of an innocent undertaking as with the theory of a prohibited undertaking, it is your duty to find for the defendant. 'l'he verv fact that the circumstances are compatible with an innocent unde;taking makes a situation of doubt and reasonable doubt, the benefit of which you give to the prisoner.
734
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA v. GOSNELL.
(Circuit Court, W. D. Korth Carolina.
June 6, 1896.)
When an indictment found in a court of a state in which the offense is defined by statute is removed to a federal court for trial, the latter court must be controlled by the interpretation given to such statute by the highest court of the state.
2.
CRIMINAL LAW-MURDER IN THE FIRST DEGREE-NOHTH CAROLIl'iIA STATUTE.
Under the statute of North Carolina, murder in the first degree is confined to homicide committed by poison, lying in wait, or while perpetrating a felony, and cases where it is conclusively shown that the act was prompted by deliberate purpose and premeditated malice and design. The use of a deadly weapon only raises a presumption of malice, not of premeditation and design, which must be shown beyond a reasonable doubt. Under the statute of North Carolina,a homicide committed with malice, express or implied, without premeditation, is murder in the second degree, unless shown by the defendant to have been done under legal provocation reducing the homicide to the degree of manslaughter.
3.
SAlIl:E-MURDER TN 'l'HE SECOND DEGREE.
4.
SAME-PROVOCATION-REDUCING DEGREE] OF CRIME.
Words or conduct which are not legal provocation, but which are well calculated to arouse, and do arouse, sudden passion, will modify a homicide to murder in the second degree.
5. SAME-PREVIOUS THREATS.
'Vhere the evidence shows previous threats or malevolent conduct of a defendant chargeD. with murder, towards the deceased, the jury must consider carefully all the attendant facts and circumstances, to see whether Buch threats were called forth by Budden and temporary passion, aroused by some immediate provocation, or by an anteceD.ent, fixed purpose to kill at a future time. 'Vhere an officer has legal authority to arrest, and, while using proper means, is resisted, he may repel force with force, and neeD. not give back an inch, though he must not use excessive violence, beyond the emergencies of the occasion; and, if the person resisting is necessarily killed in the struggle, the homicide is justifiable. USTIFIABLE HOlllICIDE-OFFICER OF THE LAW.
6.
7.
SAllIE-MALICE.
'Vhen an officer invested with the authority and duty to arrei'rt an offender is rightfully proceeding in the line of his dutY,and is resisted, and the death of his assailant is the result of the encounter, the fact that the officer entertaIned ill feeling or malice towards his assailant is not sufficient evidence of premeditated malice, in determining the degree of the homicide. A known officer, having legal authority to arrest, who is resisted in making an arrest, need not show or read the warrant before the arrest is secured. Duly-summoned assistants of an officer are under the same protection of the law which is afforded to the officer who has process in his hands.
S.
SAlIfE-SHOWING WARRANT.
9. SAME-ASSISTANT OF OFFTCER.
10.
If a person for whom an officer holds a warrant of arrest uses a rock in close conflict with the officer, in resisting arrest, and wounds llim, such rock is a deadly weapon; and if such person has another rock in his hands, and manifests a purpose to throw it, he is in a condition of deadly resistance, and the officer is justified in shooting him to prevent imminent danger and serious injury.
SAME-DEADLY WEAPON.
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA V. GOSNELL.
735
11.
'When declarations of a prisoner are relied on by the prosecution to show a homicide, they are available to the prisoner to prove the manner of the killing and the motive prompting it, and are as protective to him as if he had shown by independent testimony such explanatory and mitigating facts and circumstances. SAME-JURV-HEACHING VERDICT.
SAME-EvIDENCE-DECLARATION OF PRISO:O<ER.
12.
Though not a rule of law, it is a reasonable and moral duty of a small minority of a jury, who are in favor of conviction in a capital case, to yield their views, and concur with a decided majority in favor of acquittal on the ground of a reasonable doubt of guilt; but the converse does not apply to a small minority in favor of acquittal. SA:.ln,;-Hr·;AsONABLE DOUBT.
