The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1853-12-08


which has perhaps before been In regard
TO any executive message a4t@4 W9N
The aye Of ths message Of President Pierce worry
much superior 70 the style OF his inaugural address Less
ambitious and ornate. but concise and the pu
pose-rapid and comprehensive in its
and emphatic in its general lonetis the very model OF
Pcsid nts message But. far above any excellence
OF rhetoric viii tho couay prize and applaud the patriot
c sentiment and sound doctrines OF this incompatible
per Since Madison left the Executive there has
been such Presidents message given to the country
The old State school have representative and
champion in the federal Executive, and President Pierce
speaks the language familiar the Virginia democracy
since Jefferson and Madison first vndcated the rights OF
the sovereign States
Eve viii not detain the reader by any eulogy this
All will appreciate and applaud it's 81 celence
Hereafter, may make OF It's striking passages the
subject Of elaborate comment and the of
discussion Of the principles and characteristics Of the pres
ont administration"
Convention Between the United states and
Great Britain.
The London Times Of the 10th November contains the
following announcement in regard to the commission
agreed upon for the adjustment of claims by the United
States and Great Britain:
"norrnation was recently given In the Times of
vontion having concluded between the British gov
and that of the United States otshe appointment
Of mixed commission to settle the outstanding claims
which citizens OF either country might have against the
government of the Other by tho terms OF this arrange
ment, commissioner be appointed by each
ernmen and, in ofdsagreement Of the
they appoint arbitrator, UMPIRE decide be-
tween them. TIE commission, consisting of Mr. Edmund
Horribly the part OF British govenm ent and Judge
Upham, of New Hampshire, the rat OF the United
States, have mutually agreed the appointment of Mr.
Joshua Bates of the firm Of Barring, Brothers, IL Company,
Of London arbitrator. OF umpire. for the Two
Mr. Bates accordingly attended yesterday the
office OF tue aud received his appointment,
and subscribed the declaration required by the
ton"
II will be remembered that we have already stated that
Gen. j. A. Thomas is agent OF claims for the United
States. and James Hammer, esq for Great Britain.
Criminal Court.
The December term OF the criminal court OF the United
States for The county Of Washington commenced on Mon
day, the Hon. 7. Hartley Crawford presiding.
We have been favored, by friend, with copy Of the
learned judges charge the grand jury, which we take
pleasure in presenting 10 readers. The duties OF
Judge Crawford are arduous. and doubtless are often
painful, but he discharges them with dignity. ability.
and mpartialy. The charge is annexed
CHARGE TO THE GRAND JURY OF WASHINGTON
| COUNTY. d. C.-DECEMBER TERM. 1858.
| GENTLEMEs OF THE GRAND JURY The only legitimate
objects OF all govenmenthe security OF the rights and
properly and advancement OF the prosperity and gen.
eral welfare OF the peoplemus be attained by the
strumeaaty OF agencies assigned to the performance Of
specific duties Among these, the consultation and laws
OF The United States have given prominent place 10 the
Judiciary branch Of the public service indispensable 10
The successful operation OF any frame Of free government
In the beneficial exercise OF the powers conhded 10 il i'm
pariiay the great eement Without il. intelligence
and learning useless. worse. With ii, they give
dignity TO the bench and security TO the citizen Nothing,
or if something must be lille possible, should be
left discretion. The guides OF courts are, established
principles and rules of universal application varied only
by shade according TO the circumstances presented IL
by them that every charged with crime is to be
cd hts il bp m
laws-mose less permanent-havnk adaptation TO
oil which arises and this general fitness II is
that prescribed for but for all gives safety to
each, subject always 10 the and mistakes into
which the pues and the most learned lawyers
casionay fall These are inseparable from the inml'y
OF human nature. and where there immodesty enough
claim ntalbiI,y there will generally be found least
wei. grounded right TO public confidence.
The foregoing remarks apply equally TO you as grand
Jurors; for although you cannot be expected TO be
Quanted with the Tues and principles oil law beyond the
general OF such crimes usually brought 10
the consideration Of gentlemen occupying the position
you fill, who have the power oil calling the court,
The district attorney, for any special legal information
necessary the discharge OF their duties. yet you do
una, s
given of facts you would return true against any
society, you should under The same crcum.
stances return bill against every other with
out reference the standing Of either, without aqunG
ino position influence. or any OF those adventurous
appendages by which individuals are distinguished in
every community from another. This suggestion IN
made no, because have the idea that il
quised by the gentlemen whom now address, bat be-
il lies at the very foundation Of fair and honest
administration OF justice, which, unless II in The
channel designated, would be cruel mockery, consgn
ing one to punishment, and awarding TO anoihe 7
freedom. when they merted common fate
/ The duties incumbent on you highly respon
sble, and thsy may be onerous. You are, II IL
true, only 10 decide whether there sufficient
sons for putting accused persons trial; and that
this 10 to be determined alter you shall have heard the
evidence which the United States will adducc. But all
atoms should b. thorough for is grave affair
cordng 10 the nature OF the accusation. aaches TO him
Of whom the grand jury have said that he 10 apparently
guilty He may, perhaps, be able to the impress
his trial but he subject 10 oboQuy in the mean
time. and 10 expense, however innocent The proseca-
ton may be frivolous and unworthy OF pursuit. but this
you canaot generally know without closeness Of
scruay. any than whether il may not have sprung
fed you that. the showing OF the United States, the
party charged guilty. there remains only the duty Of
retuTping "a true bill" 1880.
Diligence u Indispensable 10 the accomplishment OF
proposed object the proper performance OF any obga
tory duty by exercise service rendered when and
where Il 10 due and reputation acquired Even cases OF
comparative unimportance require III Tor Without under
standing what the accusation precisely, and on what
crcuns,ancss founded cannot be known to what class
of offences il belonga what sbOuld be your hnding
Although your intelligence need not be folly exerted,
nor your attention closely directed in many. probably
the mass OF the Investigations, in Others 10 which
duty will invite you. still full knowledge Of even plain
When charge made is strongly supported. or but feeby
maintained, your task light your duty - mani
fest Many subjects submitted to your consideration will
fall within the other Of these alternatives Again
you will Rnd probably, ahong the evidence before you
be all side, contraety Of testimony possibly
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