The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-06-18
A Few Word. about the Tombs.

generally supposed, ana respecting which volumes
might be writ, en- developing mysteries Ned Blunt
line and others who have attempted to pourtay the evil
doings and sayings in Gotham, never dreamed nor
will they to light until every poor devil who
has had the misfortune be locked up within its walls
with some of the needful at his command, shall have
revealed to the world the result of his experie
mt that may be looked for in VAIN for where will
find the man who has been guilty CT single offence,
and succeeded in escaping the punishment which he
ought received, through the magic influence of
that sovereign balm off Giead, the almighty dol
ar' that will forward and make known
the fact, 1t is true that some OF them will
occasionally speak of existing evils, and allude
to this person. and that person, being
corrupt; and by peculiar shrug Of the shoulder
shake of the head intimate that they know something
that they could tell tale, if they disposed,
that would create stir amongst the officials in this
quarter. And there Is doubt but Developments of
startling character could be made by them but to
veal what they know would be coming too close home,
and place those persons previously above suspicion in
very unenviable positions before the public. On the
other hand those who have been fathless in the dis
charge of their public duties for the sake Of lucre will
| Of course keep dark' as to what has passed. For
these reasons then, have before remarked, the
most shameful abuses heinous offences, series Of in
trigues, seductons and peccadoes connected with af
fairs Of the upper ten" will probably forever remain
behind the curtain. But to return to first point:
would state that this massive structure of granite
to which have alluded comprises the Coroner's Of
fee Court of Sessions Room, Grand Jury Room. Po
lice Court, Sixth Ward Police Station and the City
Prison. proper; besides the Keepers and Physicians
| offices, and others unworthy of notice.
CoRoNER's OrrIcE.-Of all the departments in the
Halls of Justice" that of the furnishes
ter Of the deepest interest. What record of human
anfolded to that worthy official Mental suferings,
long endured in silence at last to his knowledge
In his hands fall packages Of letters that unfold the
mseries that flesh is heir to,'these consigned
to the famesther contents unknown, except to him;
their publication would harrow the souls of the living
and carry desolation to many family The dead
could not be restored to life by exposing to public view
their cone nts neither would their publication tend to
repetition of his infamous arts Amours in gh life
well in low jeaousies between husband and wife
and the undred causes which lead mankind vou na-
rily to shake off this mortal coil, revealed to him
by the examination of witnesses; and it not for
the confidence imposed upon him by the very nature
of his office what budget of startling facts stranger
than fiction" might he not daily furnish, and thus
feed the curiosity of those who feel interest and
anxiety in having exposed the misfortunes of their
neghbors! Tho details connected with the multiple
city of to which the coroners attention is called
investigations they not therefore, except in cases
where the public welfare requires it, brought to light
Thus the secrets acquired by the coroner, will be bu
red with him. unless in after times he should leave
daryl exposing the mseres and mysteries Of the
human heart, developed by his official duties.
POLICE CouRT-But few perso MS can form the slight
conception of the varied and singular the
which the police justices called upon give
their attention to aud dispose of and it certainly
quires stock of patience and forttude very few
possess in order to through the ordeal to which
the magistrates and clerks almost daily subject II
any should feel sufficiently interested in learning
a chapter in New York it u.s. let him attend daily
in this court for week fortnight its opening
in the morning until its close in the evening; nd mix
rs it were, with the degraded, dssolute aud half
vered wreches who brought in from the dere mt
note down their language, and remember their
mary disposition. There he will probably few
genteel rowdes, who have been cutting up quecr
shines during the previous night, who called
give account of themselves; when rnest appeals
made to the presiding magistrate to let them slide
for their mamas don't known they're out. and
by promises of future good behavior and the shedding
of few crocodile tears, far possible enlist his
sympathies After paying small fine as a penalty
for his folly and listening suitable admo the
fashionable rowdy is, perhaps allowed to depart The
remainder OF the DAY Is usually occupied In making
tardy hearing complaints, and examining parties
charged with the commission of offences of serious
character In days gone by, considerable Star Cham
Der" business done but for time past very
few examinations, If any take place. from which the
reporters are excluded.
CouRr OF SEssIoSs--With regard to the affairs Of
this court speak in less satisfactory manner,
inasmuch there has long appeared to be consdera
BILE mystery connected with proceedings and mat
which ought to before it promptly for
adjudication Again. the manner in which the pro-
cecdings of some trials are conducted on the part
people, not unfrequenty appears to be very objection
able For instance. the culpritor prisoner, when he
into court he is at surrounded with all the
he is looked upon as being guilty before he is tried
This is altogether wrong for it is well settled rule
that when a party is to be tried for alleged Of
for which he has been indicted the evidence in
the must strictly be confined to that issue only
but here If the accused party happens to be known
policeman, or any other person in court they are
very ready to say that he is old offenders and then
instead combining himself entirely the facts and
evidence adduced by way Of remark observes: This
an old ofender,it appears that he has already
served apprenticeship in the State prison''-whch
statement very naturally has its prejudcia influence
upon the minds of the jury This it must be ad
mtted, is abuse. and illegal mode of trial
cognized by any sound principle of law. The fact
that Aldermen set associate judges of this court
like wise grou frequent complaint and
| to us, a very just one inasmuoh who has
been observer OF its proceedings can for moment
nnry influence and the truth Of this remark strikes
forcbly by recollection of the circumstance
that several occasions when active politicians have
beer placed trial. Aldermen who not only of the
political creed but probably intimate friends
associates Of the accused party contrive to be
it may appear the Aldermen regardless of politics.
to be very accommodating amongst themselves,
in these matters changing Off or in other words,
their seats the interested
for the time their particular influence is desired.
Of this kind could be referred to- in which
the jury found the guilty Of the
charged, aud the Recorder presiding judge Of the
court disposed to inhict severe punishment but
overruled by a majority of the bench aud that
majority consisting of the two Aldermen belonging to
the school Of politics the whom
they had volunteered sought the privilege Of sitting
MS associate judges.
GnASp Junr.e-Thc members Of this body are usually
selected amongst The most intelligent citizens Of
the county to investigate such presented
them from the different police also to take
cognzance Of notices of alleged existing that
may before them. With respect to the proceed
ings Of the Grand Inquest, account of their prva
cy, have had less opportunity of formin opinion
the subject Of any abuse. or man9uvrng their
part in disposng Of presented for their consdera
ton We have good reason to believe however that
frequently received by members of this body
relative to complaints preferred against parties whose
cases have been laid before them and that in many
communications " Is confidently boev
cd, have had very prejudcial influence upon the
minds Of the recipients in their deliberations.
CRY PRIsoN-Of the doings in this de partment, we
hear less and know less than formerly trials Of de-
putty keepers dem officials for aiding in the escape
feons having taken place OF late whereby could
;ufor to- nar