13.
Distinction between "a presumption of innocence" and "a reasonable doubt" stated by court.
Gudger, Pritchard & Rollins, for the state. R. M. Glenn and W. W. Zachary, for defendant.
DICK, District Judge (charging jury). The defendant is charged with the murder of Peter Southerland, by an indictment found by a grand jury in the state court, and removed, under the pi'ovisions of an act of congress, to this court for trial. This comt has no original jurisdiction of the offense charged, but the case must be tried in the same manner of procedure as cases originating in this court are tried. The law that defines the offense alleged is the criminal law that prevails in this state. 'fhe crime of murder is defined by statute in this state, and this court must be controlled by the interpretation of such statute made by the supreme court of this state, and must not extend or restrict such construction by implication. Act Pcb. 11, 1893, c. 85. A state statute also declares that the common law, with certain specified limitations, shall be in full force in this state; and the supreme court, in numerous decisions, has determined how far the common law is applicable in particular cases. At common law, when a homicide was admitted or proved to have been committed with a deadly weapon, the law raised the presumption that the act was done with malice aforethought; and the burden of proof was on the defendant to rebut this strict, technical presumption of law to the satisfaction of the jury, but not beyond a reasonable doubt. State v. Willis, 63 K. C. 26; State v. Brittain, 89 K. C. 481; State v. Carland, 90 K. C. 668. The records of the criminal courts showed numerous cases of homicide where killing was done under sudden excitement caused by facts and circulllstances that were not such legal provocation as would mitigate the homicide to manslaughter, and yet were well calculated to temporarily arouse the angry feelings and deadly passion of the slayer, yielding to the infirmities of human nature. The manifest intention of the legislature in carefully framing and enacting this statute making a distinction between murder in the first and second degrees was to mitigate the stern, inflexible, and bloody rule of the common law so as to meet the requirements of enlightened, humane, and Christian public sentiment in favor of human life and liberty. The application of the evidence in each particular case to the letter and spirit of this new rule of the law is wisely and imperatively entrusted to the intelli-
736
gence, common sense, honest purpose, and impartial determination of juries, who, by long experience and observation, have become capable of judging of the impulses, motives, and designs of human conduct, and who will be guided in their deliberations by the advice and instruction of learned, upright, and humane judges, familiar with the application of rules of evidence in legal trials, and the construdion and interpretation of statutes in the administration of justice. Several homicide cases in which the construction of the provisions of the act of 1893 was involved have recently been before the supreme court of this state, and well-considered and instructive opinions were delivered by that eminent court. In preparing this charge I have endeavored to be guided by such decisions cited in the argmnent, and references to such cases, and other cases found on investigation, will be inserted in the charge, before filed in clerk's office. State v. Fuller, 114 N. C. 885, 19 S. E. 797; State v. Norwood, 115 N. C. 789, 20 S. E. 712; State v. McDaniel, 115 N. C. 807, 20 S. E. 622; State v. McCormac, 116 N. C. 1033, 21 S. E. 693; State v. Gadberry, 117 N. C. 811, 23 S. E. 477. Murder in the first degree is now confined to homicides committed by poison, by lying in wait, or while perpetrating arson, robbery, rape, or any other felony, and to cases where it is conclusively sho\"n that the act was prompted by deliberate purpose, and premeditated malice and design. The use of a deadly weapon only raises a presumption of malice, and not premeditation and design. "The elements of premeditation must be shown in evidence by the prosecution beyond a reasonable doubt. '£he strict, technical rule of the common law no longer exists in this state. The difference between express and implied malice is not in kind, but only in degree. Evidence of express malice tends to show a fixed and premeditated purpose, while implied malice raises no such presumption as to murder in the first degree. Such homicidal purpose can only be shown by clear and conclusive evidence. It must be more than intentional and willful. It must be deliberate and premeditated, and prompted by hatred, or some diabolical impulse of a heart regardless of human duty, and fatally bent on mischief. If a homicide is committed with malice, express or implied, but is not prompted by premeditation, then it will be murder in the f1econd degree; and the defendant must rebut this presumption by proof showing that the act was done under legal provocation, or under such facts and circumstanas in law justified the action. Legal provocation reduces homIcide to the degree of manslaughter. Words or conduct which are not legal provocation, but which are well calculated to arouse, and do arouse, sudden passion, will modify a homicide to murder in the second degree. ·Where the evidence shows previous threats or malevolent conduct of defendant towards deceased, which are insisted upon by the prosecution as evidence of express malice, the jury must consider carefully all of the attendant facts and circumstances of the occasion, to see whether such threats were called forth by sudden and temporary passion aroused by some immediate provocation, or by an antecedent, fixed purpose to kill at a future time. There is a clear difference in degree as to the weight of evidence tending
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA V. GOSl\;ELL.
