Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1878-11-12
RESTORATION OF THE LASH.

a very efficient if not becoming correct
i've in their criminal codes. Delaware,
at one time, stood alone in her adher-
encc to this caustic method oil dealing
with offenders Virginia, we think, has
lately restored its use.--Ard now Cali
iornia is urging arguments IN its favor
As to tile barbarity of the process, 1t
will, at least compare not untavorably
10 the custom OF choking q man to death
AZ the end Of rope about which the
humanity oil the age does not seem to
hesitate. The question tn he deterHln-
ell in this instance, as in hanging j.
whether or not punishment OF such
character is necessary for the protection
OF society.
\ sufficient dcterment Tor the petty
crimes that are classed under the head
al mis,lcmeanors has been found, ac-
cording to the general sentiment
of the times, in the penalties
of Imprisonment or fine. But the
humane ideas that have crept into pris-
on discipline; the iavoritism extended
To certain classes, and the lack OF any
terror which such 4 condition carries
with it either Oi shame or suffering, to
the more degraded classes of society, re-
duces the corrective influence to very
narrow plane. ii, indeed. it does not, as
many hold. entirely iail OF that result.
There is large and increasing class OF
society we have dubbed 'tramps,
which regard it as Il god-send to he FUR
nishcd with quarters 50 comfortable and
convenient us our city prisons. Neither
have they character or pride that will be
reached by such penalty.
There are some crimes So mean and
! deyilish in themselves, and the perpe-
| traitors are So lar below the influence OF
the ordinary persuasive means Of treat
ment, that good sound thrashing
seems the only appropriate or effective
method of dealing with them. 1t Is
! certainly the most economical, and re-
| lieveS the community of the hard neces-
sitv OF bearing at least Il part oI the
| penalty, in the way OF taxation, Tor
every crime committed against them.
Howeverrepulsivesuch an exhibition,
/ or the thought OF il, may be to our no.
| tons. and however much We would
| dislike to have such provision blot the
| face OF our statute law again, there are
arguments arising out of the present
condition OF society which very good
men begin 10 think render its restoration
necessary. and who have cspouSed its
advocacy in many States. 1t Is the
| character of the crimes and criminals
and not the sentiment or tendency OF
the modern mind that is leading 10 its
| acceptance.
II Republican successes mean II" bet
ter results than in returning joins \.
LOGAN, Of Illinois. to the United States
Senate. there will not be much gain or
glory to the party or the country in
their triumphs.
In looking over that body OF the
country's representatives in which he
occupied place some few years ago, the
observer never failed to pick him out"
| as the strangest selection that any peO-
pie had made for such hOnorS and re-
I spOnsiblities. When he was retired his
| State and the country generally joined
in expressions Of relief. But now, again,
the wiles OF winning wife and the
strange complications OF political favor
itism promise us 4 kindred ailiictlon.
We had Il pleasant call Yesterday
they are always plcasant-from Pfesl-
dent THOMPSON. OF the West Virginia
University. He is receiving subStan-
tial encouragement on all hands Tor his
new enterprise, the publication Of The
West Virginia Journal oil Education,'
and feels that its success is already as
sured. II will start off next month with
not less than five hundred subscribers,
and under his able management will
doubtless become the representative
journal OF that class in the State, rs il
will unqucstionabIe prove an invaluable
agency in the interests ofthc University.
II, ,,,.,;,. .,,,.,y ,,.;tI, him, y.r,. hand