Democratic Sentinel, Volume 2, Number 35, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 October 1878 — The Chicago Whisky Cases. [ARTICLE]

The Chicago Whisky Cases.

An event of great importance to the I small army of delinquent distillers cap- . tured in Bristow’s raid upon the whis- ! ky-thieves occurred yesterday in the i decision of their cases by Justice Harlan, of the United States Supreme Court. The decision is also of general interest by reason of the law poifits involved. tn effect it is only a partial victory for the Government, Justice Harlan holding that the granting of immunity and pardon operated to relieve the distillers from the enforcement of all penalties and forfeitures incurred by reason of the violation of the internalrevenue laws, and accordingly the suits for double-tax penalty and condemnation and forfeiture are dismissed. On the other hand, the decision sustains the claim of the Government for all unpaid taxes, overruling the plea of the defendants that they were relieved of this demand through the granting of immunity to some and of pardon to others. The Court lays down the broad principle that the power to remit taxes is lodged only in Congress, and cannot be [lawfully exercised by any officer of the Government; so that, even if a pledge of this kind had been made, or a i provision to that effect had beei> inserted in the pardons, neither the pledge nor the pardons would be recognized as valid and binding, and the debt of unpaid taxes must still be paid unless released by act of Congress. From the text of Justice Harlan’s opinion it would appear that the probability of an appeal to the Supreme Court of the United States w r as held in view, and notice of appeal was promptly filed by the Assistant District Attorney on behalf of the Government.— Chicago Tribune,