The Empire County argus., 1854-08-12
Court OF Sessions,


This Court commenced its sittngs in this place
on Monday last. About two o'clock, P NJ, the
Grand Jury empanneled, and listened to the
charge of the Judge, who pointed out to them their
duty in investigating charges of criminal nature
and the mode of conducting their Inquiries The
Grand Jury were also charged that their duties
would require them to visit the Jail! and also that
the course Of county affairs through the several
Offices of the county were legitimate topics of In
quiry, and the doings Of the Court Of Sessions
might also be inquired into. The Grand Jnry were
accordingly recommended to make careful cxa-
mination Of all these matters. In conclusion the
Judge read from the Constitution about the liberty
of the Fress and then read the law Of libel re-
marking. in substance, that though a man may
own lot oftype, he is not at liberty to print any
thing he pleases, without mourning responsibility
and further, that although he may print the truth
the motives for doing so may become the legitimate
subject of investigation, intimating thereby, we
suppose that the publication of the truth mav
under some circumstances, become an indictable
ofense.
In our opinion the publication of truth about
public affairs, and especially about the conduct Of
officers, who the servants of the people should
be especially encouraged. Even if the measure Of
truth should occasion an official to vince and writhe
under the scorching gaze of public opinion it should
not be withheld on this account
The Press is the medium of public opinion, and
through it that opinion finds expression. The er
mine, even, is not sacred but that it may become
the duty of the Press. as a conseryator of public
opinion and as an exponent of the rights Of the
community, to hold up the conduct, not only Of
petty officials, but also that of the highest clothed
in the habiliments Of power The Press will do
this whenever circumstances require it to speak It
will bcstow praise when and where it is deserved
and point cut derelictions in the performance of
duty without fear or favor, whenever any such
things comes under its observations That the
truth may sometimes be very disagreeable to the
refned ears Of officials, we admit, bat words truth
fully spoken are like apples Of gold in pictures Of
silver"
AS journalists it is our duty to point out I'M
provement and reform, whenever experience die
tates it, or the eZgences Of public affairs require it.
and although such reform mag be unsayory to the
habits of habitual idleress of some persons yet tho
interest of community requires the exercise Of this
duty
The Ccurt Of Sessions in this couuty costs tie
people every day it is in session. are informed,
upwards of one hundred dollars, and often times
much more, therefore the terms should be as short
as possible In order to this, the Court should
convene at an earlier hour than ten o'clock-say
eight-and proceed diligently and continuously to
the transaction of business 1t is very bad economy
to squander great portion Of the day in lounging
about the streets, when jurors and officers being
paid for Attendance at court, by the day. Punctu-
ality and diligent attention to business should be
strictly adhered to. The public interest requires
this, and the frequency aud great length of our
courts, and consequent expense, admonish us that
greater dispatch is needed The aborer is expected
10 60 to his work at carly morn, and work till
night, performing at least ten hours of toll and We
assert that officers and others about courts arc not
one whit better than the man who works with the
pick and shovel for his daily bread and they should
be dligent il public business and devote to it as
many hours as any class of community devote to
labor.
These remarks not only apply to the Court Of
Sessions CT County Court but with as much force
TO other Courts doing business in this county. We
ere informed that not long aince, upwards of one
thousand dcliars was drawn from the treasury to