The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1842-10-01

,,,., ,,or,J Movement begun In New
vorL-Reform q, the administration OF
criminal Justice-ndictmentO of james
Watson webb for being common Duel
ust-Imprisonment Of Mr. Thaddeus Phelps
for contempt OF Court.
AT last we begin to see glimpse of light towards
a real reform in society, and a Just and equitable
administration of the laws in this great noble, and
wonderful city Yesterday the Grand Jury for the
city and county of New York brought in a Bill OF
Indictment against JAMES WATSON WEBB, on the
charge of leaving the State OF New York with the
intent OF giving or receiving challenge" and also
on the allegation OF being man ''oi an evil and
wicked mind, and malicious disposition and com
duellist,i fighter and disturber OF the peace
of the people of the State of New York" Mr.
Webb was accordingly brought before the Court
and bail was entered into his behalf for S., OOO
by Mr. Thomas Snowden, the printer of the Courier
and Enquirer.
Before the same Court, Thaddeus Phelps, Esq,
merchant, was brought up, and sentenced TO be i'm
prsoned in the county Jail for days, for contempt
of court, in refusing to answer the legal questions
put to him by the Grand Jury Mr.. Phelps was,
however, permitted, in charge of an officer, 10 go
down to Wall street and settle his business. Mr.
Constance F Daniels another of the witnesses after
u
TO the due course of law, made proper replies TO the
questions put, and was thus liberated with honor
and respect
These proceedings created prodgious excite
ment within the Halls of Justice, and throughout
that neghborhood, for the whole day. The array
of counsel, witnesses, friends, lockers on, aud ad-
vlsers OF all kinds was prodigious A full and ac-
curale report of these proceedings will be found
under our Sessions head in another column
On these particular cases, have not word
further to say at this time. If Mr.. Webb is inno-
cent OF any breach OF the lawsof any infraction of
the statues-of being dsturber of the peace-of
being " common duest'-we have no doubt he
will be triumphantly acquitted by his country-and
all good men will rejoice thereat But of this
Grand jury, and of the honorable Court of Ses-
slons, we cannot omit saying here, that they have
molly begun reform IN the administration of the
laws, which if followed up with the same equity
and firmness, will establish the character of the
country at home and abroad-and Joy to flu
ture times. The Recorder, Judge Lynch, and all
those associated with them in the administration OF
Justice, have covered themselves with that true
glory, that nothing can dim obscure-nay, it will
only shine brighter the longer it is looked upon
Let justice be done, though the bright heavens fall
to pieces.
Thus it will be that the prize fighters and
the duellis:s-the fighters by fists, and the fighters
by pstols-will be brought to punishment-the one
by the frmness of the Grand Jury of Weschester
and the other by the Grand Jury fNew York. For
nearly fourteen yearspast, New York and the whole
country have been disturbed by these brawles, box
ers, pugiliss, dueists, and dsturbers of the peace
The Hon Mr. Cilley, member of Congressman
Mccoy, a young man, the of an aged mother,
have both fallen victims this demoralzing custom
private combat, and brutal encounter. Several
Others, not necessary mention, have been render
ed cripples for life. These pugilists and duests
have hitherto paraded their combats before the
world, and bid defiance to the laws. BY such spi-
nit, and such men, society has been demorazed-
riots produced-prlvate houses sacked and sacred
churches almost burned to the ground in our two
largest cities. The crisis has come at ast-the cup
is full and the whole country will look on for the
denouement with JOY and gladness. Thank God the
longest lane has turning corner.