737
to show the nature and extent of express malice. Antecedent threats, made upon some immediate pro\'ocation and in hasty passion, are not so heinous as hostile expressions showing a cool, persistent, and deadly purpose, subsequently manifested by plans and movements of deliberate and malevolent design. The jury should carefully consider such distinctions, and make just discriminations, as human experience has shown that threats are often made, under temporary excitement, without any puq>ose of ever carr.ying them into fatal execution. State v. HoI'll, 11G N. C. lOin, :n S. E. GB4. The jury should also consider the bearing of the proximate cause of the homicide, to see whether there was present any reasonable motive and cause, other than the previously expressed malice, that directly induced the homicide; as whether the defendant acted under sudden provocation 01' in self-defense, 01' in the propel' execution of some lawful duty. "'-hen the facts proximately conm"ct('d with the transaction show a legitimate motive and proper purpose as the immediate cause of the act done, the law will assign the deed to such purpose and motive, and will not readily admit that the homicide was the consequence of any preconceived malice. 'fo do away with the force and effect of the immediate motive and provocation, it must clearly appear in evidence that a particular and definite intent to kill had been deliberately formed, and existed before and independently of the immediate provocation. The intent is not deliberate if there was a sufficient immediate impelling or provoking cam--e. V"hen an oflicer of the law is invested with the authority and duty to arrest an offender, and is rightfully proceeding in the line of his dut.y, and is resisted or assailed by the person whom he is authorized to arrest, and the death of the assailant is the result of the encounter, the fact that the officer entertained ill feeling or malice towards the assailant is not to be regarded as sufficient evidence of premeditated malice, in determining the degree of the homicide. As the evidence in this case tends to show that elements of manslaughter and of excusable and justifiable homicide are involved, and the legal principles and doctrines relating to such offenses have been discussed in arguments of counsel, I will briefly express my views of the law: Definitions of the various degrees of homicide have often been given by text writers, and in reports of judicial opinions; but as the killing of a human being is such a serious offense against the peace, security, and welfare of society, I think that in every trial a judge, in his charge to a jury, should restate definitions and the principles of law applicable to the facts disclosed by the evidence, so that such vitally important Imovdedge may become clear and familiar to the general public mind. Manslaughter is the willful and unlawful killing of a human being without malice, express or implied. It usually occurs on legal provotation, or in sudrhm fight, in the heat of passion aroused by an immediate cause; or where an officer employs greatly excessive force in the execution of legal authority or process. It may also occur when the slayer is engaged in an unlawful act, which is not a felony, and not likely to endanger human life; or gross negligence occurs in the performance of a v.74Ii'.110.6-47
738
legal act; or by neglect to perform an act required by law. Clark, Cr. Law, 165-172. Where an officer has legal authority to arrest, and, while using proper means, is resisted, he may repel force with f&ce, and need not give back an inch; but he must not use excessive violence, far beyond the emergencies of the occasion. The law commands its officers to execute its mandates; to secure the alleged offender without fail, and at any reasonable hazard,-and, if the person making resistance is necessarily killed in the struggle, the homicide is justifiable. This same principle of law is applicable to persons who are not officers, under certain facts and circumstances. When a person, being without fault, and in a situation where he has a right to be, is violently assailed with a deadly weapon, and has reasonable grounds to believe, and in good faith believes, that he is in serious danger, then he need not make any retreat to avoid impending results, but may at once repel force with force, in the reasonable exercise of his right of self-defense, and if his assailant is killed the homicide is