Ellsworth American., 1877-05-17

acteristic of human nature? Was it in any
way related to that sickening curiosity
which crowds the Moreues in large cities
10 see the bodies of drowned suicides. or
rushes to great accidents or great crimes
TO look upon what they know will make
them shudder?
Or it may be said that 1t is wholesome |
covered and punished. 1t will prevent |
them from doing the same. Let us apply |
this theory to another case, where it is
more easily judged, II it be true. what /
public executions? Let u set up the !
gallows at the four corners. aud let the |
dreadful spectacle of crime meeting its
reward. strengthen the conscience and
elevate the mint. and increase the alb
horrence of sin in all who 6eholds it. But
as a matter OF fact, nothing is more de-
moraliZing than public execution, and it
is tRvicn TO debauch the neral sentiment
and to stimulate crime. In "A less degree,
why may not the preliminaries OF execu-
tion have the same tendency? The truth
which lies underneath both these ohiec-
tions TO my position is, that community
ought 10 be interested IN the admini,tra-
tion al it laws and the punishment of
those who violate them, this have al
ready admitted. But this does not in
volve the watc ling by crowds of men aud
woman OF all the details of cross examlna-
ton aud conflicting testimony. To know
that the laws are In the hands OF trust
worthy men, Land to watch them sufficiently
keep them up to their duty, are the extent
OF the duty of Ordinary individuals.
l claim, therefore, that the intense ex-
citcment which has prevailed for the last
fortnight is demoralizing. III am asked
TO show its effects. answer that the deep
est effects are not measurable. being up
on the general tone But can make the
following points:
|. Show or Indicate or name Whist
gDod has come or viii come from the
crowded attendance upon this trial.
, As 10 what evil effect has already
come, ask any thoughtful person to con-
slider the spectacle We have seen often.
of men and woniau, leaving work and
homes TO shift for themselves. uegleciing
everything else TO >it Ia the court room
with that strained a,tcntlon. aud restless
excitement which has marked them, and
say whether tins in Itself was Wholesome.
Add 10 this, that many nave been made al
most sick aud have passed sleeplr.> nights
ont OF ucrvou. excitement.
}. A. TO future minor indications OF the
effect on the moral tone. predict that
most OF snch people. If they Will watch
themselves. Will find that they have =
heightened taste Ior f"pert> of criminai
cases and are more ready 10 read tncui A.
they appear in the papers. or that, at
least. VIII find new charm Ia that SEN
sa,ioual literature when opens glimp-cs
into life of vice and lownc--, aud that
they will have "A restless desire tor what
J. exciting and morbid. On the other
hand the mors Wholesome atmosphere
and circumstances OF ordlLaTy life, aud
healthier thought and rcadin. VIII seem
tame in comparison. In other words,
the average mind wil hni itself some
what tainted by the atmosphere OF crime
which it ha, been b.caihins. l speak. not
from them alone. but from experience
and personal self-vXamnation after ,imt-
lar excitement II my oteH in the past.
l have made this letter longer than |
expected and too long. perhaps, for your
patience or that OF your readers, But |
am anxious to be understood, aud the
more SO as what | have SAID, though | am
sure Of IT, Truth aud IL importance to this
community, seems to have been overlook
ed by many who ought to have considered
It. IL does not disturb me that what |
said week ago TO The same purpose seem
ed 10 produce 40 effect, ani that the
crowds Of people. cultured aud ignorant,
sicA and pocr, cody aud ungodly. con-
tiuded u throug the courtroom. 1t is
not the iir-t Zine that words OF truth and |
soberncss have been di-res sarded by an
excited people. Nor does il seem 10 me
that 4 community which leaves its schools
10 n.ui,h and IL churches 10 die. while !
it crowds 10 hear murder discussed. is en-
titled 10 set the standard OF moral judg- |
meut. On the contrary, il seems 10 me
that the low moral tone OF this region
proves that il is better 10 be oyer-cau-
tiou>, if that be possible, than negligent
a 10 moral Influences. and tina; there is
the more need Tor those whose occupation
is 10 study moral cause and effect, 10 speak
out plainly; this | have done, not "a a
pleasant task-it has been tar from that
but a, a duty Of my position. Now | will
holi my peacr.except TO thank you for the
use ot your columns. W. IL. LYON.
May, lith 1877.