56 



entitled the " World of London/'* is in the worst possible 

 taste. It is a catalogue of villanies instead of an enumeration 

 of salient characteristics ; it is a deep blackening, instead of 

 a painting in the natural colours. 



The reader of history who is not accustomed to look at home, 

 is surprised occasionally that popular feeling should have been 

 allowed so great license in past ages, in reference to any class of 

 men. But it is right to inform him that it is manifested not 

 less dangerously, though perhaps less frequently, in our own 

 times. It is a fact notorious to men of observation and expe- 

 rience, that the sanctity of the jury-box is interfered with in 

 hundreds of cases ; that the decisions are not given, indeed that 

 there is hardly a pretence to give them, according to the evidence 

 sworn in open court, but according to the state of pojjular feel- 

 ing out of doors.f For example, Mr. A. is accused of having 

 slain Mr. B. in a duel, and the indictment is for " murder ;" 

 the jury are sworn to try the simple fact, and the judge explains 

 the law, that if A. really killed B., there can be no doubt that 

 he is guilty of murder. The evidence of ike fact (which is all 

 the jury have to do with) is most convincing ; they all know and 

 admit that A. killed B. ; but adding to their oaths and duties^ 

 a popular definition which they learned at their respective fire- 

 sides, viz., that " killing is no murder," they coolly turn round 

 and pronounce their verdict, " not guilty." Now if popular 

 feeling be so strong with ourselves as to appal any reflecting 

 man who values the pure administration of justice ; if in our 

 own age, acts of parliament are occasionally waste paper, while 

 popular feeling, in particular acts and circumstances, rules 

 the country; we may avow the enormities of a barbarous age 

 without hesitation, and acquit the Jew on a charge which in 

 reality ought never to have been made. 



* Reprinted from a series of papers in Blackwood's Magazine, 2 vols. 16rao. 

 + The late Irish State Trials will occur to every reader. 



S It is well known to lawyers, that in Insurance cases a correct verdict is rarely 

 given. A rich company prosecutes an individual or his representatives, or refuses in 



