The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-06-01
MAY GRAND JURY PROTEST.
IMPROPER INFLU ICES WE'RE
BROUGHT TO BEAR ON THEN.

District Attorneys ONCE Thinks the Com
plant Refers to n Reporters DoinRs in
the Molineux Case-"Hasty Judgments of
Popular Prejudice and Public Clnmor."
The May Grand Jury we're discharged by
Judge McMahon in the General Sessions YES
terday with the thanks Of the court. This
Grand Jury dismissed the complaint charging
Roland b. Molineux with the murder OF Mrs.
Katherine J. Adams. There was considerable
newspaper talk about the Grand Jurys action.
and 1t was publicly announced that the new
complaint Immediately laid against Molineux
OF assaultinR Harry Cornish by sending him
the poison that killed Mrs Adams would not
be submitted to the May Grand Jury. Tho
Grand Jury handed up to Judge Mcmahon
yesterday this communication
Before concluding their labors the Grand
Inquest tor the county OF New York deem IL
their duty to call attention to the facts within
the knowledge Of the court showing that
fragrant attempts have been made to control
their action by other means than the presenta-
tion before them OF sworn testimony.
Their oath OF office imposes upon the mem
bers Of the Grand Inquest solemn obliga-
ton not to present any one from envy. hatred
or malice or to refrain from presenting any
one through fear. favor. affection. reward or
hope OF reward They should be guarded.
therefore. so far as the law will permit. from
the approach Of those who seek to influence
them without assuming the responsibility OF
complainant or witness or who desire to pre-
vent impartial judgment by the suppression
or the perversion OF evidence to accom- modate
preconceived theories as to criminal actions
The Grand Inquest are convinced by the
facts coming to their notice that serious and
painful miscarriages OF justice have resulted
from outside influences brought to bear by
orr Jad for bv Iou,
If the Grand Inquest OF the county are re-
quired to search out crime. not less are they
bound by most sacred duty to protect the
innocent. and to punish the guilty only through
orderly and legal methods. The instinct OF
humanity. even in barbarous age. provided
places OF refuge for those suspected OF wrong
doing. where they might be secure from the
lie clamor. The Grand Jury room should be
such refuge. and 1t should be guarded as a
sacred inclosure. to which no one may APP
proac en- excent those summoned there to testify
to a knowledge OF facts.
Under our modern system there are other
means Of reaching the minds Of those con-
nected with the administration Of justice than
by personal solicitation. Those, therefore. who
petit juries. which are adjuncts to the court
by dImnroPer publication si, concerning cases
unless Ss they sTS abe to of purge
most eract!ne Jealousy Of the riehtfui and and
hold that this includes the privilege OF
UNLIMITED libel, or the right to imperil
the liberty Of the citizen by methods sub
versve Of the patient. impartial solemn and
absolutely unprejudiced administration OF JUS
tice which should distinguish an enlighten ed
community. Law is our sovereign. and not
public opinion. except as It finds expression
| through changes in the law. and to hold that
any individual or any estate Is independent Of
or above tho law Ia to create privileged class
In the most offensive form. All Of which is re-
specially submitted
WILLIAM c. CHURCH, Foreman.
WILLIAM MILNE GR1SSELL, Secretary"
Every one about the Criminal Court building
was satisfied that the communication referred
| to the Molineu1 case. One Of tho District Attor-
neys assistants said that the reference to
fragrant attempts TO control the action of the
Grand jury related to a reporter, who not only
gent several newspapers and letters to the
foreman of the Grand Jury. but who had also
sent a typewritten brief oftwenty-t two pages
arguing that MOineux was not guilty
The same reporter has applied to the Dis
trct Attorney for leave to communicate with
the June Grand Jury and to have his brief sub
mitted to that body. Assistant District At
torney Osborne thinks OF having him up for
contempt Of court.
Outside OF the District Attorney office there
is an impression that the May Grand Jury's
reference to improper publication" and tho
hasty judgments OF popular prejudice and
public clamor" are not directed altogether at
unofficial contributors to the history Of the