4pQonT

256 THIS DIFFICULT INDIVIDUAL
most sensational case of its kind since the trial of Aaron Burr,
wondered just how the U.S. proposed to convict its disaffected
poet."
Time's query was soon answered. The U.S. did not propose to
try to convict its disaffected poet. There were too many precedents
for Pound in American history of prominent men who risked their
necks in order to express political dissent. One of the most notable
was Pound's mentor, John Adams, who has been described by Russell
Kirk as "a man censorious, practical, ironic and heroic, a man
not afraid to risk hanging for the liberties of Massachusetts, not
afraid to plead for Captain Preston after the Boston Massacre, not
afraid to denounce the Gallic enthusiasm raised by Citizen Genet." 18
Like John Adams, Pound always opposed the mob, because the
mob will never discuss the questions. They can only riot. As Adams
said when running for the legislature, "No democracy ever did exist
or can exist." The answer of the offended American people to
Pound's criticism of them was not a defense, but a subterfuge. Instead
of trying him, and allowing him to air his arguments, as he
had anticipated doing, the government officials put him in an insane
asylum. He was removed to Washington's Gallinger Hospital,
the temporary stopping place for dope fiends (many of them prostitutes)
and other citizens who are due to be committed to St. Elizabeths
Hospital.
The file in the United States Court House in Washington, D.C.,
"Criminal No. 76028, United States vs. Ezra Pound, charged with
violation of Section I, Title 18, US Code (Treason)", is now
marked "Case Closed". The chronology of the case is scrawled on
the file cover in pencil and ink, with the following notations:
"Nov. 26, 1945. Presentment and Indictment Filed.
"Nov. 27, 1945. Defendant waives reading of the indictment and
stands mute. Arraigned. Plea 'Not Guilty' entered by the Court. The
motion for admission to bail is continued for further hearing until
Dec. 14, 1945.
"Dec. 21, 1945. Motion for admission to bail is further argued
and by the Court denied. Order directing deft be sent to St. Elizabeth's
Hospital for treatment and examination filed.