The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1880-12-16
The Manchester Election Judges.

Editors Dispatch: The editor OF the
Whi9, noticing ~ recent issues the indct-
ments against the Manchester judges OF
election, sharply denouDces them. Every
man accused OF an offence Is entitled TO a
fair and impartial trial, and no one should
be condemned before IN opportunity has
been afforded him TO be heard in his de-
fence. IL is a crime against liberty and JUS
tice 10 attempt, by vehement denunciation,
to prejudice the case Of another before be
is called 10 make answer 10 the accusation
against bin. There are some things which
men hold dearer than even the ballot, and
The editor OF the Wing may be assured that
he cannot offend against the public sense OF
Justice and right with impunity. Ii he eX-
poets by bus course TO gain advantage for his
cause, he may in the end ind himself mis-
taken. The finding Of grand jury is al.
ways upon er.pdrte testimony, and the de.
PENDANT is never permitted 10 be heard there
through his witnesses or counsel. The
yeriest thief may cause an irdct-
ment to be produced against the
most exemplary citizen. He goes be-
fore the grand inquest alone, and no one is
permitted there to stamp out his peIiures
and 10 tell OF bis ipfamy. IL has often hap
Dened in the trial Of indictments that judges
and juries have formed the opinion that
prosecuting witnesses should be condemned
to suffer punishment, instead OF those whom
they accused. | shall not initiate the exam.
pie am condemEing 10y jumping at con-
cIusion before trial, but cannot refrain from
an expression Of surprise that the editor Of
leading paper has permitted himself TO he
carried so far by partisan zeal. The accused
Judges are held 10 answer for refusing 10
lot, tow "A
by George w. Duesberry. They have been
indicted for an omission TO do what the
editor holds 1t was their duty TO baye done,
and not for the commission of an act in VIC.
lalion Of any statute. The editor OF the
Wing, when hurting bis fearful anaihemas
against the Judges, must have been igno.
rant Of the fact that In the eXamina-
ton before the commissioner two Of
The principal witnesses against them
declined TO tell what they knew about the
taX-receipts in question because they might
subject themselves TO criminal prOsecu-
ton. The witnesses for the Government
cannot answer, thereby coniessing fraud In
connection with the very receipts making
The piiiable 8v0wal that il they should tell
the whole truth they would be amenabIe TO
prosecution. BY suppression of part OF
the facts statement becomes lie. In ten
der consideration for these witnesses, thus
openly coniessng guilt, and saying as
plainly as words can make it. that the re-
ceipts In question are tainted with fraud,
the truth Is kept back. Ii is Just rule OF
law that no man should be compelled 10
eliminate himself, but when one seeks the
protection OF that rule, and keeps back the
truth for his own safety, he ought not 10 be
permitted in such case to- accuse another.
A just man would not hang dog upon his
Testimony. Thut Is the case as II stands.
The editor OF the Wig shall not 20 be-
fore me In advocacy OF guards around the
ballot and OF purity OF elections, but so
long as be shall hold TO such opinions as he
has expressed IN recent editorials he will be
| far behind my estimation OF what Is justice
pray that 1 shall never be so blinded by
partisan prejudice as TO be willing, In ad.
vance OF impartial trial, with such facts be-
fore me, TO dcnounce gentlemen who have
won the esteem OF their felow-citisens by
lives OF honesty and probily. Let not your
indignafion slumber, but arouse II against
those who cannot tell what they know for
fear OF punishment. IL he Is In earnest
| when be declares that he Is for free and fair
elections, the writer OF this will refer BIN
10 CONFERENCE.-The attorney OF aNeigh.
boring county, who will permit him to in
spect certain tax-receipts, signed In blank
by one OF Mr.. Massey's appolntees, for
which no money has ever been paid into
the Treasury OF the State, OF which
fraudulent receipts the Readjuster Judge OF
the county In question has Information.
Tue writer OF this will also, to fire his yir.
tuous indignation, furnish him with posi-.
ave proof that Others Of Mr.. Massey's ap.
pointees ~ other counties were recently
engaged Ia the same violation Of law.