justifiable. Starr v. U. S., 153 U. S. 614, 14 Sup. Ct. 919; Beard v. U. S., 158 U. S. 550, 15 Sup. Ct. 962. The doctrine of excusable homicide is only applicable when the slayer has been gnilty of some fault in bringing on the fight, and has used all reasonable efforts within his power to avoid fatal results. An officer, in attempting to arrest a person charged with a misdemeanor, is not justified in shooting him, when trying to avoid arrest by flight. The officer is in no personal danger, and the offender may be arrested at another time. But when such offender resists arrest the officer may use sufficient force to overcome resist· ance, and if the resistance is with a deadly or dangerons weapon the officer may resort to extreme measures to avoid serious injury and accomplish the arrest. He is never required, under such circumstances, to afford the resisting offender the opportunities of a fair and equal struggle, but may avail himself of any advantages that arise in the conflict. If he is a known officer, and has legal authority to arrest, and resistance is made, he is not bound to show or read the warrant before arrest is secured. Starr v. U. S., supra; State v. Mc"Mahan, 103 N. C. 379, 9 S. E. 489; State v. Garrett, Winst. E.q. 144; U. S. v. Rice, 12 Myers Fed. Dec. § 636, Fed. Cas. No. 16,153. The defendant in this case places his defense upon the ground that at the time the homicide was committed he was a duly-summoned assistant of a regular officer of the United States, who had legal process in his hands commanding him to arrest the deceased for a crime against the United States; that deceased refused to submit to arrest, and manifested a purpose to resist with a deadly weapon, and with dangerous violence. Duly-summoned assistants of an officer are under the same protection of the law which is afforded to the officer who has process in his hands. Both judicial and ministerial officers, in the execution of the duties of their office, are under the strong protection of the law; and their legally summoned assistants, for such time as in service, are officers of the law. If the regular officer has process in his hands, the assistant can act under the authority and protection of such process, and may comply with the orders and requirements of his superior officer; and if resistance is
739
made to his performance of such legal duty he may, even during the temporary absence of the officer with process in his hands, resort to such extreme measures as may be necessary for his self-protection and the arrest of the defendant. State v. McMahan, supra. The law of the land that regulates human conduct so as to secure social order and the blessings of civil liberty must be supreme in the sphere of its operation. The officers who are authorized and required to execute its mandates must receive its most ample protection for . acts done in the rightful performance of the imperative duties imposed. This rule of law is absolutely necessary for the administration of justice, and is founded in wisdom and equity, and in the fundamental principles of social order and political government. If unnecessary and excessive force and violence is used by an officer in attempting an arrest, after resistance had entirely ceased, and a willingness to submit to arrest had been manifested, then if the party is killed the ofticer would at least be guilty of manslaughter; and, if blood had had time to cool, murder in the second degree; and, if the officer was prompted by preconceived and deliberate malice, murder in the first degree. U. S. v. Rice, supra; State v. Sigman, 106 N. C. 728, 11 So E. 520, and cases cited. Gentlemen of the jury, I have no,,, briefly stated the principles of law involved in this case, and it is your duty to apply them to the evidence before you. I have a legal right to express my opinion on the weight of the evidence, but I will try not to do so, as I wish to act in conformity with the laws of this state on the subject. Starr v. U. S., supra. From what I may say in stating the evidence, you may deduce inferences as to my opinion; but you must not be governed by such inferences, as the law imposes upon you the responsibility and duty of determining issues of fact from the evidence. The prosecution insists that the evidence shows such express malice on the part of the prisoner as will warrant you in finding preconceived malice and deliberate design as the direct prompting motive and cause of the homicide, and