The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1874-06-04
CRIME.

1t is with no pleasure that we refer to
this subject again. But as there is just now
an unaccnnntalAlu- for the commission
81 -eeiEl iiiie and as no evil is ever corrected
without being exposed and the proper steps
taken to eradicate it, we feel that brief
reference viii not be Inappropriate and may
assist in some degree in restoring law and
order In our own State there has been too
much Of late but in connection Herewith
there is evidence of the utter loathing of
the good citizens for the perpetrators. This
is proof positive OF stern determination of
the people to put an end to it, Weallude
to the recent cases of lynching which have
taken place. Now we do not and cannot
approve of lynch law, but there are times
and circumstances which would seem to
Justify it. When men become bold and
reckless and defy the authorities, band to-
gether for the protection and deliverance Of
their associates from prison, ride over the
land, steal and murder, mount the witness
stand ana swear to facts which never ex-
isted, show a total disregard Of all restraints,
all lsws both human and divine, it is not
surprising that the better portion Of the
communities should call meetings for the
purpose Of ievising ways and means for the
protection Of the lives and property Of ID
dividuals, and also for the apprehension
and punishment Of the bold bad men who
so defantly and ruthlessly trample upon
the rights Of Others and boast OF their
deeds Of viIlainy and blood But society
is not properly organized where it.
is absolutely necessary that such steps
should be taken. Itmay not be the fault Of
she people in the immediate vicinity where
such violent aud Summary measures are
taken, but tho fault will and can be traced
to an error in the municipal government, in
the laws which arc enacted for the suppress
sloa of crime. In the first place, each
county should have true and tired men, if
possible, in Office, who win, 20 the best Of
their ability and power, execute the laws
impartially. and for the good Of the whole
community. In the second place, there
should be a strong Jail built in each county
Tor the safe keeping Of criminals Il may
be said that many Of the counties are too
poor to build them. Grant that this IL 50;
then there should be provision made by
Law for such special cases; and an apprOpFi-
alton made from the State to pay the sbeF-
us and other parties for delivering Grim.
mails to the jailor Of the nearest county
provided with jail considered safe, and At
such . point as 70 negative the idea Of any
attempts By their friends to release the
prisoners. There sheuld be more allowed
t:.sn the fees and mileage which such ON
cers nov receive for such service, The
amount should be large enough to make i
an object TO carry The accused even 10 .
great distance Cor safe keeping. Such q
law would 40 much toward making the citi-
sens feel sec1Iu even when they kaow that
desperate chaiaclas are in the vicinity.
They would reason "a this way: The ON
Gers have sach rewards offered fora faithful
dischnrgo o. their duties that We feel Ger
tain Ire malAndeis Win soon BE appro.
lhehded. and carried 70 some saIe jail where
ihev win BE securely iksps till tsieas and II
coaxicis0 VIII - acalt NiSh accord-
Ting, 70 law. Now ho3eVcr. llerS Is
40 feeling Of security. II he odEIsuu
rrc canght tley Tel nat resy soep some
81 tie roRF va rrleae.len and they win
I te more siadiciive thon ever. Reasoning
s. this frn5. Il s. vslg ncleI<l tkat the law
+ ~ nelf.rrar.rsl,na r,.r111f rncrr.f lrrcb