The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1886-09-03
CRIMES-LARGE AND SMALL.

Public opinion in many of the affairs
of life has the force of law, but it is
not safe rule of action. 1t discrimi-
mates more unwisely than law, and
often sanctions gross absurdities. We
believe it is changing for the better.
Heretofore when millionaire or rich
man, by reverse of fortune, has be-
come suddenly bankrupt, obliged to
surrender his palatial residence, and
his family brought into Strengthened
circumstances, there has been wide
spread sympathy for his misfortune.
People do not take into account wheth-
or his downfall was caused by stock
gambling or immoral speculation, but
condole with him. for the loss of his
money. When a man not accounted
rich, and only in moderate circum-
stances, loses his all by any sort of
gambling speculation, people call him
a fool, and say, "Just right for him
he should have known better than to
stake his all in a venture to make
money" Besides this, when people of
moderate means are guilty of fraudu-
lent dealing in property of any sort,
they are proceeded against in the courts
and made to suffer the consequences Of
their dishonesties. But how many of
the millionaire dealers, who have been
engaged in the fraudulent business Of
dealing in stocks which they knew to
be worthless. thereby running innocent
purchasers, are ever brought to justice !?
Is it because they have occupied high
positions as capitalists in the circles of
trade that they are exempted from the
penalties of the law? If it be not
that, then how is it otherwise account
ed forp The reckless adventurer, who
rushes into business on fictitious cap.
ital, not with the expectation of MAX
ing money out of the more shrewd
classes of men, but relies on his ability
to entrap the innocent and unsuspect-
ing, such man is entitled to no SYM
pathy when forced into BANKRUPTCY,
but deserves the rigorous penalty of
the law. A broker who deals in worth
less securities is no better than a high
way rObber, and deserves the punish,
ment melted out to the latter. The law.
against fraud, on the part of those who
receive money on deposit, is sufficient
ly explicit; they who squander, mis-
apply or appropriate to their own spec
ulatiye uses funds which have been re-
ceived in trust for others are held GRIM
inally accountable for losses. The
safety of the people demand strict
fulfllment of moral and legal obliga-
lions of this sort. The Spectator who
makes thousands of dollars day by
dealing in stocks and securities can
hardly, as general rule, be regarded
as an honest man; in every such trans
action some holder of property has
been taken advantage of, or deceived by
the want of information Intentionally
withheld. The legitimate and honest
courses of trade do not warrant, except |
IN extraordinary cases, the realization
Of great fortunes in an hour. The
discovery of mine of mineral wealth |
may be an exception. There isa grow
ng sentiment that stock gambling, /
which has grown to such gigantic pro-
ought to be discountenanced
~ all good citizens. 1t is sorry con-
lition of affairs when two or three
in New York have it in
heir power to disturb the equanimity
Il trade from ocean to ocean. While
he law deals with smaller criminal
fences. it should not hesitate to deal |,
With the larger ones. i