Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1884-09-01
OeSS. ilr N NaIS

We have been admonished and warned by
some who have held high judicial authority in
this State and who are learned in the law that
the Grand Jury have no right TO examine into
orexpresS their opinion of the performance of
the duties of certain high State officers. This
seems to indicate their opinion that there is a
power in this State so great that when it is APP
preached by the people it must be with careful
and timid steps, and be spoken of with bated
breath and in cautious whispers. But we be-
iieve 1t Ia be not only theory, but the truth,
tnat no oiflCer in this state can ever become
more than servant of the people. They have
also objected that any report presented 10 a sub
ordinate Court reviewing superior tribunal
would be Of no force or effect for want of iurs-
diction. But we hold that this report will be
presented 10 a tribunal higher than any under
the Constitution and laws of the State-to that
power which created and made the Constitution
ana all appertclnlng thereto-to the people OF
TINS city and county and Of the State of Califor-
mia
Very bravely said; but it was not neces-
sary. A Grand Jury is responsible only to
the conseienceS of its members. 1t is in
vested with power to discover wrong
doing wherever it may exist within the
jurisdiction Of the State, of which it is one
of the instruments of government. Neither
the Supreme Court nor the Governor is
above or beyond the reach of criticism by
any man or body of men Whoever ad-
vised the Grand Jury as it says should have
been named by the jurors. The curious
should have the opportunity of knowing
who it is that holds State official to be
above the searching gaze of the grand in
quest ef any county, the criticism OF the
humbleSt citizen i'll the State The report
throughout appears to be searching and
fearless. If it is weak it will be discovered
by local examination into the facts it
alleges regarding the conduct of local insti-
tutions, and by statement of wrongs it has
ignored-if any exist.
The jury raps Governor Stoneman yigor-
ously over the knucklcs for his interference
with the police force of san Francisco and
his removal of one of the Commissioners.
1t says:
1t is the unanimous opinion and belief of the
Grand Jury that the people of this city and
county have entire faith and confidence in the
present Police Commissioners They bsve
given no indication Of diSapproyai nor desire
for change therefore. any attempt made by the
Governor of the State to remove these officers
viii meet with diSiavor and be resented as nm
calleGfor interference IN the affairs of the city
and county. without cause or constitutional or
legal warrant. Such interference, coming nj
the present time, just preceding the great natl
.onal political contest. has the appearance OF
ibeing instigated by professional politicians and
in hostility TO the true interests OF the people
and to good government.
II declares that justice is not melted out
in the Police Courts of San Francisco, and
that excessive fees are collected, and adds,
that professional bondsmen (bribed by
those arrested for crime) without standing
or reputation, neither houSe-holders nor
fee-holders. are repeatedly accepted as Sc
curlty for the appearance of arrested crimi-
nails. 1t adds
Receivers OF stolen goods arrested and brought
before the Police Court. have been dismissed
upon testimony. which to the Grand Jury was
conclusive Of guilt and which would seem 10