govern,  even  though  the  construction  grounded  upon  such  intention  may
appear  to  be  contrary  to  the  literal  import  of  the  words.  Every  technical
rule  as  to  the  construction  or  form  of  particular  terms,  must  yield  to  the  clear
expression  of  the  paramount  will  of  the  legislature.  Wilkinson  v.  Leland,  2
Peters  Bep.,  661.  In  construing  statutes,  penal  as  well  as  others,  an  interpreta-
tion must  never  be  adopted  which  will  defeat  the  evident  purpose  of  the  law,
if  it  win  admit  of  any  other  reasonable  construction."  (The  Emily  and  Caro-
line, 9  Wheat.  388.    Sharswood's  note,  1  Bl.  Com.,  p.  60.)

3  "  Grotius  divided  these  circumstances  into  two  sorts,  such  as  are  connected
with  the  writing  in  origin  only,  and  such  as  are  connected  with  it  in  place  as
well  as  origin.  To  these  two  we  may  add  a  third ;  for  there  are  some  circum-
stances which  seem  to  be  connected  with  a  law  or  contract,  &c.,  rather  in  time
than  either  in  origin  or  place."    Ruth.  lust.,  B.  2  ch.  7,  g  9.
