Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1880-02-24
SOCIAL ESPIONAGE,

There exists in New York, and perhaps
some other American cities, q unique or
ganization with the euphemistic name of the
Society for the Prevention of Crime. AS
crime is really the radix from which all
smaller evils spring, we might infor that if
there was anything in q name this society
deserved encouragement beyond almost any
other reformatory enterprise in existence.
But We find, if the statements of one of its
Own officers are to be relied upon, that it
makes use of the most con temptible methods
to accomplish its purpose that society has any
acquaintance with. 1t borrows the raimant
of truth and duty to minister to its own pre.
JUDGES and fanatical zeal. In other words.
u has an organized system of espionage
which includes the services of paid detec-
lives, who dog the steps of prominent men
aud women, aud when it can fnd anythinu
IN their goings and comings upon which tho
suspicion of a scandal can be based, it goes
to the parties suspected, and by threats of
exposure if its demands are not complied
with forces them to cooperate and perhaps
the expense in prosecuting the proprietors of
disreputable houses when they are at all in
terested in having tho matter kept quiet
The method is strictly that of the black,
mailer The process only stops short in max
ing the demand, not for money, but for trib-
man was laying broad foundation for blacks
mailing operations in the future he could no,
follow more systematic plan than the one
employed by the Society for the Prevention
of Crime.
Instead Of being an institution for the pre.
vcntion OF crime this bureau, or whatever il
calls itself, it is school for the very best in.
struction in skilful blackmailing. We will
suppose that the officers of the society con-
template only the publication of the commu-
nifty. Of that We know nothing; but the
detectives who do the dirty work Tor them
are laying up capital for extensive operations
In the work of piracy upon regulations,
should they ever care to use it, and expert.
ence has shown that private detectives are
frequently not all above that sort of thing.
The practice of treating the prominent pub
lie as an aggregation Of habitual criminals
is not simply despicable; it is dangerous. It
will lead, If allowed to spread, to conseouen-
COS more pernicious than all the crimes that
1t can possibly prevent. Until we are pre-.
pared to exchange our form aud freedom of
society for the regulation of conduct that
prevails in the cities of the old world. We
must discourage by every Legitimate means
the system of social espionage It will do to
watch habitual criminals, for their tendencies
are menace to the public; but to extend
that vile ofhciousness to the staple of society.
whether 1t be good or bad, is an infringe,
ment of individual rights that should Danish
all guilty OF this practice, no matter with
what ostensible end in view, from all respcc-
table circles. 1t is too insulting discount
of the honorable elements of society to begin
with. Even an accused criminal is entitled
to the benefit of all doubts regarding his
guilt; Blu. these sleuth- hounds, who degrade
the very name of morality, put all members
ct society unon trial and use all means 10
convict them before defense is possible.
Let us have society for the prevention of
such dirty societies as this.-Boston Post.
The Wheeling Register, from its report,
from correspondents in thirty counties of the
State. summarizes the sentiment on choice
for Governor as follaVss
In eleven counties, the Democrats prefer
johnson n. Camden as their first choice and
IN eight other counties he is named as a sec,
ond choice, for the Office of Governor.
Nine counties prefer Hon. Chas. ]. Faux
ner rs their first choice, and in six other
counties he is second choice.
Two counties prefer Jacob Jackson as FIRST
choice, and six other counties name him as
second choice.
One county prefers J. NJ Bennett as first
ehoIes' auu Two COUNTIES rs second choice.
Two counties prefer Judge a. B. Fleming
as FIRST choice.
One county names j. w. Gallaher as Sec
ond choice.
HobETs LADY's Book for March is n choice
mum Dor, OF this old established favorite of the
lair sex. 1ts fashion plates are numerous and
Deeuiitni, giving the latest styles of costume
f"L the month. There is q very pretty des;,n
tor toDaceo bag upon the novelty naGe aSd
Inc w orr. department is most suggestive of
Is n.ttern fo 70 pc maze at home. The da gram