therefore will authorize you to return a verdict for murder in the first degree. The evidence shows that two or three weeks previous to the homicide the prisoner spoke in very harsh terms about deceased, for letting down the bars that led into his cultivated field, and also for stealing fodder. There is no evidence of any declared purpose to kill the deceased for these private wrongs, and it is for you to consider whether such alleged wrongs were well calculated to call forth hasty expressions of angry abuse and dissatisfaction, or whether such expressions showed a deliberate purpose to kill, when no such purpose was expressed. The evidence further shows that at another time the prisoner said that he "would no more mind killing the old devil than he would an old dog." These expressions were made in a conversation about arresting deceased under authority from Deputy Marshal ·Woody. He said at the time that if so authorized he would make the arrest, and carry him to Marshall, and would kill deceased if he resisted or attempted to escape. He was aware that there was a probability of resistance or attempted escape, as the deceased had a few days before resisted
740
Deputy }farshal Woody, made escape, and declared that he would not submit to an arrest. As circumstantial evidence as to the homicide is relied upon by the prosecution, evidence was admitted as to the declarations of deceased, and as to his character for lawless violence and desperation in resisting the officers of the law. State v. 'furpin,77 N. C. 473. Another theory of the prosecution is derived from the evidence that the body of the deceased was found "in a sink in the earth," in such position as to indicate that he made no resistance, and shots· were found in the ground beneath his body; that deceased was seriously afflicted with hernia, and at the time of killing he was engaged in relieving himself from suffering by adjusting a truss over his protruded bowels. If this theory is correct, I charge you that the homIcide was a cowardly act, and at least murder in the second degree, as the deceased was in a helpless condition, was making no resistance, and was incapable of resistance. The shots in the ground under the body of deceased were not found until several days after the homicide, and the evidence seems to have the appearance of being the result of an afterthought and preparation on the part of one of the witnesses for the prosecution, and a frequent companion and near relative of the deceased. This theory of the prosecution is founded upon circumstantial evidence, and is directly controverted by other evidence offered by the proHecution showing that a very short time before the homicide the deceased was fleeing, and the officers were in active and close pursuit, and deceased was overtaken by reason of his inability to cross a swollen creek before him. The evidence shows that ·Woody was a known deputy marshal; had legal process in his hands a few days before the homicide, and read the same to deceased at his request; that an arrest was attempted, was violt'ntly resisted, an escape was effected, and deceased declared that he would not be arrested by a Rebel. 'L'he evidence further shows that the prisoner was subsequently summoned by Woody as an assistant in making an arrest, and was with him in making search, and pursuit of the deceased which resulted in the homicide. The declarations of the prisoner as to the manner of the occurrence were called out by the state; are uncontroverted; are sustained by other corroborating state's evidence showing the fact that soon after the homicide the prisoner exhibited a painful and bleeding wound that he said he had received in the fatal conflict. These declarations are the only direct evidence as to the manner in which the homicide was committed, and counsel of defense insist that, sustained and corroborated as they are by other evidence, they are amply sufficient to show that the homicide was justifiable, and warrant a verdict of not guilty. If you are satisfied that the deceased used a rock, in close conflict, and wounded the prisoner, then I charge you that it was a deadly weapon; and if deceased had another rock in his hand, and manifested a purpose to throw the same, he was in a condition of deadly resistance, and the prisoner was justified in shooting him to pre· vent imminent danger and serious injury. Cases cited supra.
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA V. GOS.'iELL.
