The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1850-07-16

ADMINISTRATIONS or JUSTICE IN NEw YORK
BHIsToL BILL, ONE-EYED THoNPsSS, AND GEoReE
WILKES, ALL CorARrSERs-We give elsewhere,
in our columns to-day, Q biographical sketch Of
Bristol Bill, alas William III. Darlington, and of
Christian Meadows, two criminals recently SEN
fenced to the State prison of Vermont, for
having counterfeit materials in their possession.
The principal portion Of this biographical sketch
gives a very curious description Of confederacy
entered into between George Wilkes, One-Eyed
Thompson, and Bristol Bill, for the purpose Of
finding out or extracting evidence by stoo-pigeon
process, in order to impcate the two Drurys, Of
Astoria, in the torpedo explosion which took place
at Warmers residence in this city not many months
ago. The facts stated in relation to George
Wilkes, One-Eyed Thompson, and Bristol Bill,
are principally taken from the express language
and confessions published by Wilkes himself, and
sold for sixpence the sheet to the world at large.
One.Eyed Thompson, as he is called, has also
appeared in print, having just issued the other day
the fret number of his Confessions" disclosing
what he knows of crime and criminals during his
singular career in this city. His frs, brochure Is
very undressing and dull, and possibly may
continue to he so, unless he comes down TO recent
events, aud gives the truth, the whole truth, in r-
ton with Bristol Bill and Wilkes, with whom he
took so active and singular part, in the toIpc-
do and other business.
The most singular feature in this biographical
sketch Of Bristol Bill is disclosure Of the steps
taken by Wilkes, Thompson and Bill, in preparing
and perfecting criminal matters under the code,
and almost superseding, in their own persons, such
officers district attorneys and their assistants, Of
any kind or character. Since David Grahim, one
Of the principal codi6ers of this city, has held the
professional appointment Of pro tom. District Al.
torney in this city, il the most extraordinary
Developments have been made in the practice Of the
law in the preparation OF criminal cases, that per-
hags have ever characterized the administration Of
justice in any land. According 10 Wilkes own
confessions, written in his own language, publish.
ed in his own journal, that individual seems to
have occupied post as self-appointed Judge. jury,
district attorney and every thing else IN relation 20
criminal matters which have taken place, during
the last two years, in this city This YVES pariicu-
larry cxemplited in the case Of Arlington Bennett
--e case, beyond doubt, Of the most remarkable
and astounding injustice towards tina, individual.
Il seems also to have characterized the whole Of
the proceedings in relation to Drury, according 10
Wilkes own confession. Grand juries have been
used for the purpose Of finding indictments on tcs-
iimony got UP for the express purpose Of crinina-
ing or duplicating innocent men. The old and re-
guar laws of evidence have been set aside, under
the authority of eminent codiiers, in such way
as TO star,le every sensible man in the commuaity
The instruments, however, ia getting up these
indictments under the new code Of evidence. oil
all yet find their level and their home Bristol
Bi the most efficient instrument in the haads %
Wilkes in manufacturing stool-pigeon evidence
implcatipg Drury, has found his home Ia the safe
prison Of Vermont One-Eyed Thompson, and the
rest of the various aids and sssstanis WILL sooner
or later, find their home in some copgenial stmo-
sphere for in thus community, where the public
eye !. upon isdges and jures, justice is cure,
dough slow.