The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-12-27
"'77s@F ? 7777777's777 = = -
The Era of Libel Suits.

soldier, with the Victor OF MOSCOW.
The Era of Libel Suits.
We have received further letters relative to
VS.. Bennett" and in the perusal Of our ex-
changes we perceive that the action and its re.
suits have become a leading topic upon which
the newspapers all over the United States ex-
press their opinions The majority OF the jour-
nals-at least those blessed with editors who
understand the law and the fact-condemn the
action Of the jury, while a few, in whose minds
prejudice takes the place of intelligence, and
lack of knowledge is compensated by sur
plusage of egotism and stupidity, tell their
readers that the verdict was Just" and that
we will "learn better" We have shown that
both assertions are not only ridculously alb.
surd, but altogether unfounded. We do not
purpose, at this time, to discuss the many ques-
tions which arise from the present position OF
the cause. We take the "great case' as pre-
cedent and the beautiful system known as the
common law, is founded upon, and works by,
precedents almost altogether. We are willing
to he martyred, pro bono pu5lico, and murmur
not at the law. But we only do our duty to
the public by exposing the hypocrisy and i'm,
pudence of two Of the journals whose conduc-
tors have endeavored to permeate the minds
of their readers with portion of the igno-
rance and prejudice which seem to be the
prominent traits in their characters We refer
to the Times and the Tribune, the persons
who edit these publications having exhausted
A.. 81 oh, nd
and having gloated with glee almost satanic,
over the result of the suit-One OF them having
set its expenses at the sum of fifteen thousand
dollars, and the other at seventeen thousand
the last argument clearly showing that
they think we were to be punished"
tor a crime committed, instead ofsimply being
required to remuuerate the party bringing the
suit for damages actually sustained. Taking
their own platform as test by which to Judge
their own acts, let US see the result of an eyami
nation into their manner of dealing. not only
with artists and managers, but with persons
whose station makes their good name more
valuable.
We first examine the record against our
youthful and pe.ite friend of the Times. As
its circulation has been limited to class in
society, the great body Of the people need to be
informed as to its doings.
The Times INDUCES in the luxury of what its
conductors call musical critic;' and the re-
suit of his visits to concerts and the opera are
adopted as the opinion of the paper, and placed
prominently before the public. 1t is supposed
that the public reads the articles. the puifc
cannot fail to remember the malignity with
which this critic has pursued Salvi This per-
secution has extended over period Of several
months, commencing last summer, when Silv
sang the principal tenor parts in the operas
because he refused certain parts, and abused
for his style of singing and aching in others.
The critic said this man was not good tenor, bit
gave no reason why he was not-that he disap
pointed the public from sheer caprice and con-
tempt and recently the Times attempted to
incite riot against him If he should dare"
Chats the phrase. "dare' y to appear again
in public. Now, Salvi is accepted as first
class tenor singer, an article which is 80 rare
that it commands great price. If it is Injured
the damage is in proportions high-minded
jury would most certainly give Lorenzo Salv
twenty thousand dollars, with our case be-
fore them as precedent.
Who is the next on the list! lady-a stran
ger in strange land, without q protector-al
most without friend. Madame the Baronne dc
Berg arrived here q short time since. She was,
and is pioniste, and gave concert in New
York preliminary to tour through the int
rior. She had many requisites to recommend
her to the patronage Of the public. The opn-
ion Of the HERALD was given at the time, aud
other journals commended her to the public no.
tice. The Times abused her-called her infc-
rior to mediocre drawing-room pianistes, and in
Culged in remarks intended to be funny and
evere upon pionistes in general. and foreigp
pionisfes in particular. Here is q magnificent
case. We think we see the eyes of the ''lcader
;os the pisiutil'' spsrA!s ~ he takes up the