New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-01-14

Rooer M Sherman. three writs Of habeas corpus
and delays innumerable and exasperaung. 4"
should mean instead the prompt execution oil tnree
death sentences
Governor Hill in his q last annual message de-
votes more space TO Federal affairs, such as tne
National Election law and the census. than 10
many important State issues His thoughts are
evidently already turned from Albany TO WASH
ington. and he is "on with the new love before
no is off with the old" He may as well. how
ever air his opinions on National topics now as
he will never have an opportunity in more ap.
nronriate document such as Presidential
message for instance.
Insanity is again favorte defence in criminal
trials. no less than .our defendants In Important
cases seeking immunity that plea Few Gays
ago in various courts of this city and BROOKLYN
.Jures however are more reluctant than they were
a few years ago to acquit on the ground OF III
sanity Most criminal acts are uneApainabie on
any reasonable ground to an upright man. LII ID
almost incomprehensible, for instance, that a man
should run the risk Of twenty years imprisoh-
ment by knocking down another man ana steahns
a few cents from him. The criminal instinct ID
incompatible with perfectly socsd nina, ouO
the laws of this State recognize as defence only
such mental weakness as makes 1t impossible Tor
the accused person to know that he Is dolhg
wrong Few criminals are legally insane and the
Jurors are justified in scrutnlzing the defence wloh
care. If any prisoner whose mind Is nearly uh-
balanced should become entirely insane while serv-
ing his sentence, he will be sent to an asylum
and well cared for
Writing of that always interesting theme, Voa-
= II
Sprague explains that the aim Of the new Ian
puage is not 10 supersede, but TO supplement-, 10
provide a means by which the races of mankind
NAV become Ineligible TO each other while re-
tanning their mother tongue This is merely to
extend the clearing house idea to matters OF IAN
onaQe, Good May the day come when
Volapuk can be taught in ten easy lessons
Such clearing house in the immediate nelghoor-
hood of the Tower of Babel would have met
great popular want, and in these days OF labor
saving devices the demand for it or something
like it is immense. Let us all do our utmost to
perfect and popularize Volapuk.
It is announced that the Pennsylvania Rail
roads bridge across West-st. will be ready for
use in five or six weeks. This is most welcome
announcement. One bridge will doubtless mean
Others in the near future, for Of the success
and popularity OF the idea there can be no
question. With bridge at each ferry West-st.
will lose its horrors, and the volume OF bad
temper and bad language in the city Will be
largely diminished.
There is undoubtedly good deal Of truth in the
statement of Superintendent Pratt, of the Car
Isle Indian Institute, that the Churches have
favored the segregation of Indians
" Even to-day" he says, Churches compete with
each other in multiplying and charging communi-
ties of Indian converts. The aim is more 70 en-
compass the Indian with the Presbyterian, Epis- |
copal and Catholic habit than to get him into the
American habit" All this may be admitted with |
out calling in question either the zeal or goou
of the Churches. What they aim to
do is to convert the Indians to their respective |
creeds: not to carry out any special political or
economic theories They have no objection per
Sc to the breaking up of tribal organizations. But
inasmuch as their missionary efforts make better
showing under the community system, they nat |
urally favor that system. hundred Indian fami-
lies Christianized and scattered on little farms
all over the country would not make anything
like such an impressive exhibit as 100 indian
families Christianized on reservation and at
tending the same mission church
A bill was introduced last evening III the AS
5embIy making an appropriation to meet the eX-
penses Of the erection of additional buildings Tor
the accommodation of the paupcr insane Ihis
measure grows out of the wise and beneficent law
passed last winter which provides for the trans
fer of insane patients from the county poor
houses and placing them in the State asylums
The law. as our readers are aware, was enacted
in response to public sentiment, which expressed
Itself SO emphaticalIy that tue leaders of both
parties in the Legislature of 1890 supported IT,
But. Of course, unless the necessary Appropriation
S made the law will prove Intellectual The sum
asked for in the present bill is not large and ought
% be granted promptly and by a unanimous vote.