Mass. ay. Ct ay. N. J. ay. Pa ay. Del. ay. Md ay. Va no. N. C. no. S. C. ay. Geo. ay.
It was then moved to insert after "two witnesses" the words "to the same overt act."
Docr Franklin wished this amendment to take place. prosecutions for treason were generally virulent; and perjury too easily made use of against innocence.
Mr Wilson. much may be said on both sides. Treason may sometimes be practised in such a manner, as to render proof extremely difficult–as in a traitorous correspondence with an Enemy.
On the question–as to some overt act
N. H. ay. Mass. ay. Ct ay. N. J. no. Pa ay. Del. ay. Md ay. Va no. N. C. no. S. C. ay. Geo. ay.
Mr King moved to insert before the word "power" the word "sole," giving the U. States the exclusive right to declare the punishment of Treason.
Mr Broom 2ds the motion.
Mr Wilson in cases of a general nature, treason can only be agst the U— States, and in such they shd have the sole right to declare the punishment–yet in many cases it may be otherwise. The subject was however intricate and he distrusted his present judgment on it.
Mr King this amendment results from the vote defining treason generally by striking out agst the U. States, which excludes any treason agst particular States. These may however punish offences as high misdemeanors.