New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-05-18
RETURNING TO BARBARISM.
THE SHOCKING TRAvESTY OF JUSTICE IN
THE RECENT POISONING CASE.

THE RECENT POISONING CASE.
To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: There has. perhaps. never been known
in the history of so-called civilized world such
chaos as now exists In the courts OF law. Ohuer
the condition OF things. simply man. laying
aside my office priest OF the Church. can
not but feel 1t my duty to call the attention OF
our citizens not only in New-York City. but at
large. to the lamentable, yes. deplorable. condl-
ton OF things. ask the plain question: III not
checked. when will 1t end? If the present state
OF things is allowed to go on unchecked the
innocent man has no more chance than the
guilty
The condition OF the present famous poisoning
case Is deporabe. One Roland b. Molineux ~
charged with the crime; but. mark you. one
Judge on the bench set aside the indictment
because Illegal evidence was presented. while
second Grand Jury. upon legal evidence 1aiis
to find an indictment. ! do not wish mere ~
question as to the guilt or innocence OF the
accused man. The Grand Jury has settled that
What picture of personal spite and persecu-
ton Is now presented to the public! Yet the
majority OF our better citizens are quiet as
though nothing has been done that is wrong.
What do we find? First. and not by any
means the least the District Attorney without
any positive proof, or even legal circumstantial
evdence) with his assistants is crying for the
blood of man barbarian would for MS
enemy. Aroused by this. certain of our daily
papers set price upon the accused man Tor
his life, and boldly ask for testimony to convict
Can the result be otherwise than dangerous!
1t opens the door for perjury Each day the
Dstrict-Attorney grows holder; also certain
part of the public press. They seem TO be hand
in hand. Statements made and printed 10
prejudice the public mind. Fooled In his plans
by the proper authority. the Grand Jury, the
District-Attorney resorts to anything but manly
means and his Office gives as a reason for the
further persecution OF Roland b. Molineux not
what is honest, not what is justice, but TOT
fear Of ridcule" they must continue to perse-
cute a man whom the Grand Jury falls to indlct
Bolder still, they defy the Grand jury try 10
withhold certain evidence given. and that part
of the press referred to tries to direct the Grand
Jury; it tries to intimidate the Grand jury
What is this but a half step to the old lynch-
ing law? What is this but trying to throw ASIDE
Justice. TO say nothing OF law and order? Is IL
not nearly akin to contempt? l ask. what VIII
be the end? Are the members or the present
Grand Jury who ranked among the city
hest men, going to allow the present conulloh
OF things to pass without taking some action
Their honesty their integrity. have been as
sailed Is that to be treated lightly! IL we
cannot depend upon respectable body OF men
for an unbiased and fair rendering or their
duty. again ask. in Gods name. what VIII be
the end? In plain words. presume to answer,
q disgraced Nation, a civilized people returning
TO barbarism; for after throwing aside justice
law and order, what is left? l ask the people
to answer. ,,
WILLIAM VINCENT DAWSON,
Some time Up. E) Chaplain of the Tomos Prison.
New-York May II. 1899.
CHANCE FOR DRUG CLERKS TO SPEAR
REQUESTED TO TELL JACOB A. RIIs HOW MANY
HOURS DAY THEY WANT TO WORK
To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir. The Druggists League for Shorter Hours
asks all drug clerks through your valuable paper to
communicate at once with Jacob A. Riis, OF NO.
oo1 NuIberrv-st telephone 329 Spring. by letter or
telephone or still better. personally. and tell him
whether they want TO work ten sixteen. or twenty
four hours day. ID, az
Mr. Rlis has been commissioned by the Governor
to investigate drug clerks conditions. He will re-
port by Saturday.
We further earnestly request all friends OF our
public health measure to bring this notice 10 the
attention of the drug clerks and ask them TO act
at once Let them tell him frankly OF their con-
ditions. Mr.. Rs will not violate any commences
EDWARD THIMME.
Network. May Il.