The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1843-02-11
NEW YORK HERALD.
VIEW York. saturday, February IL. ls4S.
The Dey Libel Case-Libcrty OF the Press
New York Herald.

libel brought against this journal py Ahmony ley,
has been the general talk OF the clty-and the sur
prise has been general how six men OF common
sense after hearing the case, could have refused 10
give the verdict of mot guilty" at once. What the
reasons OF these six persons were, it impossible to
say but Mr. Robbins and his five associates have
noby and fearlessly performed their duly, vindca-
ted the laws and constitution, and protected the
liberty of the press, on most momentous and exci-
ting question.
Yes, indeed, six honorable and int ligent jurors,
have at least indicated the consttuton-protected
the rights OF the press-appreciaed the motives OF
this journal-and established the soundest moral
principles OF the age, against one of the greatest
efforts of prejudice, hypocrcy, and rivalry, thaI
ever was brought TO bear against single lndlViouai
ora solitary journal Even those who like 10 see us
and our journal inundated, yet know very well that
there was foundation-no excuse-no ground tor
any prosecution in the case ofDey. We were only
exercising those undoubted rights, which every
man enjoys under the constitution OF free country
Yetit is most remarkable fact-and one that may
well startle the friends of intelligence and liberty
that there could be found six individuals willing to
bring in verdict of guilty-a verdict we are sure
that never would be thought of for moment, in a
similar case, even in the monarchcal capitals of
London and Paris where the press is less free than
ii is in this great land. No doubt, however, they
thought they were doing right
The truth is, the prejudice that has been got up
against the Herald has its origin in the jealousy,
rivalry, hate and maevolence Of our cotemporaries
The extraordinary talent, originality, energy, and
enterprise which we have combined together, in
building up the New York Herald, must, in the ne
cessty of the case, have created astonishment
frst-and rivalry and jealousy afterwards Our
career has been of such character in newspaper
literature, that even Mr.. Whiting, the District At
torney, while he was endeavoring to convict us,
contrary we are persuaded to his "sober second
Thoughts" could not help uttering the following
remarks on our enterprise -
Mr.. Whiting pronounced most eloquent eulO-
GUM upon the Herald. He said it was Mr. Ben
netts pride and glory that his paper was circulated
inevery land and in every cline upon which the
sun in the armament of heaven ever shone. If
you go to England you find it there. In France it
is almost the only American paper that can be
found upon file. II penetrates through the painless
SHOWS and dreary wilds of R ussia. Upon the sum-
init of the Alps you may see it. If you travel to
India you find it. 1t may be found in Switzerland
and Germany-upon the seven hills of ancient
Rome, and upon the tme-honored and classic soil,
and beneath the bamy skies of Italy, there you
may read the Herald. Cross over the Bosphorus-
go into Ashland, in short, ,cheyerr the English
language is spoken translated there does the Nec
York He, aid circulate. In view of this immense
circulation, and of this immense power welded by
one man, Mr.. Whiting spoke of the great caution
and discretion which should be used in CONDUCTING
his paper.'
We agree perfectly with the District Attorney, in
the necessity OF great caution and discretion" In
conducting such an engine--and during whole
reer we will venture TO say that we have commlt-
ted fewer against the laws of taste, society,
good morals than any paper in this city. The cla-
NOR which has been raised against US and the Her
aid, has arisen more from the jealousy OF rvals-the
prejudice created and the falsehoods circulated by
these very rivals From the case OF John Hagger-
ty, down to that of Anthony Dey, errors may have
been committed, but they were unlntentonal, and
Immediately corrected as soon as ascertained.
But this did not satisfy our rivals, who hated us
for our successful enterprise. 1t was not our con-
duct, as they alleged, which they wished to amend
it was to destroy us and our establishment, so
that they might occupy position Hence the
terrible falsehoods first invented and published by
the rival newspapers-hence the attacks not only on
on our journal-but on our character-on the
very females of our family-on the wife of ones
stance in the history of human nature of such
conspiracy TO destroy and his family, as there
has existed in certain chques in New York for the
last few years against us and the Herald. This afro
cious movement began with the " Courier IL En-
quirer" which attempted ldrive us from our very
apartments at the Astor House, by gross and false
insinuations against characters in private life, as
pure, as spotless as honorable, as accomplished as
any in this or any other country The atrocious at
tempt has been continued from that day. to this,
both in the Courier 81 Enquirer and in other news
papers, and also in otques Of society whose
rottenness and discredit cannot compare moment
with those that we associate with.
But there is a redeeming character in this CON-
munity-there turning point in the affairs of men
which can always be reached by those who bide
their time. That point is new at hand.
The FIRE DEPARTMENT Who among our citizens
is unacquainted with the charities of this most no.
bic Institution Of the voluntary services of its
members, the exposure TO which they subjected,
and the constant sacrifices of their time, health and
even their lives, while in the performance OF their
dangerous dutiesa These considerations should
deeply impress ,on the minds Of citizens the inn
portance of letting our generous Firemen see that
their services are appreciated. We perceive that
the Sacred Music Society is to give the Department
benefit on Thursday evening next, at the Taber-
naele. The sublime Oratorio of David will be per-
formed, not only with the usual vocal strength of
the Society," but wills likewise be assisted by other
eminent vocalists.
Here is presented an opportunity for our citizens
TO display their berality towards the relief of the
widows and orphan children of Firemen. We hope
to see the Tabernacle upon this occasion filled to
hat will Iize
sufficient to meet the pressing demands for assis-
lance which is continually made by the many dis
uessed and unfortunate persons who are the reel.
pients of It's benevolence.
CASE Wv p. BRowN.-This accemnlice of