The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-12-14

Of murder from tho custody of the law for
the purpose OF ltnching him, Instead oi
condemning Sheriff Smith and Chief
| Pickard for their action every order
loving and law-ahiding citizen of Alabama
ought to applaud and uphold them. If
they are vindicated and sustained il will
be found that they have performed n
service to the cause of law and order that
cannot be overestmated, not only bv put
ting an end 10 the barharism of lynch law
in their own county, but giving it a serious
check wherever there is disposition TO
resort 10 it. The people of Birmingham
and OF Alabama owe il TO themselves and
TO the cause OF civilization in the South TO
give their support to officers who unhinch-
ingly performed their duty and refused to
yield to the demands OF mob.
There was not the slightest excuse for
the attack on the jail at Birmingham and
no eNtenuation Tor the conduct OF the men
who joined In the mob. TIE, alleged muir
derer, Halves, may have been guilty OF n
most atroclous crime, but he was entitled
TO fair trial, with Il strict observance of
all the forms OF law II was important TO
the safety OF the rights of others that he-
should have II, aud there was no reason
Tor surprising that he would escape the
proper penalty II he were proved guilty.
The mob was apparently not melted by
any fear that he would DO allowed 10 os-
cape that penalty, but only by wild rage
ut the crime he WAS believed TO have com.
united and desire to make short work of
his punishment. Its proceeding 10 the
Jlil and threatening TO blow il open with
dynamite was utterly ineNcuslhle. and
there was nothing for the Sheriff To do but
defend 1t by whatever means were neccs.
sary tn prevent the threat from being ear
RED out lie could not tell in the dark
ness OF the night how well prepared the
assailants might be for their PROMISED
work, and could not be expected 10 parley
with what appeared TO bo aud evidently
was u wild mob determined upon break
ing the jail and securing the prisoner and
deaf 10 all remonstrance
Sheriff Smith Is condemned for nctiny
hastily, but II is evident that there was no
opportunity for acting deliberately. lie
repeatedly warned the mob that II they
did not dcsist he would fire upon il. and
was answered with shots from the crowd.
The feeling that has been stirred unaeainst
the Sheriff is due 10 the dcplorablo effect. |
iyencss of the luslladc with which the |
mob was dispersed and the iact that |
among the killed and wounded were some |
who were not riu.crs, including promi- |
nent ana respected citizen who was trying |
To induce the ciuWd To dcsist from its |
lawlcss purpose. The result was certainly |
most unfortunate, but every man, whai- |
c Ter his motive, who found himself among /
tna ussailants ui the jail Ia the narrow /
alley which led To- It's entrance was there |
a. his peril, and II was impossible for the |
oJices, whose duty il was 10 defend thor
charge. TO make any discrimination.
The fact that innocent and worthy per
sons were shot down makes the lesson
still more Impressive for il shows how
terrible may be The penalty for attempting
10 resort TO lynch law when public officers
arc rcsolute and prompt in vindicaliny
heir authority. IL Is important that such
liiiccns should De- sustain,N for the On.
'Ouragnmcnt OF Others in q like position
aud the utter Suppression Of such riotuus
attacks upon the majesty OF the law.
There is just now violent conflict Of
eminent In Alabama over this event, hut
4 sober reason asurts itself after the first
excitement passc5 away IL wall be seen
hat there u no possible coupc Tor those
who desire to maintain law aud order aud
secure the protection IT fociuty through a
lccOrous admin ON OF justicc but 10
'i,,a.n the action which was unior,un-
itcly forced upon the Sheriff aud the
'hici Of Police. 10 indict them for muir
Ter would be 10 turn the machinery OF the
aw against its own most faithful agcnia
md give encouragement TO il reckless
ls,slilants.