741
At common law, ministerial officers had the right to summon the posse comitatus to their assistance in preserving the peace and security of society, and in pursuing and arresting offenders, and persons summoned were bound to obey. Rev. St. C. So s!i 787, 788, expressly invest marshals with power to summon assistance in the execution of process, and confel's upon them and their deputies the same powers that are given by law to sheriffs and their deputies. A summoned assistant of the marshal is under the protection of the law, and represents, to some extent, the sovereignty of the United States. The testimony of Ada Presly shows that was a deputy marshal; had process in his hands, which he read to defendant; and had attempted an arrest, which was unsuccessful, by reason of resistance of deceased; that the prisoner and Woody were at her house a short time before the homicide, seeking to make an arrest; that they found the deceased in the woods, close by, and commenced pursuit. This evidence shows that the prisoner was acting as assistant to with his approval. a person acts in a public capacity, as an officer of the law, it will be presumed that he was rightfully appointed. Upon careful consideration of all the evidence, I charge you that there is not sufficient evidence to warrant you in rendering a verdictfor murder in the first degree. I have no right to control your judgment in determining issues of fact, but I can set aside your verdict and grant a new trial if I have a clear opinion that the verdict is not sustained by the evidence. There is some evidence as to murder in the second degree, as there is a presumption of malice raised by the law from the use of a deadly weapon. It is for you to determine whether the evidence has removed that presumption by showing that the homicide was committed in a sudden fight, while attempting to make an arrest which was resisted by the deceased with dangerous violence and a deadly weapon. If the evidence of the state shows that the prisoner was lawfully acting as assistant to the deputy marshal, then there was no necessity for the prisoner to prove such fact by evidence introduced by him. As the declarations of the prisoner are relied upon by the state to show the homicide, they are available to the prisoner to prove the manner of the killing and the motive that prompted the act, and are as protective to prisoner as if he had shown by independent testimony such explanatory and mitigating facts and circumstances. State v. Brittain, 89 N. C. 481; State v. Thomas, 98 N. C. 599, 4 S. E. 518. Upon the conclusion of the evidence on the part of the state, the counsel of the prisoner were of opinion that the state had not offered evidence b'Ufficient to warrant a conviction, and therefore declined to offer evidence in explanation and defense. In cases of homicide, where the prisoner offers no evidence and sets up no separate defense, but relies upon the evidence of the prosecution for justification and acquittal, and such evidence shows a voluntary kill· ing, and at the same time the facts and circumstances attending the transaction a1fording proof of justification and excuse, and there is no contradictory testimony, the prisoner may rightfully insist that
742
74
FEDERAL REPORTER.
the facts and circumstances arising out of the evidence of the prosecution should be sufficient to satisfy the jury that the homicide was not unlawful and unjustifiable. Take the case, and determine the issues before you,-as to whether the prisoner is guilty of murder in the second degree; or of man· slaughter, for using unnecessary and excessive force in the execution of legal process; or whether he was justified in committing the homicide, in properly attempting the discharge of his official duty. After deliberating five hours the jury returned into court, and reported that they had not agreed upon a verdict, and probably could not agree after further consideration, whereupon the judge, in the presence of the prisoner and the counsel on both sides, delivered the following instructions: Gentlemen of the Jury: You must agree. In the trial of a capital felony, I have no discretion to discharge you without further prolonged effort to find a verdict. The expiration of this term of court is not definitely fixed by law, and I feel it to be my dut,Y to keep the court open another day, and then adjourn the term to Greensboro, as the circuit court is always kept open from term to term at that place. You will be carried to that place, under the care of the marshal, and be kept together until you do agree upon a verdict. Heretofore, during this trial, the marshal, under an order of court, has furnished you food and lodging at the expense of the government. That order is now set aside. You will be confined to this court room, and an additional bailiff will be appointed to furnish you food at your own expense. As you are entitled to fees as jurors, you will have no difficulty in obtaining proper nouriShment. I do not know how you are divided in opinion, but I deem it proper to say, by way of advice, that a distinguished judge of the state supreme court once said that a trial judge in a capital case would not commit error in expressing an advisory opinion to a jury, that, where a large majority were in favor of acquittal, it was a reasonable and moral duty of a small minority in favor of conviction to yield their views and concur with a decided majority of their fellow jurors on the ground of a reasonable doubt of guilt. This is not a rule of law, but it is a wise suggestion in accordance with reason and the humane spirit of the law. This advice of concession would not be applicable where a large majority are in favor of conviction, and a small minority in favor of acquittal. The law and the spirit of trial by jury require the concurrence of the entire jury as to the guilt of the prisoner beyond a reasonable doubt before a verdict of guilty can be properly rendered. Each juror is responsible for his own action, and will not lawfully or morally discharge his solemn duty if he concurs in the conviction of a fellow man when the evidence does not satisfy his mind of the guilt of the accused beyond a reasonable doubt. In my former charge I did not call your attention to the force, effect, and application of the legal presumption of innocence in a favor of a defendant that arises on the trial of every criminal case. This legal presumption of innocence is to be re-
GABRIEL
v.
