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but it became proper, in consequence, for the bench 

 to call in a strong manner on the grand jury to be 

 particularly vigilant and attentive to the discharge 

 of this part of their duty. The bench at the same 

 time adverted to another subject connected with 

 the above. Many out of the country, and some in 

 it, had thought proper to interfere with our sys- 

 tem, and by their insidious practices and dangerous 

 doctrines to call the peace of the island into ques- 

 tion, and to promote disorder and confusion. The 

 jury were therefore enjoined, in every such case, 

 to investigate it thoroughly, and to bring the par- 

 ties concerned before the country, and not to suffer 

 the systems of the island, as established by the laws 

 of the land, to be overset or endangered. It was 

 their bounden duty to watch over and support the 

 established laws, and to act against those who dared 

 to infringe them ; and that, otherwise, it was impe- 

 riously called for on the principle of self-preserv- 

 ation. Every country had its peculiar laws, on the 

 due maintenance of which depended the public 

 safety and welfare. I read all this with the most 

 perfect unconsciousness ; when, lo and behold ! I 

 have been assured, from a variety of quarters, that 

 all this was levelled at myself! It is I (it seems) 

 who am " calling the peace of the island in ques- 

 tion ; " who am " promoting disorder and confu- 

 sion ; " and who am " infringing the established 

 laws ! 99 I should never have guessed it ! By " in- 

 sidious practices " is meant (as I am told) my over- 



