Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-04-29
THURSDAY. APRIL 80, 1897.
SOMETHING MUST BE DONE.

We are glad to see that our State ex-
changes are taking hold of the evil OF
chronic continuances Of criminal cases
by our courts-an evil that contributes
Immensely towards swelling the criminal
expenses of the State. The Clarke
Courier is among the papers that are
devoting earnest attention 10 the sub
ject. and in its last issue treats it at
some length. The Courier copies an aru-
Gle on Chronic Contnuances" from the
Dispatch, and in commenting thereon.
says the Dispatch delivers telling blow
against the evil. Yet. our contemporary
antagonizes the suggestion that reform
would soon be effected if some of the
criminal charges had to be paid out of
city and county treasures. instead OF
out of the State Treasury.
The contention of the Courier as TO
this question, is that there arise occa-
sionally cases which would compel
small county to double Its average OF
county taxation to meet such expenses.
Some years ago, If our recollection is
not at fault, says the Courier, a single
criminal trial in Loudoun county cost
something like $1,000 Such charge
would be exceedingly burdensome 20 not
a few counties. whereas the State, adds
our contemporary is able TO meet 1t
without any additional taxation, the
criminal costs in some counties varying
with each year so that the average for
the State is about the same.
The other view. however, is that If
the counties and cities had to pay part
OF the charges, would there be so many
5000 cases? Under a sharing arrange
ment the evil of chronic continuances,
and consequent excessive criminal
charges would come 10 the people of the
several counties and cities as argu-
mentum ad crumenam, and would not
the resultant efforts of the counties and
cities to reduce their part Of the burden
tend 20 bring about a pro rata reduc-
ton Of the States part of the burden?
The Dispatch has no dosire to see addi-
tional taxation thrown upon the coun-
ties and cities of the Commonwealth, but
IL recognizes the vital necessity for
reduction OF criminal expenses. 1t recog-
nizes that that necessity becomes more
vital as the time approaches when, under
the act of settlement of the State debt,
the interest on the debt will be increased.
Something must be done, and 'twere well
'twere done quickly. We must have re-
form in respect of the matter under con-
sideration That is settled. We cannot
dodge the issue; and while we are not
particular as to the scheme Of reform,
80 IL shall cure the evil and prove consist
ent with the impartial administration Of
Justice, we iterate what we said in our
article the Courier quotes and comments
upon. that nothing occurs 10 us in the
way of a suggestion but to put upon the
counties and cities such charges as will
serve TO keep their taxpayers vigilant.
and vet be not heavy enough TO over
whelm any county in case Of great
flood OF crime coming upon it,
However. the Courier and other papers
concur with us in the general PROPOSE
tion. that something must be done, and
that is a great point gained. The agita-
ton OF the question Is hopeful sign.
IL represents an awakening TO the situa-
ton by our contemporaries that promises
10 stir up and bring TO bear for the
remedy Of the evil that greatest OF
forces. public opinion.
In It's further discussion Of the evils
of our court system. the Courier repro
bates the badgering OF witnesses on
-cross-examination ito such an extent
that enc Is led TO believe that the at
torney is more earnestly engaged in an
endeavor TO get the witness TO state a
fslsehocd than TO extract from him the
truth" and in conclusion, says:
Judges have as much license TO expe-
dlte as attorneys have TO delay the pro-
gress OF trial and the public VIII COM
mend the Judge who holds practitioners
down to proper consideration OF the
time and abandonment OF their daily bust
ness forced upon WITNESSES and jurors
obeying q courts summons
These are points well taken. In the
matter Of protecting witnesses against
badgcrifg. and both witnesses and Jurors
against onerous demands upon their
time. public opinion has still another field
IN which It might work 10 advantage.
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