The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1866-08-16
INCREASE OF cR1ME---THE REMEDY.

change reaches us now that does not record some
flagrant outrage or detail the particulars of an
enormous crime of some eort Not alone through
this section of the State, and throughout this State,
but all over the United States North and South is
this alarming increase of crime to be Observed
Everywhere murder, arson, theft, and the rest OF
the catalogue, are on the rampage, and stalking
abroad at MONDAY. In view of this state of af-
fairs it behooves the law-abiding to consider the
remedy for these growing evils and use the means
to arrest the progress of crime in all its bearings
Especially is this true in relation to our own I'M
poverished and desolated land; where it might be
expected that lawless, desperate characters would
thrive upon the misfortunes of subjugated and
oppressed people. The arbitrary administration
of martial law and military power tends to aug
ment the number of crimes, inasmuch as the worst
passions of human nature are being constantly
aroused and kept alive by unjust measures OF
wrong and oppression. Immediately after the
close of the war, it was not surprising that these
outrages against society should be committed, and
we were prepared to make due allowance for the
disturbed condition of the country and the uncer-
tain tendency of mems minds at the contemplation
of the awful disaster which befel our once happy
country. But We confess that, as time elapsed,
and the passions of the hour subsded, the hope
was engendered that these things would quickly
disappear, and the entire population return to le-
gtimate and peaceful pursuits. In this expecta-
tion however, we have been sadly disappointed.
Instead of decreasing, new channels have been
opened and fresh fields of wickedness laid bare to
unholy reapers who seize with avidity upon any
and every opportunity to satisfy the depravity of
human nature We know that the tendency of
political events, under the guidance of Radical
faction in Congress, is aught but encouraging to
the down-trodden classes of the South; that the
pursuance of such policy oftentimes begets des-
peration and madness in the conquered; and that
men excuse or palliate offences because of the
gloomy prospects in partial sense. We are also
aware that the unqualified failure in the crops of
this section is urged as motive to incite evi-dis-
posed persons to the commission of crime VI
these things we are duly advised, and yet contend
that proper and wel-directed efforts will revolu-
tionize public sentiment and eventually restore the
country to peace and quietude. Let us e1amiIe
briefly the remedy within our reach to accomplish
so desirable an end
In our humble judgment, the remedy is to be
found in reaction Of public opinion and sentiment
Almost every day the idea is advanced that we have
no civil law to convict and punish offenders. This
is grievous error, and the fatal mistake which
good and worthy citizens make to the advantage of
x,,1 1nrIpQ
That civil law is frequently imperative because OF
the pecuiar condition of public affairs, none Will
deny; but this does not justify the assertion that
there is nm abroCation of the law ITSELF There
fore, whenever it is argued that we have no laws
for our protection and guidance. premium ~ Of
fered for the commission of an offence, be it great
or small And it is q derelicion of duty, on the
part of the citizen who advocates the existence oil
this normal condition. Either law is in force or
it is not: and as civil authority is maintained by
sound public opinion. and not by material power.
the obligation rest upon every individual alike 10
contribute towards the supremacy OF The law
These are self evident truths, and need no argument
to convicc the right-mindcd of thc!r duty. Let
each one then, ask himself if the full measure OF
his Obligation has been attained, and his voice and
influence heard on the side of justice, right and
virtue.
But there is another consideration of serious
moment which is worthy of mention in this ar
icle. In fact, we have been lei oi indie the FORE
going lines rs n reproof to the spirit which advo-
cafes any other remedy than the mighty arm p'
the law-for the law is mighty when sustained by
the people-against the alarming increase OF
crime. We allude to the popular approval OF MOB
law There can be no more dangerous application
of power thnn when placed in the hands oi the
populace. with no limit and unreslraincd by barri-
ers of any kind, and when incited to harsh deeds
by the passions and prcjudiccs OF man. The u'l'
mate tendency of mob law is TO overlcap justice
and transgress the mandates of civil anthority to
ignore the government of society and franple un-
der foot the laws instituted by the Supreme Ruler
of the Universe. Few men can be found who pos
sess GOODNESS, dcberaton, nay, courage itself,
sufficient to administer between fellow creatures on
the loose principles nculcated by this revolving
feature iii civilized society. Extreme cases-iso!a-
ted IN the strictest sense-may demand the app'l-
cation of this summary mode Of redress; but
these occasions are so rare and unfrequent that
they do not justify recognition of The principle
that it is right to usurp the powers which properly
belongs to the officers of the law. And yet intel
ligent, wel-informed men give in their adhesion
to the application of mob law in many instances.
This is to be sincerely deplored, and we fervently
hope that due consideration will effect change In
their minds In another column IN esteemed CO.
temporary is found to endorse this unwise remedy,
and we are free to say that twelve months will not
elapse ere he regrets the utterance of the few
words which tend to disorganize society and para
I'VE the efforts of civil officers to maintain "the
peace and dignity of the State" Above all others