8516. TREASON, Patriotism vs.—
Treason,
when real, merits the highest punishment.
But most codes extend their definitions
of treason to acts not really against
one's country. They do not distinguish between
acts against the government, and acts
against the oppressions of the government.
The latter are virtues; yet have furnished
more victims to the executioner than the
former. Real treasons are rare; oppressions
frequent. The unsuccessful strugglers against
tyranny have been the chief martyrs of treason
laws in all countries. Reformation of
government with our neighbors [481]
[being] as
much wanting now as reformation of religion
is, or ever was anywhere, we should not wish
then to give up to the executioner the patriot
who fails, and flees to us.—
Report on Spanish Convention. Washington ed. iii, 353.
Ford ed., v, 483.
(1792)
