Daily National Democrat

The Grand Jury,

This body has not yet adjourned, and its present session, we believe, has been already longer than that of any previous Grand Jury in the county. Having taken cognizance of the cases of grand larceny, embezzlement, murder, &c., and made presentments therein, it next proceeded to inquire into the long unnoticed but notorious violations of the law in respect to gambling. A great many witnesses have been examined and a large number of indictments found. Some of them are against individuals who ought to have set a better example in the community. Some are against young men who have aged parents or other relatives in a great measure dependent upon their exertions, and who have shamelessly wasted their earnings at the gaming table. Married and unmarried men, we believe, are indicted, and there will be a general stirring up of the community, in respect to this monster evil. It will cost a considerable amount of money to conduct the prosecutions, but the benefit to the community will be immense.

The Grand Jury having disposed of the gambling cases, are supposed now to be engaged in inquiring into the manner in which certain county officials have discharged their duties, and into the heavy amounts of money allowed by the Board of Supervisors without due examination, as is charged, into the correctness of accounts and the warrant of proper vouchers. If any county officers have overcharged the county for their services, it will appear, and the matter be fully laid before the public by the Grand Jury. If the Grand Jury does indeed follow up this business, it will be almost the first time that such a body has done its duty in this regard, and it will be entitled to the unqualified respect of all good citizens. Investigation can do no hurt, and those who are guiltless will so appear. "Let the galled jade wince;" those whose "withers are unwrung" have nothing to fear. We sincerely hope, however, that it will be shown that the affairs of the county have been conducted in a straightforward and honorable manner.