The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-01-15
AFTER THE CRIMINALS.
District Attorney Phelps Prepared
to De His Duty.
Murderers and Offenders Generally To Be
Looked After Promptly.


AS this Is the season OF reform, and the CRY goes
up from the heart Of the people, "Give us prompt
and stern justice for murderers and all others who
defy and break the laws and trampie down the
protecting barriers OF society," office OF District
Attorney assumes an Importance 1t has not had
heretofore. The new incumbent OF the office, Mr..
Benjamin X Phelps, Is by no means sanguinary
man. appearances are not deceitful he has much
of the milk OF human kindness in his nature. His
full, norid face and the soft melody Of his voice
comport unevcnly with our ideal Of relentless
vindcator OF outraged justice; but as judges and
uries have the major share of the responsibility to
shoulder for all the failures OF the law, past pres
ent and to come, and the District At
tOrney 10 supposed to fulfil hts duties
when he INDUCES In no delay In bringing before
the available Courts such indictments against
criminals AZ the grand juries may lnd there ap-
pears no occasion Tor his being person of blood.
thirsty Instincts. The mldest-mannered man that
ever presided over temperance tea party Is COM
requirements Of the office OF District Attorney u
he will only act honestly and promptly. No mons
ter Of inhumanity is demanded for the place.
EvEN-HANDED JUSTICE
between the State and the criminal Is all that IL
called Tor, and on this tie public voice appears to
insist.
Mr.. Phelps has been left legacy Of work larger
than that with which most Of his predecessors have
been called upon to grappe at the outset OF their
official term. Happily for him he enters upon his
duties at . time when public opinion sets as
strong Hood tide in behalf of the retributive vndi
cation OF law and order. The trammels Of politics
which, like the folds of an anaconda twisted
around and paralysed any vitality of effort on tho
part of the prosecuting agent Of the people are
broken and fair, unfe Uttered course Is open to our
new officer OF justice to speak out bravely ON tho
side OF long and understanding community.
reporter OF the HERALD called yesterday upon
Mr.. Phelps to ascertain what he was going to 10
about these unhanged murderers and other crlmi-
nails who crowd the Tomos and walk tne streets as
Broadway in nashy Melton Overcoats ana smoke
cigars and live generally lie OF careless ease and
elegance.
TIIR DISTRICT ATTORNEYS HANDS FULL.
The District Attorney said he had his hands full,
busy for some time to come. Pulling out 81 his
pocket sheet OF loolscap to answer the question
OF how many persons were now IN the Tomos
declared the number was just fourteen.
"Of these" said he three are pending review
Court Of Appeals next Monday. In the cases OF
Sharkey Scannell and King true bills have been
in the Court Of General sessions Kings and scan.
nell's in Oyer and Termtner, just as soon al the
a In s n
only just come from the Tombs. They now go to
the Grand Jury, and a true bill being found, the
urged forward without delay. Rosensweig ana
Hickey will have each new trial-the first IN the
Supreme Court, the other IN the Court OF General
Sessions. In regard to Summons, the inquest has
yet to be held
REroRrER-A statement was made some time
ago that tho pigeOn-hOies Of this 0lfce were filed
with indictments for murder against men whe
were abroad in the streets on bail.
DISTRICT ATTORNEY-rhat Is impossible; murder
is an unbailabe offence, and am unaware OF any
such cases as those OF men being out Oh bail who
| had been regularly indicted Tor murder.
THE CRIMINALS OF THE PAST.
REPORTER-Of course you know nothing OF What
has become of the murderers none OF whom but
Real and Reynolds were executed, that were in tho
Tombs about three years agoY
DISTRICT ATTORNEY-That was before my time.
Perhaps some OF them were not guilty OF murder
that nerlted the penalty OF hanging, and, conse-
the list I have here OF those who are now in the
Tombs that 1t IL my duty to look after will be tried
in due time, without any unnecessary delay.
HANGING IN OLD BAILEY STYLE.
REPORTER-What do you think OF the HERALD's
suggestion to have them all executed in batch,
Old Bailey style, on one day?
DISTRICT ATTORNEY Qaughng)-That might have
wholesome effect, but 1t Is outside the range or
probability 1t would be quite refreshing to get rid
OF lot of actual murderers all at once in this way
but however sure justice may be, you knew the
law Is very uncertain.
DO HIS FULL DUTY.
REPORTER-I suppose We may expect an active
crusade against the criminal classes on your part
DISTRICT ATTORNEY-Yes, shall do my full duty,
and 1t won't be my FAULT II Justice hats and crimi-
nails escape. There are considerations, however.
10 De observed anu NOT OVeriOOkeu Wnlle seeing
that the law is enforced and respected. Where
guilt is demonstrated 1t Is to be hoped punishment
will follow, but TO arrive at this result undue
haste must be exercised. Everything will be done
consistent with just regard TO the rights OF all
classes Patient care will be taken to that the
interests OF the community are protected
and that all reasonable scope is given to those
accused Of violating the law to explain or vindi-
cate themselves. Without nstituting a reign Of
terror we can reach the end which the order-lOy
ing element OF the community desire. / have vet
to ascertain the extent OF the work shall have to
perform. 1 am here but few weeks, and the time
Is short to go thoroughly through the business of
the office. We are progressing last and things will
soon be in good shape. An office of this kind is
kept constantly busy and requires constant atten-
ton. or one thing YOU may be certain-there
will be no lack OF endeavor to fulfil its duties to the
letter.