New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-12-06

THINGS TO BE THOUGHT or AND DONE.
The most intelligent observers OF their own
times are the most hopeful. 1t is not necessary
+, believe that the progress Of society is toward
ruin and despair. Crimes and catastrophes
momentarly obscure the prevalent conditions
with which they are in contrast, but that view
of humanity and the world is narrow and partial
which discoscs the exceptions more clearly than
the rule; and that philosophy is shallow and
dangerous which is capable only OF gloomy gen.
ordinations. 1t is true, nevertheless that civil
ization is slow in remedying the defects OF It's
own machinery. 1t seems often to be peryersely
indifferent TO the perils which it has introduced
The mere incidents of advancement are treated
az IL they were essentials. We neglect and lg-
more precautions as if we were fatalists in
stead of Christians bound to work out our own
material and moral salvation. Thus we leave
buildings and mines uninspected and railroad
crossings unguarded. We promote our immedl-
ate comfort and convenience by creating elaoo-
rate systems of water supply and drainage, and
then permit them to become foul and deadly
We multiply the facilities of communication and
exchange a thousand-fold and disregard the dan
gers and losses which they needlessly intict
We are content when we have solved prob
lem far enough to obtain basis for practical
operations, and cheerfuly let the rest go.
These reflections are forcbly suggested by the
diabolical act which shocked the community on
Friday. Such an atrocity would have been nm
possible few years ago, because the means OF
penetrating it did not exist How far society
at large and the individuals who compose 1t are
rosnonsible for the existence of a state OF feel
ing which can suggest such an act and inspire
an agent TO commit it we are not now consider
ing. The subject of human passions, the con-
dtions of their cultivation and the means OF
their restraint, is too complicated for prohtaDie
discussion in newspaper column. But much
space and learned arguments are not needed 10
convict the public of reckless negligence IN re-
spect TO the tremendous implements which mod
ern science has invented. The fact that the
vast energy of high explosives is constantly en-
ployed for beneficent purposes and that great
engineering achievements would be impossible
without it is no excuse for putting it at the dis
posal of every man who has few cents in his
pocket. Laws everywhere recognize that 1t Is
dangerous and immoral to permit the unrestricted
sale of deadly poisons, and though they are
often eyaded they do nevertheless supply con-
siderable measure of protection. 1t is true that
the materials which are so destructive in COM
bnation are cheap and easily compounded, but
regulations which tend to restrain and deter are
useful, though they may fall far short of perfect
efficiency.
The tragedy of Friday reminds us, further
more. that the increase of insanity in civilized
countries is fact which must be reckoned with.
There is partial compensation in the advance
ment of knowledge and skill and humanity in
the treatment of the insane but, as we remarked
Yesterday the liberty of "harmless lunatlcs"
who are only waiting for an impulse and an OPP
portunity to do violence, is constant source OF
anxiety and peril. 1t is probable that il Mr.
Sage had been an expert in the management OF
the demented, accustomed to detect the signs of
a murderous purpose, and to conquer it by the
exercise of will and authority, he might have
overawed and subjected the assassin. 1t is not
an agreeable thought that the need OF knowl-
edge and courage and discipline to meet such
emergencies is becoming more obvious and es-
sential from year to year. but that is at least
one of the suggestions of the last week. Ger
tanly this teaching is offered for our accept
ance that it is the right and the duty of society
TO nut under restraint all who are known to be
insane. and TO cOnfne the distribution Of dynamite
as far as possible to those who have legitimate
use for it.