The Dallas daily herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1887, 1882-03-14
INDICTED AT LAST.

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Our recent dispatches now inform US that
the now notorious star-routers have been
indicted at Washington and heavy bail has
been fixed in each case. The late post
master.general, JAMES, won consider
able reputation and prestige through the
country by his incipient reforms and inves-
tisation in these cases, but his early retire
ment from Office prevented his further or
vigorous prosecution Of the same. The ex-
aminations few weeks since, when the
criminals won victory by quashing
the informations, had the effect of Throw
ing cold water upon the Efforts OF govern
ment to bring these deeply-sinning but
distinguished evildoers to justice. 1t was
indeed thought for time that nothing
more would be done, or could be, IN the
premises, but the information OF the lew
last days has happily negatiyed this sup
position, and all of them from highest TO
lowest are now prisoners of the government
upon tho gravest and most disreputable
charges. 1t is not calculated to Halter our
acknowledgement are under indictment at
the national capital for extensive
and bold thcfts of the public
moneys, but in another sense the mat
tor is reassuring. We hear so often and
with reason too, that the prosecution of
moneyed or prominent officials is an inn
possibility in the United States, that the
indictment of BRADY, DORSEY and company
is healthful sign. 1t teaches, indeed, an
exceedingly useful lesson. Politics are with
us ordinarily so rampant, and kissing so
frequently goes by favor, that it is a source
of great qualification to the average citizen
to note that some Of the most powerful
and wealthy politicians .have been caught
up and held to answer as common
criminals for stealing public funds.
1t is evidence of the TACT that there
is still vigor in the administration OF al
fairs, and that there is extant with us
sluse ofjustice and regard for propriety and
law greater than names or position. These
men who are now placed under indictment
and bond for malfeasance in Office have
defrauded the general government out of a
million dollars, or thereabouts, and it is
but proper that they should suffer the ex,
trcmest penalty Of the law. Whether q
Jury will be found brave enough
and true enough to decide upon the
merits of the case, we know
not, of course, but il
is feather in our cap that men of such
fame and power could be indicted at tn,
capital for SO ignoble crime as common
larceny. If conviction follows, the efTec
will be most salutary, for it will teach tn,
world that no gilded surroundings are o
avail TO the public malefactor when hi
short comings are patent. The branch o
service i'll which these men did thei
rascality, is the most useful an,
should DO the most favored il
the land, but If the officials are permitted t.
rob and embezzle with impunity, we canno
not only not hope for improvement therein
but, public confidence being destroyed, tn
department will inevitably fall into disrc
pute and the entire nation be made to SUI
fer thereby. Under the circumstance.
therefore, We doubly rejoice at the indict
mcnt Of these powerful star.routers, an
trust the law will be vigorously enforced o
to them.