The mountain sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1844-1853, 1853-03-17
Starving Juries.

count Tor the harShneSS which characterized tli,
laws transmitted to US. III many instances We
can not sec the reason which actuated ancien,
legislators in passing enactments which, We
think, might have been assigned to more bar
barian age. We find yet in the laws. which we
haye received from our English ancestors. Gus
toms which seem to us unwarentab,e, and even
diegraceful to civilized country.
One Of these to which we refer ie, that by
which juries were excluded from meat and drin;
while considering cause. We do not deem il
uninteresting Improbable To make some en-
euires into the origin of this system.
There was a usage among the Germans to de
libernte at their feasts upon the most Important
business, for then. as they believed, the soul
was more opefed to sincerity. Them when all
reserve was thrown off, their deiberation was
conducted in frankness and sincerity. They
consulted when unable to dissemble and they
determined when not liable to mistake. Among
the Celtic and Gothic nation 4, also, holding
councils of state during entertainments was much
practieed Some of their most important affairs
were discussed over the festive board. 1t is
somewhat remarkable that the word maUus
which, during the middle ages, designated the
national assembly, is derived from mae!, which
signifies feast.
The legitimate results of this union of business
and festivity were evils which proved most in
furious; great were they that it became ne
cessary 10 make regulations, which, to US, are
strange.
1t was a law among the Longbards, that mo
drunken man shall he at liberty TO plead his own
cause, nor to give evidence in court of Justice:
shall the magistrate gipe judgment unless fast
ing"
There was also another which declared, lit
seems fair and honest that judges should be fds
ting when they hear and determine causes -
There law made in synod held at Win
chester in the year 1908. which declared - be
canse persons when drunk are incapable of Civ
ing a legal consent, we forbid tfiat man and
woman attempt to pledge themselves in a con
tract Of matrimony, when in a tavern, by any
form of words. unless with fasting spittie''-
Thus it was that the older Britons restricted
their juries from all indulgences even in the
very necessaries of like. This custom has no
other origin than that here assigned
From this. ALSO arose another Usage which
has only ceased within 4 very few years. In
the assizes il customary for the Sheriffs OF
the county to e1pend a large sum of money.
twice every year, in feasting the Judges and
gentry" This is system we would not hesi-
tate to recommend now. From this very wise
practice has been adopted one, which is very
generally and sacredly observed in a sister
State. At every term of the Court there are
many who are called TO be foremen of the juries
for the first time. This is quite honor-an
empty one we think-for which they are obliged
TO pay. When the jurors are finally discharged
those who have been forerrc1 are obliged To give
a large and sumptuons supper 10 the Judges
and gentry" of the Court. This operation is
called docking the colts.
In conclusion we would respectfully recon-
men,i that some of the old and useless practices
be abolished, and others. more beneficial, like
the last be adopted.-IW Union.
Toilet of the French Empress.
The journal der Empire has the folio wing ar
tcie upon the toilette of the Empress 1.-The
jewellery and toilettes of the Empress will he
very magnificent. NJ Lemonnier. the jeweller,
is preparing purure of white pearls and rubies
Of beautiftT design, Consisting of small clos
ed crown, to be placed on fhe back of the head,
of bracelets, and Of a necklace a plaques i; and
another parure, in very rare black pearls. CON
sisting of Il bracelet, ornamented with three
large pearls, necklace sitting close TO the neck
in the Louis XIV. style, with. in the centre. an
enormous pearl pendant. and brooch with four
black pearls pendant. He is also preparing a
bracelet, consisting eff precious stones of all
colors and a brooch in diamonds of oval form
the centre of which is formed of very thin
large diamond which is destined to cover the
portrait of the Emperor. and pure di'mond is
to be pendant from il. This brooch will be of
exquisite beauty. The marriage coin is to be
of massive gold, with the rim OF dmohds. On
one side are TO be the initials of Napoleon III.
and Marie Eugenie de Guzman on the other is
inscribed, in diamonds, the date of the marriage
ler has been entrusted with the arrangement, of
of the diamonds of the crown, and he is to-
make crown similar to that of Chariema gne.
of great beauty. lie is also to supply Some
very fine bracelets and brooches. II is he who
has prepared the ornaments of the PRAYER book
of the Empress the book, is bound in white
velvet with silver ornaments: and side
is an eagle surmounted with the imperial crown.
in diamonds: on the other the initials of her
Majesty. surmounted with an imperial crown, |
also in diamonds The dress-mak have been
charged with the dresses-Madame Vignnn with
those for the morning AMI Mademaiselle Pal |
mvre with those of the evening. The former is
making thirty four of exquisite beauty
Amongs. them are three morning peigaoirs. rich |
ly embroidered, decorated with Valenciennes
and Mechlin lace, and lined with silk. of n rose,
blue and white color two robes de chambre-
one in black velvet with facings of watered silk.
of sky-blue color, the other in gros de Navar .
re lined with white silk: full dress of rose |
colored watered silk with very long bas9ueS.
with fringe and lace; and of
green taffetas with flowers. ornamented with
pfumes frisees. Mile. Palmyre is making twen
ty full dresses /; one is in white hrocade, with
flowers of silk and gold ornamented down the |
front with flowers another has three iounces 4
embroidered with silk and silver another of
velvet is ornamented with founces of blond !
lace. decked with bees and crowned eagles in !
gold: one of blue velvet. with founces of gold
quipure one of pearl-gray satin. with nine
fonnces of Brussels lace three court nantes
Of silk. watered with gold and slver-rose, blue
and white in color" ETC.. etc. etc
The Pacific Railroad.
IT,. fo,Ioyvipo are the amendments in relation