The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1843-03-25


belched forth columns of the most disgusting vitu-
peraton, and with all the ingraned malevoence
which charac,erizesl 1t, has assailed every who
dared TO express doubt respecting the proprley oil
Commander McKenxie's conduct. The whole de-
fence of Mckenzie, in these papers, from beginning
10 end, has consisted of abuse. The relatives of
the executed men have been altacked-the govern
ment have been attacked--he Judge Advocate
has been attacked-every one, in fine, that refused
to approve of the entire course pursued by Comman
der Mckenzie has been attacked in the most fero-
clous manner. This violent and foolish conduct has,
as matter of course, done incalcuable injury TO
the cause it was absurdly intended to serve
mus the viruent assaults on Mr.. Spencer have
awakened great Indignation. Any one possessed of
common sense orfeeling would have supposed that
this gentleman, at least would have been secure from
attack. But he has been the special object of the
most unfeellng and unchristian abuse. And for
what? Simply for discovering that he had the feel
ngs OF father, and exercising one of the most pre-
clous privileges Of citzenship-the right of enqulr
ing al the lawful tribunals OF his country whether his
son had been righteously deprived of his life. The
calmness and dignifed forbearance with which Mr.
Spencer has acted throughout this sad affair, have
been remarkable and the abuse poured upon him has
been as utterly inexcusable as il has been disgrace
ful,even to the Courier. The man who could assa
Mr. Spenceri in such circumstances must be as utter
y devoid of every parental feeling as he is of every
principle of honor
The attacks on the Judge Advocate are equally
unjustifabe and detestabe. This gentleman has
been only discharging his duty with fidelity And
every impartial witness will cheerfully admit that he
has done so with great good feeling propriety and
justice He is besides,a gentleman in every way en-
titled to respect, and indeed enjoys, amongst all
who know him, tn at high reputation which an I'M
blemshed character and distinguished talent always
gain from men of intelligence and honor Now,
who can fail to be disguised by unmannerly attacks
on such public official because he has retained his
independence and faithfully discharged the duties of
his trust?
The conduct of Mr. Norris has had throughout the
entire proceedings, the support and appreciation of
the Court Ii the record should ever see the light it
will be very satisfactorily perceived that the abors
OF the Judge Advocate have not been Improbable
or unlmportant. The charges of collision between
Mr.. Norris and Mr. Spencer, are unmitigated fabr-
cations. The truth is that the whole secret of the
assaults on Mr.. Norris, consists in the fact that his
faithfuness and tact elected the whole truth about
the message sent to Mr.. and Mrs. Spencer by their
Must before his execution; and also some other
startling facts which were absolutely wrung from
the reluctant witnesses. Had Mr. Norris been
more complaisant. and less faithful, he would have
been the very pink of Judge Advocates
We have repeatedly expressed our regret that
such mode of defence should have been adopted
by the protested friends Of Commander Mckenzie.
on account of the injury which necessarily resulted
to him. When such violent and abusive conduct
apparently receives his sanction people naturally be.
gin to suspect the existence of malicious and ty-
rannlca spirit which is altogether at variance with
the character of Tree institutions, and which is
sure to meet, IN this enlightened community. with
crushing rebuke.
For our own part, we have studiousIy avoided any
thing like partizan feeling in this case We have
candldly and honestly stated our own opinion, but
we have endeavored to do justice to all parties-
And In fact in the most important proceedings in
the case, Commander Mckenzie and his friends
were obliged to seek in our columns that informa-
ton which was TO be found in no other quarter
Had the papers which took up the defence of that
gentleman acted in the same spirit of Justice and
refralned from the bullying bravado, and absurd and
violent conduct which has excited only Indignation
and disgust, II would have been much better for the
cause of Commander Mckenzie
STREET CLEANNe.-There are two sides to a con-
tract, two sides to street, and two sides to everv
question. Having touched up the Contractors, and
street cleaners, on two three occasions and re-
minded them of their duty we shall now turn TO
the other side and touch up the sovereign people
themselves; which we do by calling their attention
to the following article of the city ordinances,
which is unrepealed and would be in full force and
effect if it were obeyed -
Corporation Ordinanees-Che XYDI
SEc. ]. The owner or occupant, person having
charge of each house other building lot or lots Of
ground in the city Of New York shall, within the first
four hours after every fall Of snow hail. rain which
shall freeze the side walks and in the CUTTERS cause
the to be removed entirely from of the side walks
and to the breadth Of foo out of the gutter opposite
such house, building lot land under the penalty of
three dollars for every such neglect to be paid by the
said owner occupant or person having charge severay
and respectively.
WHERE ARE THE POLICE "A disgraceful fight
took place yesterday afternoon in Broadway, near
Spring street. 1t was between the drivers Of one
of Palmers and one Of Reynold IL Weart's omni-
buses. They fought on the step of their stages in
each of which were several lades-not caring for
the limbs, the lives, the OF their passen-
gers these brutes smashed their stages together and
run their horses to the sidewalks thereby endan-
gering the lives Of those who were quietly walking
by. What ought to be done with such men
Where are the police?
GENERAL MURPHY, {" the Patrick Henry of the
West, FOUR late minister to Central America, shakes
hands with his democratic friends at Tammany
Hall, this evening at o'clock. He is on his way
TO Washington.
FIRE IN NEW HAvEN.-W learn by Harnden's ex-
press, that fire broke out yesterday morning. at half
past six O'Clock, in the store occupied by Nicholson
" Lewis, grocers. 1t is impossible to say what their
less has been, but probably the whole stock has been
badly damaged.
CHATHAM TKATRE--MR. CLlNE's BENEFIT. To
night is set apart for the benefit Of MIR. Cline, a
very worthy and popular melo-dramatic actor, and