The Northern Star, And Constitutionalist

Conscientious Scruples.—At the recent term of the Court of Common Pleas in Nantucket, Judge Strong presiding, a somewhat curious occurrence took place, the facts of which are as follows;—James H. Briggs, called as a witness, declined taking the oath, offering to affirm. The counsel in the case objected to his taking an affirmation, unless the Court should be satisfied that the proposed witness had conscientious scruples which would prevent his taking the oath.—The Court then examined Briggs, and were not satisfied from the examination, that he had conscientious scruples upon the subject. The Court then suspended the subject until the next day, saying to witness that the Court would receive testimony from his acquaintance and neighbors as to his general character, habits and opinions, which might have a tendency to show that he was sincere in his declarations as to his conscientious scruples. On the next day, Briggs appeared, but offered no testimony of this or any other description. The Court then required him to take the oath, which he said he should do if compelled. The Court then directed its clerk to administer the oath; but the clerk declined doing so, and said he should resign his office—which he did, and a new clerk was forthwith appointed and sworn by the Court. Briggs then refused to take the oath; whereupon, the Court ordered him to be imprisoned during the session of the Court unless during the term, he should take the oath required.—[New Bedford Mercury.