Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1821-09-04
some with view 10 settle, and others 10

some With view 10 settle, and others 10
look about them.
y General Jackson has lost no time in
commencing his administration. The
q day after the change OF flags, some whole
come regulations we're promulgated in
the form of ordinances, for the better
government Of the city. He found the
place without police: the alcsde under
the Spanish government, where there Is
no cabildo, is every thing; kind OF
Caleb Qaotcm, and therefore nothing
No civil police had ever been organized
here. To avoid the necessity cfcinpioy-
ing the military for this purpose, or for
the purpose of civil government at all,
the general found it absolutely necessary
y to establish something like corpora
ton, or cabildo, for the city, composed
of mayor or corrcgidor, and six alder
men or regidors, together with board
OF health. Mr.. bowie has been appoint
ed mayor, and three American gentle
men, and three of the old inhabitants al
dermen--to these the power is given to
appoint inferior officers and the peace
and health Of the city ore con6ded to this
body. They are now in the full exer-
else OF their functions. Dr. Bronough
as resident physician presides in the
board of health, which is composed of the
mayor and aldermen. An ordinance has
been promulgated rcgulating the quaran-
tine OF vessels coming TO this port.
The administration of Justice was
found in most defective state The al
cade was not lawyer, and there was no
officer to execute civil process. In
criminal cases there is no public trial,
and in fact it is almost impossible to say
what is the rule or form TO be pursued.
Judge Breckenridge was appointed al
cade, and received all the public archives
and records. l, is believed that the
powers Of this Office will shortly be dis
trIbuted by ordinance in such manner
as to be less revolving to our habits and
feelings, at the same time, without essen
tally departing from Spanish usages and
customs, excepting, perhaps, in criminal
cases, where it is impossible to pursue
them. We are gra,i6ed to learn ,hat it
is the generals intention TO introduce the
trial by jury in criminal cases, at once,
and public hearing viva voce. The
Spanish constitution contemplates the
establishment of this mode of trial, but
the Cortes, | believe, have not yet adops-
ell it. Colonel Pero, it is said, will be
alguazil, mayor, or sheriff. None of the
officers of the general government have
yet made their appearance here. Cap
tain Call is acting secretary of the pro-
vince of West Florida.
The ordinance aludedto contemplates
the establishment Of county courts, to be
composed of five justices of the peace
with a limited jurisdiction the general
himselfthe judge in las. resort, and also
of original jurisdiction in cases beyond
the power Of the county court. East and
West Florida will each compose coun-
ty, Justices of the peace are also to be
appointed in the diiferen, settlements and
towns, for the purpose Of hearing cases
of small amount These ere among
the first acts Of the new government
They are all on the side of the rights,
privileges, and liberty of the citizen, as
well as calculated for the general pros
perity. Orleans Gazette.