The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1895-03-23

their case for arbitration to three lay
men. He believed the proposed inno-
walton will save the new state at
least SIT, 1000 per year. He would go
further in this line if he believed the
convention would do it. He would not
abolish the jury system, but would
look for simplifcation and economy.
He would not allow corporations to
gain such a hold as to suck the life
blood of the people. The corporate
greed of gold, if permitted license,
of the people. If the innovation would
give corporations more power he would
oppose it. He was in accord with
Varian on that subject. If the people
of Utah adopted this innovation they
would never recede. Other states will
follow the example and some day it
might become international.
Evans was still speaking when the
hour of o'clock arrived and the COM
mittee arose. However, on motion of
Evans, the convention again resolved
itself into committee until 6 o'clock.
Eichnor endeavoreds to inject an
other substitute by unanimous con-
sent; but he was shut out
Heat the Ploughshares.
Evans continued his argument. He
said he had heard no argument against
his plan except on the ground of pre-
cedent. If precedent was to be fol-
lowed it would be well to go back to
the old method of taking evidence.
Ploughshares should be heated and
accused men should be made to walk
over them. If they escaped unhurt
they would be guilty. If they were
burned they would be innocent. Pre-
cedent, when bad, should have no
weight. Progressiveness and economy
should bring Utah into the Union with
this new system.
His Maiden Effort.
President Smith delivered his maiden
speech. He agreed with Evans that
economy was necessary in the new
state. There were to be heavy ex-
penSes under statehood and the people
who have to bear them are few. Inc
proposition does not strike at the jury
system. 1t does look toward economy.
He believed it was the great duty to
bring the benefits of Statehood to SUCH
cost that the people will be glad to
maintain the state.
Eichnor said all propositions which
had been made thus far should be
voted down. He did not want the sub
ject left open wholly, so that the leg
islature might go to an extreme; but
wanted some basis fixed on which the
legislature might act. He thought the
minimum number should be fixed.
Bowdle made long speech, covering
pretty much the same ground as
Varian. He wanted as many jurors as
possible and said if the number were
not cut down in criminal cases, it
should not be in civil cases. The same
rule should hold in both.
Juries Not Secret.
Goodwin said his heart had been
greatly touched by Bowdle's oratory.
l. 0f% of 1rr-inc
and said the law put a premium on
stupidity. AS to precedent he men
toned the capture of Port Arthur by
the Japanese and said that had merely |
followed precedent in killing all the !
inhabitants. There is nothing sacred |
in jury. The chief benefit is that a
rogue may be tried by jury of his |
peers. Naughter.) The twelve men |
had been left by the New York con-
it and they found, chance for their
followers on the Jury. See the av
erage jury and you will find they sit
around the court house like profess
sional mourners, waiting to be hired
at 81 per day. AS to the charge that
it was designed to abolish juries, he
had only to say that if the people of
Utah could afford to hire good men
as judges he would favor the abolition
judges could not 50 easily be corrupted
as the professional jurors.
Roberts For Economy.
Roberts said he was contented with
the use of so much time in the dis
cussion, because it would enable the
to decide on question
which must have come UP under the
report of the committee on judiciary.
He had learned to Nenerate the jury
system, the origin of which is lost in
he twilight of history. He is willing
to look upon customs as the result OF
The wisdom of the ages. But he is not
willing to refuse innovations if they
are designed for good. In all cases the
innovation is guarded. If there is one
department. to which he is more Hber-
lily disposed than any other it is the
He is willing TO cut and
shave to benefit this department. When
economy is considered it should be re-
nembered that fees are to go into the
Golfers of the state and officers are to
,e paid salaries. This would allow more
literally for the judiciary. But if eX-
lenses could be cut down $4,000 without
the liberties of the people, ]
lie would favor the plan.
Varian asked how this saving was ;
o be made.
Roberts replied that he was relying
lpon the Investigations of Evans, OF
Weber. AT least one-fourth of saw
ng would come from the smaller {
lumber. Nine men would more quickly
mite and would be less likely to make ,
What are known as hung" juries {
Thus great expense would be obviated. {
There was cry of Vote. VoteI" !
Evans substitute was adopted by an
majority and the COM
nittee arose and reported progress.
Before adjournment President Smith
that L. c. Thoresen, OF I
,ache, would serve in the place of {
loses Thatcher on the committees on !
and arrangement, and rev. !
nue., taxation and public debt. I
For the committee on schedule, |
Which is to consider the prohibition /
uestion, S. H. Hill, of Salt Lake, and !
!. B. Adams, of Ogden, were ap- 7
ointed.
Adjourned at 6:02. e
CONVENTION CHAT. e