The Portland daily press., 1868-05-14
The Three National Roguos.

NOI mdHy HOHIHS ago, Wueu IutTe was an
extraordinary mania for robbing banks and a
disposition on the part Of the sufferers to
compound with the rogues in order to save
as much of the property as possible, some
wag said that it began to be recognized as an
incontrovertible fact that the safest and east
est way OF becoming rich and respectable is
to rob a bank. This method OF treating des-
peradOes however, was found to be in the
long run an unsafe one. Burglary was fast
ris ng to the rank OF light and remunera-
tive branch OF industry, as legitimate and as
little hazardous as any other. Persons ayerse
to severe or protracted labor, mental or phys
ical, finding themselves involved in financial
embarraSsments, took to bur1laly as natural
y as in other times they would have devoted
themselves to agriculture or some branch oil
mechanics. The profession received great
accession of first cass talent, and like any
other profession in such cases methods OF
transacting business were subject TO careu
revision, its facilities enlarged and improved
the old hun drum practice OF the art COM
pietely ignored. Bacons and Lockes and
Newtons of the burglrious science arose,
whose genius illumiped the intricate ways OF
this secret brotherhood, as the genius OF those
great men sled new light upon the obscure
realms of natural and speculative philosophy.
Then it was that gentlemen of culture and
intelligence like the "Neddy Macguire,' who
now graces one of the cells of our State pris-
on, hit upon the brilliant plan of calling to
their assistance the cashiers of banks,
rousing them from their slumbers. intimidat-
ing their terrified families into silence, and
compelling them, clad in such garments as
they might chance to have on at the time. to
open their own safes.
Thus for time burglary and robbery be-
came well-nigh respectable" and had not an
alarmed public sentiment speedily compelled
the adoption of strong repressive measures,
they would have become entirely so.
Just now the morbid sentimentality al
ways existing either dormant or active in the
public mind, finds a sphere for its exercise in
saving great public criminals from trial and
condemnation. Jefferson Davis, John III.
Surratt and Andrew johnson, types of these
great phases of the rebellion, are still up-
SCARED by the lash of avenging justice. The
two greater offenders are at large. one enioying
the power and emoluments of the highest
elective office to which man can attain, and
the other refreshing himself after his ar
duous labors in organizing and conducting
the war for the destruction of the Union.
with travel and the comforts afforded by his
family and home. The Senate postpones the
conviction of Andrew johnson, though ev-
cry hours delay costs some loyal man safe
ty perhaps life, and indefinitely postpones
the restoration of the Union. Legislation
was already initiated for the admission of
the Southern States that have complied with
the conditions imposed by Congress, in view
of the probable removal of the ally of the
Rebels from power, But as we pointed out
a few days ago the consummation of that de-
sign is hazardous ifall the power and influence
OF the administration is TO be exerted for the
overthrow Of the new and loyal State govern
ments. The proceedings in the House on
Tuesday, when the Senate refused for that day
at least, to convict, show that there will be
pause in the work of reconstruction until an
other and better determination is reached.
The extent OF this calamity can hardly be
measured. The impunity of the assassin and
traitor whose names we have associated with
that OF johnson is not fraught with half the
danger to the Republic which the continu-
ance in office OF law-breaking President
brings in its train. The rebellion is thing
OF the past, and the punishment of its leader
is desirable chiefly as wholesome reminder
to all who cherish reasonable designs that
there is no safety in exciting instructions
against the authority Of the United States
IfSurratt is admitted to tail and his trial is
postponed from term to term till the whole
matter goes out in the smoke that surrounds
protracted legal proceedings when they reach
the vanishing point, assassination will only
become diversion for madmen and tools
The dagger and the pistol shot will perhaps
reach the lie Of individuals but not that OF
the State. But to make the breaking OF laws
and the dis regard of constitutions mere pee
cadillo Strikes at the very foundation OF repub-
iican institutions. Besides the evil influence
OF impunity for such crimes there is every
day OF Johnson's continuing reign-for so we
must call it, if he is acquitted-infinite peril
to the commonwealth.