The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-03-14

MORE C1TY REFORM-A LITTLE IURGATION
NEEDED FOR THE ToMBs.-In these days, when
exposure of abuses revelation of iniquities, and
introduction of reformatory measures in city af-
fairs are so much in vogue. we are decidedly Of
opinion that the fashion should not be monopo-
lized by any particular body, but should be ex-
tended to all the public institutions of this me-
tropolis, without favor or distinction. There
are very few of them which would not be some
what the better of little overhauing; and
some Of them we know to be in condition
which imperatively requires the operation Of
the modern bosom Of reform. Among the latter
there is one establishment which especially ap-
peals to public sympathy for share of those
benefcent measures which are now the order
of the day. We speak Of the Halls of Justice in
Centre street, where the most fraudulent and
corrupt practices have for long time continued
to flourish, and increase under the very agis of
the law itself, and under the tolerance or its
officers.
We mot now direct our observations against
any of those minor causes of complaint from
which the Tombs is no more exempt than other
public institutions in this city, but we allude
specially and particularly to one monstr0us
cant all those petty ones. We mean the prac-
tice which is adopted in the Halls Of Justice of
subjecting persons charged with offences to the
tender mercies of class of professional men
who, under delusive promises of procuring their
discharge from custody. generally manage to
A. Ill % ,tat
ney they can command. There are various
ways in which this fraudulent scheming is per-
petrated but we will limit ourselves to emu
incrating one or two, which we are informed are
Of common occurrence. and which will suffice to
give o general idea Of the manner in which
these artful dodgers cheat the unfortunate or
erring persons who happen to fall within their
tolls.
One Of the ways in which prisoners are fire.
quently cheated in the Tombs is this When a
man is arrested on suspicion, such money as may
be found on his person is placed in the custody
Of the clerk. One Of the numerous rrofe sional
gentlemen who practice before the police courts
gains admittance to his cell and by promising
to secure his discharge for certain sum. pre-
walls on him to sign an order directing the
clerk to deliver to his counsel ali The effects Ia
ken from him on his arrest Sometimes the pri-
soner's signature Is fraudulently obtained under
a Misrepresentation Of the contents Of the paper.
1t is almost needless to say he afterwards finds
himself deceived and cheated
Another very ingenious but common mode If
robbery Is practiscd by set Of idlers about the
Tombs. A poor woman comes in the morning
in search Of her husband. probably arrested for
drunkenness in the streets over night aud com
mittcd in default Of payment Of dollar fine.
The gentleman politely inform himself Of the
object Of her inquiry, and, having asccrtained
the facts Of the commitment from the prison
book, he returns and informs her he can procure
her husbands release for five dollars. The mo-
ney is raised at any sacrifice and the gentleman,
paying the one dollar fine, pockets the other
our dollars, and rejoiccs at his successful
q Grafton.
Cases such as these arc of daily occurrence