Rensselaer Union, Volume 2, Number 3, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 October 1869 — The Elections. [ARTICLE]

The Elections.

U|> Uttkc time of going to prees the newt it that the Republicans have carried Peiimtylvania, and Ohio and lowa. In Ohio the result is aontewhai tJoubltul. Tt c Republicans will have a majority iu the senate, while the Democrat* will have a majority iu the house. In all «f these states the vote is light, aud ahows Democratic gains. We have been unable to obtain th nrult of the railroad election in White county. Word was brought from there yesterday that the appropriation was 11 behind and on# townshiy to hear from. Our informant could not learn what township it was. The appropriation is probably defeated. Wc spent Monday evening of this week at the teachers' institute, non’ |ii session at this place. Mr. Joiixnok, the school examiner, delivered the lecture of the evening upon the subject of “professional pride’’ among teachers, which was practical and sensible. Three or tour others followed him, two of whom <lid little else hut “yawp.” How such individuals acquire the title of “learned educators” except in a barlcsque sense is a mystery to ns.

We receive regularly from the publishers, Messrs. Pettkxgiix, JJatks «fc Co., 37 Park Row, New York, the Hearth and Home , which we consider one ol the most complete family weekly newspapers published in the United States.— Single copies, It, three, all at one time, |9j five copies, all at one time, sll, all over five copies at the same rate, or $2 50 a year, which makes it one of the cheapest papers published. Subscriptions sent now will be credited from the Ist of Jannary, 18<0, and will pay from the date of their reception until January Ist, 1871, so that persons subscribing now at the above rates receive the November and December numbers of 1868, free. The Jasper Teachers’ Institute is holding its fourth annual session at the Rensselaer school house, and is well attended by tbe teachers—upwards of sixty recorded their names the first day. We have not as yet had opportunity to attend the day sessions, but understand the exercises are well conducted and instructive. The evenings have so far been occupied by lectures upon topics interesting to teachers, pupils and patrons. The lectures are delivered by “professional educators” some of whom have evidently carefully studied their profession and possess discriminating judgment, while others appear to “yawp”—they can’t lecture—-just to make a noise and occupy time. With little more attention to facta and a little leas running after chimeras these reunions will become important auxiliaries to the common school system. We are in favor of giving them all possible encouragement

Last week we published a report of the cases disposed of at the last session of the Jasper Circuit Court. Of the forty-three criminal casos there were but three convictions; four or five trials resulted in acquitals, several were continued, and twenty-four the State's attorney entered a nolle prosequi." It is a matter of interest to every citizen of the county to know why so many cases are dismissed by the prosecutor. When it is known that mere than one-half the criminal cases docketed are not brought to trial, it is natural for people to ask “how much do the implicated parties pay the prosecuting attorney for entering his not. pros.!” Wc do not believe that our proaecutor is bought .up in these instances. In tome of them it is probable the grand juryfinds the indictment upon evidence insufficient for conviction, but in the great majority of cases the witnesses are either spirited away or else lea/e of their own accord, so that when the cases aro called the prosecutor has either to proceed to trial in the absence of important witnesses with the certainty of defeat, or ej*« enter his not. prot. at once, .—he generally chooses the latter course. One way of avoiding this is for f)ie grand jury to examine the evidence closely and uot find indictfnenta without they are convinced ji in sufficient to convict. Then let it beseem to that the witnesses are promptly summoned and required <o enter into bonds for their appearance at tlic next term of court.— Tlicn the principal disadvantages tbr State has now to contend with will be removed, and if criminals lire permitted to go unpunished (tie responsibility* will rest with the 1