Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1859-09-28
WHAT 4 AsoUTHERN NAN wOULr HAVE
DONE


They are still discussing the Sickles case in
Texas The American Flag of that State, in
its issue Of August 18th, says Of his reconcilia
tiOn to bis wife:
Many people have spoken of il, and the
newspapers have commented on il; none we
think, fayorably. Those who urged his ac-
quittal and befriended him throughout have
such he has published reply, which has ap-
peared in the Flag
Unlike most Of our contemporaries upon its
face We like this letter and the spirit il seems
to breathe. Bat there is something behind 1t
which we do rot like Mr.. Key was killed in
southern city, and the parties were sur
rounded by southern men. Mr. Sickles thought
himself compelled, for his honor, to slay the
man who had disgraced him. He did So and
for his defence set up the false plea of moral
insanity. The whole proceeding shows that he
thought that in Congress among seuthern
men, he could not live respected if he did not
Kill his dishonorer. Feeling that there was u
self To prepare defence. The giving OF the
utmost possible nOtoristy to his wife's infamy,
both previous to and upon the trial, seems TO
have been his chief dependence; and this was
done with precision and fullness which left
nothing to De supplied. The ignoIninious con-
fessior went forth ike an echo, simultaneous
with the pistol shots. The press was furnished
that the woman had fallen. The particulars
were cOarSely given on the trial
Mr.. Sickles did not act as a southern man
would have done, though he may have intended
to do so. he mig hit kill the adulterer, but he
should never have exposed 1.-THE mother of his
ehild- III he felt that Key ought to die not
word nor look which would throw discredit
on her should have escaped him. At all
events, if rage or anguish should have wrung
out few such words or looks at the moment,
which is likely enough and we'll enough, ali
else should have been left to explain itself If
he so preserved his secret that none discovered
it, he might hang even, or die in prison, but
this would be far preferable to the blackening
Of his wife's name and throwing a suspicion of
bastardy upon his child. But il il likely that
very strong suspicion would arise from the
circumstances to show that a great wrong had
been done prisoner by the deceased, and these,
well used by counsel on the trial. coupled with
the respect which the jury feel for man who
respects himself, would eloouently plead for
him and acquit him. After a conviction, too.
private appeal could have been made to ex-
eeutive elemency, showing what had really
been his proyocation, and no doubt il would be
successful. The men Of the southern states
and the women too, are far more lenent in
their judgment Of the erring than the north
ern. Seduction is frequently punished with
death, and rape by burning the guilty man,
while the poor yictimiZed woman is tenderly
hid away, scrupulouSly defended from reproach
and protected from insult. To speak of her
lightly or cOntemptuously would bring down
the arm Of father brother, and husband, and
OF the friend OF each. as heavily as upon the
first wrOng-dOer. Indeed, we have known of
several instances where men of unouestiouable
courage, honor, sensibility, and freedom from
restraint, other than n refined self respect
have, for the sake Of their children's honor.
passed by the man who had given the greatest
Of offences, permitted him to live; and, when
1t was wife who had sinned, permitted sep
aratlon, known only to themselves, TO mark
the fault, while the world was instructed to
believe prejudieial rumors to be false and the
suggestion Of them perilous
Nor should Mr.. Sickles have allowed him
self to sneak about his wife's quarters after he
had put her away. In this he did her no
credit and himself less. If he felt return of
his affection for her. or that his child needed
his care and protection, open day should have
beheld him first return even to confer with
her. His letter, too, should have sbown that
he repented Of having so thoroughly made
known her fault.
Our % sOuth-side view Of this is, then, that
Mr., siekles has done right in forgiving his
VIE, rght IN receiving her back into his con-
hdenee If he has some hope that she will sin no
more; right, at all events, in returning to his
home to watch over his child, and right In de-
Tying all who condemn him for doing so. We
only wish he had acted this way from the first.
man who seduces your daughter or sister,
or debauches your wife, should die, IL it takes
you ten years to put him in a position to do il:
but let her whom it is your duty to protect
never suffer in reputation to screen yourself
from the consequences Of your acts, though she
be ever 80 guilty. If you cannot execute JUS
tice upon the criminal without exposing her,
better to suffer in stern silence, awaiting the
moment when his insolence may prompt him
w~NW. l-E.
can punish as SUCH