The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1858-02-20

recent homicide case in Brooklyn imp-
cates three parties as accessory to the death
of Mr. Simonson. Not one of these persons is
over twenty-three years Of age
Taken in connection with the death sentences
now pending over the heads of two youths
Rodgers and o 'Connell-the immense number Of
convictions for minor offeuces that have taken
place Of late amongst the same class of adde's
cents and the results of the Fire Marshal's in.
vestigahoDs for the last half year-which show
that of the acts of incendisrism that have &C.
cured in our city the largest proportion have
been committed by boys-this fact is an instruc-
tive one. 1t proves that owing to some active
cause or other decentralization is rapidly spread
ing amongst us, and that the rising generation
20 far from benefting from the diffusion of edu-
cation and the rhetorical efforts of our great
religious luminaries, promises to outvic all its
predecessors in wickedness.
Without stopping to inquire how far the
clergy Of every denomination are responsible
for this state of tbings-a question that can
never, we fear, lead to any practical solution
it seems to us that it is not difficult to trace where
large share of the blame is attributable. If
the axiom be correct that the prevention of
crime is half accomplished b. the certainty of
punishment, then it follows that we have our
selves to reproach with the major portion of
these results 1t is useless for US to try and
satisfy our consciences with the assertion that
our magistrates are corrupt, that our juries are
Indifferent, and that political or other influences
are at any time sufficient to stay the arm of JUS
tice. There is something more powerful than
Judges than juries, or than corrupt influences;
and that is the force of public opinion. If our
responsibilities then it would have but little
ground of complaint against its servants.
There can be no doubt in the world that the
disgraceful facts that we daily have occasion to
signalize are entirely due to the laxity that has
prevailed for some years past in the administra-
tion of justice. In the first place an inefficient
and corrupt police brought under the cogni-
zance of the courts only such offences as
the accused parties were not rich enough
to compound for. Then when offenders were
taken before a magistrate friendly influences
could frequently be brought to bear to defeat
charge or arrest decision. Even when
judges and juries were found to be inaccessible,
the punishment meted out to criminals could
be averted by we'll supported appeal to the
executive. The result of this system of checks
and hinarances was. Of course, to induce gene
raj iaxity in the administration of the laws, to
encourage crime, and to induce in the viciOusly
inclined amongst the youth of our city spirit
of defiance and contempt Of he authorities.
Hence the increase in the number Of offences to
which the hot passions Of youth usually lead,
the scenes Of drunkenness and rowdvism of
which our streets are continually the theatre,
and the acts of murder. incendiarism and rape
on the part of mere boys which Of late have
contributed to swell the catalogue Of crime.
This state of thinga would have been much
worse but for the efforts Of one or two conscien-
tious magistrates, who, disregarding the in
fuences brought to bear upon them and the
clamors Of the lowest and vilest portion of the
press have steadily exerted themselves 10 arrest
the tide Of decentralization which has set in.
Since the present City Judge came into Office he
has done more to vindicate the authority Of the
laws and to check the progress Of crime than
ali the other authorities put together By the
promptness and energy of his action he has
cleared of an immense number Of indictments
that would have otherwise hung fire and per-
haps never have been heard Of whilst the Sc
verify Of his sentences has struck terror into
the hearts Of offenders During his brief judi
cisl term he has disposed in this way of up
wards of three thousand cases. Since the pre-
sent Recorder has entered upon his duties he
has seconded him in the most energetic and able
manner; but what after ALL can these two men
do against the overwhelming influences by
which they are surrounded, and which are in
cessantiy eyerted 10 neutralize their efforts
Nothing ss we have before stated but the force
of public opinion expressed Enthusiastically
through the ballot box and the Legislature, can
provide an effective remedy for this state of
things
II will be seen b. the prompt and decisive
action Of the Brooklyn people, on the occasion
Of the late homicide that they have re-
solved TO submit no longer TO the state of terror
ism and incertiiude In regard 10 life and pro-
perty under which in common with us. they
have been so long living They have appointed
a committee Of respectable citizens TO see that
In this case the ends OF justice shall not be de-
defeated by corrupt influences. Whilst in it,
objects this body partakes essential! Of the
character Of vigilance committee in it, form
and operation, IL comes in no way into conflict
with the lava Should its exertions be neu.
tralized by the pliancy Of the Brooklyn judges
or the improper interference of the friends of
the accused, II will then be subject for con-
sideration what new phase IL viii assume.
Without expressing any opinion as to the judi
ciousnes Of this experiment we think that it
shows clearly that the administration Of justice
in this State has arrived at such degree Of
laxity and corruption that the people are de-
termined no longer to submit to II. All efforts