Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1885-12-18
A GIGANTIC EVIL.
An Imperative Demand for Semc
Real Jurymen, in the Interest OF
Justice, Law and Order.

Elwood and Wilson, "the gentlcmanly
burglars," whose trials have been grind
ing through the courts at Toledo at
heavy expense 10 the people Tor some
weeks past, and whose capture and trial
aud the Sensational manner in which. the
reports have been published have been
sufficient to start fifty or more aspiring
young bloods In the business, has finally
reached conclusion. A week ago Sat-
urday Elwood was convicted, but not yet
sentenced. Last week the jury in the
Wilsnn casa "failed to agree" and were
discharged. There is not doubt in
The minds OF any that both are equally
guilty. There is scarcely doubt but
what they were the murderers of Stephen
Lamb, prominont citizen Of Toledo, who
grasped the burglar in the dark, suppos
Ing him to be sick son who was delerious,
and was shot.
OF course it isa loosing game for the
press, especially the country press that
has to struggle against all manner of adj
versity, TO tackle the real or foundation
of this giant evil. As the laws are now
shaped the lawyers control by far the best
paying patronage OF newspsper-the
legal advertising hence the avenues
through which the people look for an e1-
posnre Of ono of the greatest evils
OF the day, that is destroying all faith In
securing justice between man and man
and is eating up the very life substance of
the people, is cut off, and on the contrary
every effort is put forth to confuse and
confound the real facts that the few may
iatten on the toll of the many. Although
our financial interests have demanded
that we keep silent at least on such mat
ters, we can not remain silent and see a
people robbed OF hard earned money TO
support idleness, corruption and debauch.
cry, no more thnn we can keep silent
when We hear of poor aged widow lady
having all her scanty earnings stolen from
her by some petty thlet who has been too
lazy and indolent to earn his living by
the sweat of his own brow.
Twice we have suggested theme for
discussion by the State Bar Association at
their annual meetings, viz: "The Ex-
pense of Justice" But their motto IT,
"don't mention IT," They don't hold their
annual meetings any more. We are moi
advised as to the cause-wlether they
wish to evnde the discussion OF this OF
kindred subjects, or not.
But We started out TO briefly Introduce
some timely and we'll expressed thoughts
from the Toledo sunday Journal on this
subject, which read as follows:
The jury in the case Of Wilson, (charged
with burglary have disagreed aud now
another useless expense is saddled upon
the community.
A strong case of eircumstantial evidence
WAS made against Wilson. He is known
10 be criminal; stolen goods were found
ON his person; he was known to be com
panion of Elwood, and was here at The
time OF the Banmgardner burglary and
lie could give no account Of himself. il
ia next to impossible TO convict burglar
by positive proof. 1t ia almost impossible
to identify burglar in his mask, and
nearly MI convictions must be by circum.
stanlial evidence.
The lrinl Of Wilson should admonisl
our people that il is time for our bnsi-
ness men 10 give some attention to the
business ii tho courts. Ii ia time TO wax.
up 10 a realization Ct our needs in lhs
way of jnrymsn, when notorious Grimm.
al, one of the most notorious in the vas
army OF criminals, goes unwhipped ol
Justice before Lucas county jury. DOM
rail at the neficiency Of our police and
detectives uny longer, hut give some I'm
mediate attention 10 our Jury system. o.
what use is an effective police force, Il
arrest criminals If jnries ia,l to convict
Of what protection are courts. when tn,
foundations OF our aystem-a jury trial
is nothing hut an expensive clap trap o.
nervous machinery TO be played upon and
fooled with by the dexlerous hands o.