The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1867-11-19

JCDGE BURSHAM's CoUR RT.-The regular
quarterly term Of this court commenced yes,
terday. The grand jury were sworn IN, ana
tho fndpe delivered his charge TO them. We
give below its most important features:
Mr. Foreman and Gentlemen of the Grand
.Tury.-We deem it not inappropriate 1T THIS
time 10 congratulate you and the community
upon the improved condition Of all the busl-
ness OF this court
Al the first assemblage Of the grand jury
over which we had the honor 10 preside we
found rs 4 consequence OF the public berea'e.
meut so deeply felt in the community ana
especially in this tribunal an accumulation Oh
persons charged with offences Of Il most grave
character and the city Jail overrun with those
awaiting trial, as we'll rs very large amount
of civil business on the dockets.
By the industry and intelligence OF your
predecessors and hearty and ready co-opera-
ton of the officers of the court ana gentlemen
of the bar we are able TO say that no cases OF
crime having their origin longer than our East
term are now remaining over Tor your con-
sideration and also that the grade OF oHences
to be inquired OF are comparatively mucn Tess
serious Than those heretofore existing, giving
us the hope that crime is diminishing IN our
midst and better and happier state OF SO,
ciety beginning TO appear. While we "ohIu
not also close our eyes 10 the many serious
evils and disturbances still prevailing anu
threatening public peace and prosperity, we We
feel assured that the crisis OF danger WIZ De
safely passed by the exercise OF such wise LOT
bearance and consideration rs suggest theh
selves TO the intelligent and we'll disposed, ;lc-
companied and enforced by the 1lrm, consist,
ent, and impartial action Of the courts ana
public officers who are made conseryatoEs =!
the public peace in the repression and punish
ment OF offences. ,
1t is of the first Importance that all crimes
should be promptly reprobated, and that the
lawful PENALTIES of misdoinS snould De cer
tainly and speedily imposed and enforced WIN
impartiality beyond suspicion
The new condition Of a large class OF peopie
of this city and vicinity habitinS them VIII
enlarged rights aud privileges mas brougn
with it new responsibilities and ooLeatlons
the terms and extent OF which seem 10 oe I'm
perfectly compreheuded or appreciated, ou
we may reasonably expect thut tlihe' eauGa
ton, and observation will cure these evils
The supremacy of the law ana It's oncefs MI
be fully realized and acknowledged oy al
classes and 10 That end, while exercising The
utmost caution in the avoidance OF undue Sc
verify, it is our and your duty 10 see 10 IL - III
The "way Of the traEsgressor Slall o.
hard All conditions, ages, and seAe'
must avoid and abstain from violation Oh III"
II they fail tVdo SO, they mtty are III fauit, an'
must accept the proper !adsaI so1se9 Ias aehce-'n
Ignorance of the law does not excuse IL
breach but no man who desires 10 90 rug.
need 20 ,orono The information required Cal
always be obtained, and 1t Is Wise ana eve,
advisable TO "nvoid the appearance oi eYii;
In the novel condition now occupied oy III
eufrunchised citizens of Virginia, tneif oWi
prosperity and future interests are ihdlssoln
bly connected with and dependent upon tnei
/, own conduct and while we hold ourselre
obligated and pleased to announce thelr ihols
putuble right under laws OF TINS Common
Wpaith ana the nation 10 security or perso
and property, and equality before Inc ID"