Despotism Sanctioned.

Evening Post, Issue 164, 17 August 1865, Page 2

Despotism Sanctioned.

-The following casi ia related by the Wanganui Chronicle : " The case of Mr. James Moore, our townsman, who was imprisoned for several days in the military gaol, or barracks, on some charge of the nature of which, we believe, he is not yet aware, will be remembered by most of our readers. Mr.

Moore had brought an action which have come on for trial in next sitti the Supreme Court, in the beginni. jf next month, against Lieut.-Colonel Logan, by whose immediate order it would appear, that he was imprisoned, for false and wrougous imprisonment, laying the damages at £3,000. It would appear, that the perpetrators of the wrong against Mr. Moore are afraid of the issue of such trial ; and a Bill has been introduced into the House of Representatives for the purpose of securing all persons liable to such prosecutions, under the title of the Indemnity Act,« 1865. By this Bill all persons acting in * execution of orders or directions of any officer of her Majesty's Imperial or Colonial forces, or of any judge, magistrate, or other person acting under authority of the Government, on or about quelling the said insurrection, the resisting, apprehending, detaining, confining, or imprisoning, of any person or persons concerned, in the siid insurrection, ' or ' suspected to be dangerous or disloyal,' are freed from 'all actions, suits, indictments, or informations, prosecutions, proceedings, and liabilities whatsoever.' And the Governor has power to determine whether anything alleged to have been done lias been dune under authority of such persons. It is obvious that this Bill gives a license for any oppressive and unjust act that may be perpetrated against her Majesty's civil subjects. It is tantamount to a deprivation of all the privileges and immunities of a British subject, and is of so outrageous a character that we hope the House will not pass it. Meanwhile Mr. Moore has memorialized the House that his case may be made an exception to the operation of the Bill.