Delaware State journal and statesman., 1863-06-23
JUDGE EIsmEn,s CHARGE.

The new term of the Criminal Court Of
the District Of Columbia. commenced at
Washington, on the 18th inst. Judge Fish
er charged the Grand Jury, in an able and
eloquent manner. In these days when so
much corruption is exhibited, even in the
halls of Justice, and particularly in that
city, IL is source Of qualification to know
that Judge Fisher means to strike q blow
at vice in all its forms. The capitol OF the
nation has long abounded with gambling
bells and sinks Of vice and immortality. To
this great evil Judge Fisher draws the atten.
ton of the Grand Jury and invokes their iu-
terposition to break up those pools of iniqui-
ty. lie urges them to aim at the head Of
these moral monsters, where wealth and
meretricious display are allurng the simple
and unwary youth to vice, and misery and
SIM" Ths.s move in the right direction.
To successfully put down vice of any charac-
ter, we must begin at the head and front.
What use is there to destroy small two
cent gambling house, if we permit others
under the patronage Of the wealthy to go on
unmolested? If these places are an evil is
not the fashionable gambling saloon cacu-
lated TO do more harm than pieces where
men resort TO carry on their neiarious prac-
tees, after they have been bereft of fortune
and character in those resorts where PER-
sons making claims to responsibility hold
their revelries ? Fraud, corruption and
bribery all come under the ban of the law
and no man-be he high OF low-no matter
what may he his position in the State or
Nation, should be permitted to violate the
Statutes with lmpunity. Our own State is
an excellent field for the interpostion of
the proper authorities in this particular
and the remarks of Judge Fisher are well
worthy of the attention of the Grand Juries
of Delaware. 1t is 10 be hoped that they will
make an earnest effort TO rid our community
of this great and growing evil. Let them
commence with the cause of these vices the
great fountain from which they flow
bribery and corrupton--not among the low
er classes, but the wealthy.
Judge Fisher eloquently refers TO the
duty of the citizen in the present mperlled
condition of our country lie defines the
laws bearing upon this subject in n clear
and fOrcibe manner. Whilst Judge Fisher
has law, justice and right to warrant his de.
clarations, the views he expresses show him
to he a wise and patriotic Jurist, devotedly
attached to the best interests of his coun-
try, and willing TO lend his aid TO the gene
raj government in its efforts to crush
out eilectually every vestge of treason.
whether in the shape of armed rebellion. or
giving aid and comfort to the enemy.
Whilst other learned Judges are truckli6p
to the slave oligarehy and receiving rewards
from those who are giving their influence ia
the enemies Of the Republic Judge Fisher.
true to the teachings Of the lamtnted CLAY
ton, and in accordance with the PRINCIPLES
Of truth ard right, is found On the side of
his country, Internationally, in favor Of the
use of every means consistent with honor
and probity 10 save the life of the nation.
Judge Fisher after defining the objects
for which Grand Juries were instituted, re-
marked, as in England the men composing
the grand jury must be chosen from the
Kings liege people, so in this country they
should always be men whose fidelity and
loyalty to the Government of the United
States stand unimpeached and unsupported.
The duty OF allegiance to the Govern
ment OF the Union, next to that of obedi-
ence TO his God, is the highest and boliest
obllgailon winch can rest upon the citizen