Pioche daily record. [volume] (Pioche, Nev.) 1872-1876, 1873-07-19
political EUTHANASIA WANTED.

The San Francisco Bulletin, paper
which has been conspicuous in bygone
years for its onslaughts upon political
corruption, has well-timed article on
an organization which has recently
sprung into existence in England, the
members OF which are united under the
unassuming name df the Birmingham
Brothers. The object Of this brother
hood is the dissemination of the princ-
pies OF euthanasia-a euphuism for the
more Objectionable word suicide These
euthanasiasts maintain the right OF indi-
yiduals afflicted with painful chronic dis
cases, from which there is no chance OF
recovery. to bid adieu TO this vale of
tears, NOT after the japanese happy-diS-
patch style, but by means of less disa-
greeable method. Euthanasia has been
discussed in magazines, newspapers and
reviews, and the advocates III the contro-
versy have substautiated their views by
many plausible arguments. The word
euthanasia is derived from two Greek
words, signifying when combined, pleas
ant death, and its votaries contend that
to depart from mundane things in pain
less condition by the inhaling Of sopor-
itic odors OF imbibing some poisonous
narcotic is preferable to prolonging
lingering existence while borne down by
The weight of disease. The hari-kari
has been practiced in Japan from time
Immemorial. 1t ha, proved conven-
lent method OF Kidding the Empire of
Objectionable politicians, and though 10
the American mind the privilege to rid
oneself from earthly trouble, and gain
honor in so doing, is, to say the least,
questionable one, the Japanese view it
IN quite another light. Recent advices
from the Orient tell us OF two Ministers
of the Tenno, who, for an offense against
the Government, have been accorded this
inestimable privilege, and are graciously
permitted to purge themselves of con-
tempt in publishing their reasons for
resigning official position by indulging
i'll hari-kan. Now here. in this enlight-
ened Government" the best the world
ever saw we have host of politicians
and others who, to the grand center of
our system. the people, have proved
themselves most Objectionable; and to
many thinking minds much would be
gained could We introduce into it some
thing like an enforced political happy
dispatch-not akin. perhaps, to the pain
ful liberation of the Japanese hari-kari,
but the more agreeable, though none the
less etficacious euthanasia of the new
Transatlantic brotherhood. There is a
man named William Pitt Kellogg, who
for nearly twelve months has kept 500
900 people i'll Louisiana in turmoil, ruin
ing their trade, commerce and indus
tries, thus bringing great poverty into
their midst. He might with advantage
commit the political dispatch, to the
great relief of the State and the country.
The Oregonians have their Senator
Mitchell or Nipple, and every State or
city in the Union is probably at present
suffering from the presence of one or
more " incurables, political or other
wise, who can only be directly removed
by some process akin to euthauasa.
The average mind can everywhere sug-
gest instances where enthanasia applied
to politics would prove benefit. There
are all the Credit Mobilier ring-masters
and back-salary grabbers, whose en-
forced retirements into private lite would
bring incalculable relief to the country.
How much would Massachusetts gain if
Ben. Butler could at this moment be
compelled forever to put himself ont of
The way: What unsavory recollections
would remain buried if Colfax would only
be restrained from thrustlng himself for
ward to deliver Fourth OF July orations:
Coming nearer home, how much would
California gain if those schemers and
plpe-layers who are Just now fixing up
states and otherwise devising means to
defeat the will of the people, could be
compelled to die political deaths? There
are also those instances where men have
represented corporations instead of the
people how much would be gained if
they were thus prevented from commit
ting further injury: Japan has gained
immensely by her intercourse with the
United States, but so far the advantage
has been entirely one-sided. There has
been no reciprocity. She has adopted
our telegraphs and locomotives. She
has gone wild with enthusiasm over our
rabbits, and she makes claim to civiliza-
ton by garbing her leading citizens in
stovepipe hats and black coats. Now.
ii Japan will only IN return send us
modified form of hari-kari. adapted to
our present political exgences, we will at
once cry even, and furthermore remain
eternall; her debtor John A. Bingham.
who is going to Japan to represent our
interests there, might with great advan-
tage study the system, with the object of
evidencing its beneficient qualities, by a
personal application of the process.