Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1869-02-11

4
Gsyoso Building or In the Navy
rare ,o9 .nAog9afm..e
The choice and master spirits Of the
age" by some called lawyers and by
others bar'tenders, are sorely perplsxed
by the uncomfortable condition and un-
suitable localities Of the courts wherein
they practice. One is over q livery
stable. where the aeighing Of steeds and
songs of ostlers confuse jsstice, judge
and jury; another is 10 grocer's cellar,
where the perfumes Of mackerel, mouldy
cheese and old herrings befog the minds
Of witnesses, and make them swear they
know not what; and another is in the
end of an opera-house, where bass violin,
tambourine aud a chorus of twenty voices
at rehearsal sometimes drown the elo-
quence of men learned in the law"
This won't do at all. There are degrees
in everything, and the members Of every
profession should have proper places
wherein to perform their peculiar duties;
otherwise Chaos will reign supreme. As
Ulysses says: q
"How could communities,
Degrees In schools, and brotherhoods in cities.
Peaceful comnerce from dividsble shores.
The primogenitive and due OF birth.
Prereeative of age, crowns, scepters. lturels.
But by degree stand In authentic place?
Take but degree away, untune that string,
And, bark, what discord followsl zach thing
In mere oppugnsncy; the bounded waters
Should lift their bosoms higher than the shores,
And mskea sop Of all this solid globe;
And he rude son should strike his father dead;
Force should be right; or rather right and
Between whose endless jar justice resides)
Should lose their names, and so should justice
too"
There must certainly be some system
and accommodation in courts to pre-
vent confusion and keep justice from
turning topsy -turvy in ft Of greatness
caused by the clash of discordant ele-
meuts. But how are these things to be
accomplished ? How can ell the courts
scattered at distant points over the city
be brought into one convenient and
pretty place Pare questions easier
asked than answered. Base is the
slave that pays" says Pistol; and the
same sentiment will very likely rest on
the lips Of tax payers when called on to
contribute hundred thousand dollars
toward building temple for Justice and
her disciples on the Bluff. Still some
thing ought to be done to lessen the
troubles and expenses Of lawyers and
their clients. If the Gayoso Building
on Front street could be purchased
cheaply by the State and County jointly,
and converted into courts sufficiently
numerous to suit all branches of that
ancient science called Law, it would be
not only benefit but an ornament to the
city or perhaps the Navy Yard could
be procured cheaper and turned into
sort Of Four Courts, with high dome
surmounted by the figure of q darby
playing q bapjs, to show to ell corners
up and down the river that we are free
and easy people, fond Of q little outward
show, even if we are nearly crushed un.
der the claws of that thick.lipped,
money-loving monster yclept Radical
ism. Either of those places would do
very we'll for the location of courts.
The Gayoso Building has the advantage
of being central place; but there is
room enough in the Navy Yard to add a
Doctors Commons and rows of Inns for
lawyers. Besides, the Navy Yard is
close to the jail, affords space enough
for promenade, where lawyers might
walk about arm-in-arm with their clients
or pump" witnesses to their hearts
content without disturbance from pass
ing crowds on sidewalks or rafting of
cars through streets. The breeze from
the river would be quite pleasant in sum.
mer time, and might save the rapid |
humiliation of lawyers, clerks and
judges now effected by the wretched and |
apartments in which they |
spend their lives" Humanity, economy
and the spirit of improvement prompt |
the removal of the seats of Justice from
horse-houses, gloomy cellars
and noisy opera-shops. But we are
decidedly opposed to turning Court
Square into site for Courthouse. II
is the only place of beauty we have in
the city-the only place where children
can enjoy themselves on summer even
ings. Besides, merchants wouldn't like
to hear deafening sounds or behold UNI
seemly sights on Main street when slug
lice hath liquored" Let the County
bargain with its owners
for the Gayoso Building, or with the
city authorities for the Navy Yard, and
all will be we'll; but let Court Squire re-
main ga thing Of beauty and Joy for
sver." G-o ..e,t.T..rI
A FRESH supply of very choice Roll
Butter just received by F. c. Huse 4 Co.,
10 Jefferson street. l36-l39
TIE TAx-PAYERs' LEAGUE.-A num-
Der Of property owners held prelimi.
nary meeting in an insurance Office yes
.erday to form league for the purpose
,f mutual protection against unlawful