The Brookhaven leader., 1884-07-24

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However well established our Courts Of
Justice and forms of law, and however
learned and efficient those entrusted with
judicial responsibility, these are power
less and imperative unless sustained by a
loyal, moral, intelligent public senti-
ment. Legislatures are often in advance
of the people IN enacting wise aud whole
some laws. The statutes are right, but
are not enforced, because not approved
and sustained by the people. 1t is strange
what an India-rubber conscience some
men have when called to serve as jurors
or witnesses in certain cases. If the law
is disapproved, they will employ any
methods to defeat its execution, and then
resort to most ingenious casuistry and
sophistry ~ an all sufficient apology.
Thus grand jures are foiled In their eff
forts to elicit facts on which to base bill
of indictment. Or, If the case goes into
court, trial by jury is equivalent to ac-
quittal. And in every such case, where
the spirit and letter of the law are sacri-
feed to vicious public sentiment, there
Is begOtten depreciation of all law and
license is given to outlawry.
What we need in every community is a
locality of public sentiment that will ex-
alt the forms of law and sustain our
courts of Justice. Better have bad law
rigidly enforced, even il it works hard
ships, than that any statute should be set
at defiance. If the Court is disposed to a
sentimental leniency, that allows many
criminals to go unwhipped of justice, he
should be exhOrted to amend or resign.
We would not hold the Judiciary guiltless
in this matter. The imposition of mini
mum fines, and the delivery of moral
20. Rffa ,s.a1 4,
threat of more dreadful things if the
crime is repeated, will belittle any Court
and render the laws imperative. But
right sentiment in community, led by a
fearless local press or a few conscientious
citizens, will compel respect for the laws
integrity and the oath of Office.
When Courts are disregarded and
lynch-law reigns, people may well put on
sack-cloth and ashes. There is no guar
antee of life and property. The same de-
fiant, murderous spirit, that demands the
life of one man without the right of trial
by jury, will wreak vengeance upon
another if there be a supposed proyoca-
ton. And one such outrage will make of
each participant an outlaw, and ever at
ter he will be impatient of the tedious
processes of the courts. He thirsts for
summary punishment-a speedy and hor
wild beast in the human breast. Lynch
ers are always law despisers. One such
Offense, unless under circumstances that
may occur but once in century, units
man for good citizenship. And then the
moral effect upon an entire community is
disastrous. 1t cheapens human life, be-
gets feeling of suspicion and Insecurity,
and brings constituted authority into
contempt.
We need to vertebrate the Judiciary.
Every citizen should hold up the hands
of all law officers. Let every Judge
know that he has cordial and unvarying
support in his administration. II such
support was more generally accorded,
there would be fewer appeals to lynch
law.
On the eve of our Circuit Court, which
is to convene next Monday, we earnestly
commend the foregoing words of wisdom
cate, to the citizens of Lincoln county,
and more especially to those who may be
called upon to act as witnesses and ju-
rors. We believe that Judge Chrisman
has always endeavored to faithfully dis
charge the responsible duties of his Of
flee, without fear or favor; tempering
justice with mercy when he could do so
without danger of compromising the pub
lie welfare, but never at the public ex-
pense. Judge Mayors, who will sit in
Judge Chrisman's place next week, bears
like reputation. But despite these
facts, legal proceedings will be farce
and the administration of justice a mock
cry, unless the court has the full and con-
scientious support and cooperation of the
people aud those who are directly called
upon to assist in carrying out the laws,
AS to lynch-law, it has been long
time since there has been anything of the.
kind i'll Lincoln county, and let us see
well to it that there is no excuse offered
for such dreadful resort in the future,
by criminal failure to punish crime as
our statutes provide.