[_From the Sunday Times._] LIBEL CASE CHARACTERISTICS.—The conviction of Stephen H. Branch, before Recorder Barnard, on Wednesday, of a libel on Mayor Tiemann and two other public officers, naturally created a sensation. So did the remarks of the bench. Sentencing Mr. Branch to a year’s imprisonment in the penitentiary and a fine of two hundred and fifty dollars, while such a man as Peter Dawson is subjected to incarceration for only sixty days, is not likely, however, to exert a wholesome effect upon the public mind. We have no doubt the recorder meant, by his severity, to make an example of Branch, in order to deter other indiscreet men who are more led by their impulses than their judgment from indulging in similarly reprehensible publications: but we conceive that justice administered with such rigidity, under the peculiar circumstances of the case, might seem to wear the aspect of persecution; and converting Branch into a martyr, neither elevates the character of the court, nor wins the moral sympathy of public opinion. The general mind has really appropriated the idea that because Branch attacked so important a person as Mayor Tiemann, the whole power of the corporation has been consolidated into one grand vindictive effort to crush out the courageous but silly slanderer. Every one naturally murmurs, therefore, if this be so, who may not be the next sacrifice? Common rumor does not hesitate to insinuate that the character of the proceedings taken against Branch, and the peremptory treatment bestowed upon the counsel for the prisoner, were the result of a preconcerted arrangement of the authorities. This assumption believed, who feels secure of justice should he be unfortunate enough to incur the enmity of a coalition so potential? Mr. Branch’s libels were coarse, scandalous, and boldly reiterated. It was difficult to believe them wholly foundationless, because an investigation was demanded with such persistent audacity. Branch openly avowed his readiness to establish all his statements, however defamatory; and although they criminated citizens whose good name we had always been taught to esteem, they started our incredulity, and set every thinking mind astir with painful distrust. We were glad, therefore, to find a legitimate course adopted, and an appeal to the laws made to decide the truth or falsity of the accusations.