Ypsilanti Sentinel

A Quarrel at the People's Cost.—We are thoroughly convinced that hero-worship is one of the great banes of our Republic; and also that in nine cases in ten, the objects of this devotion are weak and wicked; undeserving of the esteem they enjoy. Hence we shall never cease to present their characters, as developed in word and action, to the consideration of the public. The trial of Lieut. Fremont, now in its second month—very near its third—has already cost upwards of fifty-thousand dollars. That the People the paymasters—may have a glimpse of the dignity of the parties concerned in this famous Court we publish the following scene.

Gen. Kearney said: Mr. President, before the Court is cleared, I wish to make a statement—No objection being made—

Gen. Kearney said; I consider it due to the dignity of the Court, and the high respect I entertain for it, that I should here state that on my last appearance before this Court, when I was answering questions propounded to me by the Court, the senior counsel of the accused,—Thomas H. Benton, of Missouri, sat in his place, making mouths at me, which I considered were intended to offend, to insult, and overawe me.

I ask of this Court no action so far as I am concerned, I am fully capable of taking care of my own honor.

The President of the Court said, he regretted to hear it. He had not observed anything of it. He referred to the power of courts martial under the law in regard to violations of order in its presence; and he read the 76th article of the Rules and Articles of war, as follows:

'No person whatsoever, shall use any menacing words, signs, or gestures, in presence of a court martial, or shall cause any disorder or riot, or disturb its proceedings, on the penalty of being punished at the discretion of said court martial.'

The Honorable Thomas H. Benton, counsel for Lieut. Col. Fremont, then addressed the court as follows:

'I desire the Judge Advocate will take down what I say.' He then continued:

'Mr. President: On or about the first day of Gen. Kearney's examination before this court when he stood in that corner, and when he twice swore that Col. Fremont had the originals now of certain papers, if he had not destroyed them, he fixed his eyes on Col. Fremont fixedly and pausingly, and looked insultingly and fiendishly upon him. The Judge Advocate, by leading questions, led Gen. Kearney into a modification of what he had previously sworn.'

Here a member of the Court rose and said:

'Mr President, I rise to bring the attention of the Court to a point of order, which ought I think, to be observed. Remarks reflecting on the integrity of our proceedings are not in my opinion admissible.'

Col. Benton said: 'I admit the power of the Court to punish, but they must first hear.'

Col. Benton continued his remarks, according to his recollection of the Judge advocate as follows:

'When Gen. Kearney fixed his eyes on Col. Fremont, I determined if he should attempt again to look down a prisoner, I would look at him. I did this day, and the look of to day was the consequence of looks in this Court. before. I did to day look at General Kearney when he looked at Col. Fremont: and I looked him down: I looked at him till his eyes fell—till they fell upon the floor.'

As to this Court, I disclaim any intention to disturb its order, entertaining as I do the highest respect for this Court.'

The President of the Court said he had observed Gen. Kearney look towards Col. Fremont during the trial, and on the occasion referred to. but not with an insulting expression of countenance: on the contrary he. the President, thought the expression was one of politeness and kindness.

The hour of three having arrived, the President gave the order for the adjournment of the Court.

Gen. Kearney rose and said: 'I wish in the presence of the Court, to say, that I have never offered the slightest insult to Col. Fremont; either here, as a prisoner, on this trial, or anywhere or under any circumstances whatsoever.'

And the Court adjourned to meet on monday at 10 o'clock.

On Monday a card appeared in the papers of Washington city, In which Gen. Kearney pronounces the statement of Col. Benton totally false. So the lie direct has been given; and contrary to the wishes of our cotemporaries, we hope these worthies may meet, and fall on the 'field of honor.' Let there be no ridiculous shooting at each others legs, Webb and Marshall fashion: but let them boldly shatter each others brain-pan and release the struggling spirit, so sensitive to insult, to soar above terrestrial mortifications.