M'CABE.
743
garded by the jury, in every case, as matter of evidence, to the benefit of which the defendant is entitled until overthrown by contrary evidence satisfactory beyond a reasonable doubt. This presumption is very important in cases where the guilt of a party is dependent upon a presumption of law, or where there are doubts arising from insufficient, inconsistent, or conflicting evidence. Where, from a consideration of the entire evidence, a case is left doubtful in the minds of a jury, or a decided majority of a jury, this presumption of innocence should always be sufficient to turn the scale in favor of defendant. In this case, the voluntary killing of the deceased with :.1 deadly weapon having been shown by the declarations of the prisoner, the law raised a presumption that the act was done with malice; and the burden was on the defendant to rebut such presumption to the satisfaction of a jury, but not beyond a reasonable doubt. 'rhe presumption of innocence is a counter presumption, not sufficient of itself to rebut the presumption of malice; but it should have much weight, as the evidence tends to show, from facts and circumstances, that the killing was not done with malice, but was done in self-defense, when engaged in the t'xecution of legal process, and to avoid serious injury, from a violent assault made by deceased with a deadly weapon while resisting an arrest. In the recent case of Coffin v. U. S., 156 U. S. 432, 15 Sup. Ct. 394, the supreme court of the United States carefully considered the force, effect, and application of the presumption of innocence in the trial of criminal cases. sIr. Justice White, in an elaborate, instructive, and very able opinion, delivered the unanimous decision of the court; holding that such presumption was elementary, and its enforcement lies at the foundation of the administration of our criminal law, and showing from many authorities that such presumption had long existed, and stilI exists, in every system of jurisprudence which has reason, religion, and humanity for a foundation. It is evidence in favor of the accused, introduced by the law in his behalf, to be considered as proof 'by the jury, and involves more in the trial of a case than "reasonable doubt" which is only the result of insufficient proof. You are now placed under the care of the marshal, to be kept together in this room. On to-morrow evening this term of the court will be adjourned to Greensboro, for the purpose of your deliberating until a verdict is agreed upon and rendered. Verdict, "Not guilty." GABRIEL v. McCABE et at (CirCUit COUl't, N. D. Illinois. June 8, 1896.) COPYRTOIIT-LTCE:'iSE-USE OF SONG IN COMPILED BOOK-ClIA:N()ES.
Complainant licensed defendants to publish a song, of which he held the copYl'ight, in a book of songs, entitled "Finest of the 'Wheat No.2." Defendants issued the book, and SUbsequently issued a combined edition of it and another collection, entitled "l!'inest of the 'Wheat No.1," in which the two books, without change of contents, were bound under one cover. 'I.'hey also issued an abridged edition, in which about 100 songs from "Finest of the 'Vheat No.2," including complainant's, were printed without change, this edition being used chiefly as an advel'tisement of the larger.