Newport Chartists Vol.23a, p.4

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</add></add></add>own direct consequences, is calculated to produce
the most malignant effects upon the community
at large; its direct and immediate tendency is
the putting down the authority of the law; the
shaking and subverting the foundation of all
government; the loosening and dissolving the
bands and cement by which society is held
together; the general confusion of property; the
involving a whole people in bloodshed and
mutual destruction. And accordingly, the
crime of High Treason has always been
regarded by the law of this Country, as the offence
of all others of the deepest dye, and as calling
for the severest measure of punishment. But
in the very same proportion as it is dangerous
to the community, and fearful to the offender
from the weight of punishment which is
attached to it, has it been thought necessary
by the wisdom of our ancestors, to define, and
limit this law within certain express
boundaries; in order that on the one hand,
no guilty person might escape the punishment
due to his transgression by an affected
ignorance of the law; and on the other, that
no innocent man might be entangled or
brought unawares within the reach of
its severity, by reason of the law's uncertainty.
And accordingly in the parliament of

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