Daily evening star. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1852-1854, 1853-02-03
EVENING STAR.
WASHINGTON:
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8. 1853.
The Late Tragedy.

Our readers have all learned of the horri-
Bile occurrence, detailed in another column.
The circumstances are too revolving for US
to enlarge upon them here-and we shall
not attempt it. The deed is done and the
public mind will render it's own verdict in
the premises, whatever may be the COM
ments of the press.
But we cannot suffer this startling occa-
sion to pass, without expressing our senti-
ments with regard to the practice Of carry
ing deadly weapons. We deem the practice
to be very reprehensible, and sincerely hope
1t will be frowned down ~ this communi
ty.
We have nothing to say respecting the
provocations that may be held as sufficient
TO justify the execution of summary pun
ishment. In our opinion no man is iusti
fed in law abiding community, in taking
the execution of the law into his own hands.
The precedent is an extremely dangerous
one, and must often lead to the most fatal
results. While we are in community of
law, it is the duty of all good citizens to
make thelaw the final standard of arbitration
aud settlement. In all matter of personal
right, and private character, the law is
open to every member of society, however
humble he may be; and there is no ground
ON which one man can be justified in shoot
ing down another, because he has applied
to him certain opprobious epithets. For if
the rule is to obtain, that one man may
take the life of another for any such cause,
the regulations Of civil life are at an end.
The rule of the bandit and the outlaw, be-
comes the rule of every day conduct: and
DO mln's life is safe for moment.
There is no way in which you can justify
the taking of human existence, except by
due process of law, by honorable warfare,
and in selfdefence. On these grounds it is
We maintain organized government and
thtre is no other way in which it can be
rightiully maintained
1t is all very popular, and withal very
valiant for men to declaim of the summary
punishment of slanderers, seducers, and
villains. But is not such course equipped
with two edged sword? Who shall be the
judge Of what is SANDER, and seduction,
and rillainy? One man has as good right
to an opinion in such cases as another; and,
some times, great deal better. The only
safe alternative, therefore, under govern
ment of law, is to submit the case to jury
of twelve of our peers, and finally to abide
their decision. On any other principle but
this we are afoat at once over the wide,
wild sea of human passion, where every man
is the selfelected judge, jury, and execu-
IlOner. a fearful state OF society, lnQeeQ:
too frightful to be contemplated without the
most gloomy forebodings for the future of
our country.
Why will men suffer themselves to be led
into crime by the false glare of pretended
honor? Why will they take the execution
OF personal vengeance into their own hands,
under the mistaken plea that the world will
otherwise believe them to be towards? It
is better, infinitely better, to suffer wrong
than to do wrong; and in every case it will
lie found that honorable forbearance is the
best proof man can give of integrity and
courage.
MOVEMENTS OF GENERAL PIERcE.-Gen.
Pierce is in Boston, making arrangements
for bis departure to Washington, but he
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