New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-07-28
LETTERS FROM TIE PEOPLE.
CHARLES OCONOR's LETTER.

CHARLES OCONOR'S LETTER.
ORIGIN OF ADVERSE oPINioNs-FnEEDoM OF SPEECH
as AFFECTING JUDGES.
To the Editor OF The Tribune.
SIR: II il well remarked in The TRIBUNE
of today that the criticsms from several quarters on
Mr. OCouos late letter show that the shot mas taken
effect. Tho inquiry arises however from whom do these
hostile comments proceed? None are authoritative
All are hearsay Exudges long retired. lawyers prac
ticing I'm tho Court OF Appeals, and not there
fore inclined to publish TfIiendly opinions, are
said by reporters to have uttered certh'h
sentiments in certain interviews, ccndelnning
the letter 1t does not appear tina. the Judiciary OF the
State have yet spoken nor that any very fair expression
Of legal or judicial opinion has ye: been obtained The
question now presented is t5 Il there Ill TINS STATE
any Law interfering with the freedom Of speech upon
courts of Justice, raining The people from commeHt
ing in public newspapers on tho conduct of judges
whom they have placed in Office 4! such
law was passed in 1871, designed to shield
tie Judiciary from any unfTtendly comments
on their Gongs BY any persons whatever lis passage
was procured by The power that created the present
Court OF Appeals ard il received veto as soon as It's
design was made known ior tie reason that the freedom
speech By the people in regard to their servants ID nos
to Ini,ingcd Contempts committed IN tho presence OF
a Court t. Court has power 20 punish and hone other
Wha, is the case that las called ont this letter. The
Judges themselves admit the writer's ability and LEGAL
learning. HIS letter shows that lac can express ut
learning IN Saxon that is inteligibc.
sharp bolt has indeed fallen. 1t has fallen on The
tnpmos peak ~ civil state. 1t may split and shat Ell
In pieC that peak. it may not That Is not now the
question The question is Is the archer entitled by law
to discharge this bolt II lie be, no one can complain
that hi. DOW has much ygOr. 4 maiefacor who has
brought upon tls city incacuabic evil, disturbing its
honcst industry in every branch and loading its citizens
with oppressive burdens Is likely TO escape the penalty
Of his crimes through the high Court Of Anpcal9 court
created y the people through the fundamentally OF this
mali factor when in the hght Of bis power.
The people may inquire If two OF these judges were
ever elected by them Gud they may ut any time abolish
tls c0ur. If they th, Mt and when they so think. Are
they 10 be KEPT in the dark Or are they 10 be informed
WIZ Justice fis And who Is better qualified to infor1
them OF the deeds and milecs Of their servants tb'n
he officer to whom ntrucd the prosecution OF Their
rights .. .
Would it not be IN better taste to ansreT argurncnsto
show The people that their highest court is uphOdinS
s. IN these AMI the Wcstd cases, man Ia denoco
tie writer vino os & in 3on ~ warning III uocori:l
ana guilty cf contempt! tbs is no an age o. loTy az
ntv. II i m aye OF practical inquiry And the people
WHO inquire why II is thar Justice fails. are not to be Nh
swe.tG 10y their servants, We are high that any m
CURRY into dpnss is contempt OF our authority WY
VIM VI. Tweed is retain his pluuder and escape the
Laws f. point into which the people Of ny. state VIII TIC
very likely 10 inquire OHE Or lnLI'
Ner York, July %, 1870.