The Dallas daily herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1887, 1885-07-21
OUR MODERN INouIsITloN

In Yesterdays HERALD over tho ini-
tials "F. M. e." appeared very able
article on the law of libel in this State.
In the course of the argument the wri-
ter took occasion to explain the cir
cumstsnces relating to this WRRN libel
suit against tho Galveston Nows. The
publication In the News, he says, was
OF expsrte proceedings against WREN
before a committeoGppointed TO inves-
tigato certain alleged land frauds and
forgerles. WREN had no hearing be-
fore that committee, no chance to cor
rest false inferences or misstetements
of fact, and necessarily and uujustly
suffered in character from tho publica-
tion OF the oXpGrte proceedings. The
courts Of Texas gave him large judg.
ment for damages, and tho judges
epoko plainly and solidly against the
injustice and hurlfulness Of suoh in
qulsitlonal pro ceedings.
And yet, not year passes In this
State that a moro injurious, more
Ubiquitous star court does not attack
the liberty and character of scores of
citizens i'll every county, without al
fording them single opportunity to
be heard, until perhaps an irreparable
wrong has been done them. And this
star chamber, this reproduction OF the
Spanish inquisltion, not only receives
Judicial saction, but is backed by con-
stltutional provisions. We refer to
the grand jury system. It's u system,
or piece OF government machinery
that has grown venerable through age,
but has lost mono of the Objectionable
features that could have at any time
In tho past boon strongly urged against
1t, 1t is a relic of barbsrism, and
comes down from that age and those
crude law-makers when the trial by
bsttle,sand the fiery ordeal, AMI al
manner of barhsrous customs flour
ished in the full pride Of popularity
and strength. Actust0d by malice o.
driven by fear, n man seeks this OK
parte court of inquiry, swoars falsely
to the accusation against his enemy
and bill Of indictment followed by
an arrest and probably long imprison
mont is the result, Tho opportunit,
for cross examination, the introduc
ton Of exculpatory facts, tho oxplans
ton Of unfavorable inferences or tn,
correction Of misstatements arc al
deniod tho accused, though he may
DO as innocent az q babe. Indeed, un
til confronted suddenly with q war
rant for arrest, he does not even sus
picion that dsstardly and malieloul
Villain 10 pursuing him.
When once tho grand jury have
taken action the victims character ID
blaokened for lie to an extont, al
though before another jury he may
be honorably acquitted. A certain
class OF people will forever be,
love that q certain degree OF
guilt attached to him, or this
grand jury OF "good and lawful
men" would FEVER haya sent him 10
court. A blsck spot Is loft on the
character for life, to say nothing OF the
suffering, the cost, tho Inconvenience,
the victim may be put 10. And wO
venture the assertion there is not an
Intelligent, observant man in any
community but can recall instances OF
cruel injury TO citizens through tho
machinery OF the grand jury.
30 one.sided, 30 wrapped in secrecy,
so EXCEPTIONALLY inquisitorlal is this
feature Of our otherwise FREQ and nd.
mirable judiciary system, ia word, IL
has become a eluloo-gato OF slander,
malice and persecution, in conflict in
spirit and methods with common
sense Of justice, revolving to free, pop.
ular thought and blot on liberal and
enlightened nystsms of government
The witnesses are informors 10 whom
the government offers immunity for
falsohood by clothing the proceedings
with an inviolablo secrecy, whllo the
inqulsitoriM powers grated open tho
door for persecution and revenge
by any bilious and malicious momber
whom chance has made ono OF tho
body, and who glosts over the unpre.
cedented opportunity for worrying a