Northern tribune. [volume] (Cheboygan, Mich.) 1875-1885, 1883-07-07

The question how can we best protect
ourselves from crime has been and will
remain one of great moment, and il
at present claiming close and earnest
thought from all interested in good
society. To view the subject in all Its
comprehensive bearings and furnish q
satisfactory solution of the obstacles
and difficulties attending the matter
from beginning to end. is worthy of the
best thought, study. and wisdom. 1t will
not be denied that MODERN civilization
is cursed with multiplied and grievous
crimes, which are committed with i'm
punity and go UNPUBLISHED. This is
patent, and yet communities have
patiently born with aggravated crimes
from which there has seemed to be no
relief. MOnstrOus deeds, such as murder,
rape, and similar deeds of infamy, are
done in open daylight, and in many
cases the guilty 60 UNPUBLISHED. To
point out this state of things is easy,
while ar effectual remedy has not yet
been Furnished bit with life, home. and
everything sacreS endangered, it is a
crying shame that more is not done to
repress crime and protect society.
Human nature will not forever endure
the outrageous acts of vile criminals,
and the fact of orderly citizens taking
summary means to protect themselves
from atrocious crimes is warning to
all who have to do with the framing
and enforcement Of law, THAT faithful
and efficient acts be put forth to punish
criminals, stop internal practices, and
render homes and the innocent safe.
Murderers, rapists. procurers, and other
vicious brutes, should be surely, swiftly,
and adequately punished, this would
give respect for law and conduce to good
behavior among all classes. As iG is,
there is contempt for law, mania for
evil, a premium paid upon vice and
powerful temptation to induce commu-
mites to resort to unwarranted steps
for self protection. The verdict of a
jury is not positive proof of the guilt or
innocence Of the criminal tried. Great
ly gifted lawyers (wh0 are like most
men in working for money! can lead
most juries to any desired conclusion.
The probability is largely in favor Of
acquittal in case of guilt where their is
money to secure first-class talent. Then
the abuse of the pardoning power makes
it altogether uncertain that the sen
fenced criminal will serve out his term
and rather rendering it probable that
he will not. Strong influences influence
jurles, lawyers, officials so that in many
cases of fragrant crime the guilty rascal
escapes the penalty he so richly deserves.
All goes to prove there is radical
wrong somewhere, that should be righted.
Doubtless any proposed remedy would
be open to criticism and condemnation
to some extent, but a great improve
ment on the present state of things
should he inaugurated without delay.
A prison of infamy where all who enter
could only get out by death or an unan-
imous vote of the Legislature, or re-
turn to capital punishment, with the
law in either case faithfully complied
with, would greatly benefit Michigan
over her present loose and imperfect
way of attending to the matter. There
are men in the state with ability to
throw light on this entire subject of
crime and its punishments, let them
honor their state and benefit society by
their much needed labors.
The project of connecting, through
the Wabash and Ohio rivers, the Missis-
sippi with the lakes, is one of the signs
of latent energy to grasp the railroad
monopolies by water competition.
ENGLAND is always ready to take up
any part Of the earth's surface she finds
lying around loose. New Guinea was
deemed to be in possession of Holland,
or at least its western side. The Queens
landers have, however, taken the matter
into their own hands, and occupied it in
4 n. >