The Massachusetts Spy, And Worcester County Advertiser

Editorial Trouble. All the editorial remarks in the last number of the Detroit (Michigan,) Gazette, come to us under date, "Wayne County Jail," where John P. Sheldon, the conductor of that paper has his present residence, on account of some contempt of the Supreme Court which does not clearly appear in the columns of the print itself. He had been mulcted in the sum of one hundred dollars, with the cost of prosecution, in consequence of his offence, and the sentence of the Court was, that he should stand committed till the same be paid.

After hearing the sentence, the editor remarked that he had formed the determination to go to the prison, "and there to remain until the hairs of his head were as white as the walls of the Court room (the walls were probably white-washed) before he would pay any part of the fine." He was accordingly escorted to his new lodgings. Before sun set, however, the citizens of the place, to the number of three hundred, assembled, and having selected a chairman and secretary, proceeded to draw up certain resolutions expressing their indignation at what they considered the violated rights of a free citizen. They then appointed a committee to receive subscriptions from the inhabitants of Detroit, "to be applied to the payment of the fine and cost for which J. P. Sheldon is now imprisoned, and thus separated from his wife and children, and that the surplus be appropriated to defray the expenses incurred by H. L. Ball, printer of the Gazette, in the suit against him, involving the same principles."

That every person so disposed might have an opportunity of contributing to the release of the unlucky editor, it was declared that no individual should be allowed to pay a sum exceeding twelve and a half cents.

The proceedings growing out of this prosecution did not end here. On the succeeding Saturday, about three hundred citizens assembled and partook of a Public Dinner at the Jail. A great many toasts were given, and many songs sung. Of the former we select a few, which indicate the feelings of the party.

The Press.--The mouth piece of freemen--how strong must be the hand that would muzzle it; how weak the head that would conceive such a project.

Naturalized Citizens. We came here to enjoy the liberty of speech and of the Press. Who shall rob us of either?

A Jury Trial.--Our fathers fought for it--and we will never relinquish it while we have life.

In those days it came to pass that John, the centurion, was imprisoned for contempt of Court; and the people were amazed, and sympathised with John, and did divers things to cheer his heart.

American Principles.--They will be maintained even in an American Jail.

Boston Advertiser.