Peonage Cases

(orally). The court has been advised that in some sections of this district there now exists a system of peonage, in violation of the Constitution and laws of the United States. As the District Attorney informs the court that evidence will be laid before you for the purpose of securing the indictment of persons who are alleged to' have been guilty of violating the laws of the United States on that subject, it is but proper that the court should charge you specially on this subject, which is one that has never, to my knowledge, been brought before any of the courts in this state, and for this…