The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1870-11-11
TIE DECREiI OF CRIME.
Judge Bedfc, fd's Charge to the
Grand Jury.
no sttlfut% Book Strong Enough if Enforced
TonOhng Tribute to the Late Super
SAtsndsnt Jourdan-A Beacon
Light for Policemen.

= Yesterday his Honor City Judge Bedford charged
0e Grand Jury, empanelled in the General
Sessions, previous to entering upon the DIS
charge OF their duues for the November
term. The appropriate and touching eulogy
passed upon the late superintendent Jourdan by
Judge Bedford was delivered amid profound silence,
and the whole charge was listened to with deep In
terest by members Of the bar and the citizens who
thronged the court room.
The calendar OF cases to be disposed OF this term
large and the interests OF The people VIII be faith
fully guarded py District Attorney Garvin and his
able assistants. General Tweed, Colonel Fellows
and Mr.. Alg ernon 8. Sullivan, who has just been ap-
pointed to succeed Mr.. George w. Blunt, who re.
Hres to private practice.
Messrs. Tweed and Sullivan were In court yes
terday TO represent the prosecution.
The following is Judge Bedford's charge-
Mr. FOREMAN AND GENTLEMEN OF rHE GRAND
JURY:-The law makes IL incumbent upon me TO
direct your attention. especially, TO all offences
against the Excise and Usury laws. the laws TO
lotteries ana the taxing Of illegal fees bv pubue
p1cers, and The law passed In 1860 TO prevent maud
In the sale Of tickets upon steamboats, and other
ines. ! must also Inform you that 1t ls a INSIDE
Meanor for any Grand Juror or officer OF the court TO
Disclose the fact OF an indictment having been found
Tor felony against any person not In actual cCnune
msnt until such person shall be arrested.
And now, gentlemen. cannot take leave or you
Citizens cy as ynu a e ts @ sa
OF crime.
It anords me real pleasure TO tell you that our
criminal statistics demonstrate beyond all question
the pleasing fact that the bold and daring reckless
ness which, but short time ago, characterized the
Condnct OF the dangerous classes, ana which, in
deed for season threatened to rob the city OF It's
iair same has been palpabiy very much diminished.
And this, no doubt Is In great measure owing to the
vigilance energy and prompt action OF the authori-
II large cities, containing vast and varied nopu-
lauon crime always WILL to certain extent, exist.
But as the skiliul physician can generally, by the
proper remedies. control disease. when 1t takes
tie form OF an epidemic, mold, can the au thori-
res, by the prompt and legitimate enforcement OF
the law, generally control crime and always curb its
reckessness. IL Is mere question of time which is
the more powerful-the law or the awIess.
TO my mind the statute book is sufficiently
strong All that Is needed IS its proper application
AZ the occasion may require. l, myself ain OF the
0pnion and IN fact. am FULLY convinced, that IN the
criminals the latter must always YIELD to the com
bined honest determined and fearless efforts or
grand lunes judges. district attorneys and the en-
And here, on this occasion, in aluding TO the
metropolitan Police OF this CITY, permit me, gentle
Hover to our late lamented superintendent, John
SOurdan. During the tour years that was one OF
i have had the honor Of being CITY Judge. clrcum-
stances OF an Oncial character Oltentmes threw us
together AS q man always found him courteous,
mOuest ana unasSumlng, and as an Official he was
energetic, jealous faithful In the discharge Of
bis duties As detective ne was great, and was,
indeed, OF brilliant promise intent o. 1t were upon
future and honorable distinction. He was taken
from us IN the early summer OF hts life. Although
gone we nave his record; and that record viii ever
serve as beacon light 10 the policeman 10 guide him
on bis way t. honorable achievements.
PARDON me, gentlemen Tor tins apparent digres-
6lon but John JOurdan was an honest man. ana I
love TO dwell upon his memory. 1t Is thought
Haugnt WIN sadness, and yet with pleasure-sad.
ness 70 mink tnat he nevermore can aid me- pleasure
70 know ana feel that he rests in the sleep of
DEATH nonored and respected by thousands VINO
knew him. While we have reason to mourn his loss
we may well congratulate ourselves upon the ap-
p0intmenr OF his successor. From my Official ac-
qualntance with him nave every reason to believe
tnat nc VIII, with honor aud credit, not only DIS
charge che onerous duties devolving upon him. but
wni OF the same time enueavor, to the best OF mis-
ability, 10 carry out the plans and measures the
this city.
Gentlemen with these few remarks, ana remind
Ing you OF Lhe oath which has just been adm,Yis.
Tered TO each and all of you-an oath which broadly
indicates the measure OF your responsibilities, and
one which Will, no doubt, awaken you to q lust ap-
probation Of your conduct as Grand Jurors now
request you TO retire and enter upon your labors.