The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1892-05-03

There are certain phases Of our American
civilization which are well calculated to
create very unfayorable impression upon
all enlightened foreigners. The best elements
in our own country are repealed by them.
How much more shocking must they appear
10 those who, visiting the United States as
strangers. have their perceptions Of the char
acter OF our general life unbunted by that
familiarity which lessons the keenness Of
view Of our own citizens.
There has not been a more demoralizing
spectacle for many day than the profound
interest which. if any conclusion is TO be
drawn from the attitude Of the New York
press. is now felt in New York in the move
ments of Ferdinand Ward. who was released
a few days ago from his cell in the penten-
tiary TT Sing Sing. Every act Of the ex-con-
Wet since he put of his prison garb has
been carefully noted for the gratifca-
ton Of the millions of readers " the
New YORK dailies The appearance Of t.
man in the minutest detail, tho clothing b.
wore. the varying expressions Of his face. his
general bearing his conversations and plans
for the future. not single item connected
with tho present condition Of one of the most
stupendous rogues whom New York. famous
the world over for colossal thievery. has pro-
duced. has escaped the vigilant eyes Of the
panders 10 the depraved taste of the public
During the whole OF his Journey 10 the home
ofhis brother-in-aw IN Come oticut feid nand
Ward was accompanied by a corps of repre-
we're a distinguished public character who
was proceeding 10 New England 10 fulfil some
appointment in which all the people Of the
United States were deeply interested. The
ex-convicts meeting with his son was de-
scribed with as much sentimentality az if he
were some celebrated patriot who. after a
long incarceration On account of bis devotion
to the Liberties Of his country. Is allowed to
return once more % the bosom of his family
Not content with noting all the details of
Ferdinand Wards arrival at his brother-in
laws house. we are now presented with q dali
ly account of what this notorious criminal is
doing to occupy his time Instead Of suf r
iug him rs warning TO those who are inclined
10 follow hisfootsteDs 20 fall. into the deep
est obscurity he is paraded in tne public eye
as If be possessed al the attributes OF public
benefautor
II IS not surprising, 10 the light Of tho
prominence which the New ork press IS now
giving this ex-c0nvict. that all the lessons
which the evil disposed would otherwise
draw from his punishment are lost IN tho
envy which they feel at his great distinction.
Incarceration in Sing Sing so far FROM hav
ing been a blot On his reputation. has only
thrown romantic interest around his per
sonality. He has become an object all the
more striking because tho admiration which
he excites is mingled with pity.
Ii IS idle to think that the New York papers
would devote SO much Of their space to Fer
dlnand Ward unless they were exactly aware
OF the extent Of the popular demand for in
formation about the ex-conyict 1t is no justi-
fcation for the depravify Of this public taste
TO say that he is invested with ex-
traordinary interest on account of
his association with the name of
General Grant. A more constituencies en-
bezzler never lived Wall street has been
fertile in the production Of thieves Oh q
gigantic scale. but rarely if ever in its history
has it turned out rascal more daring, more
or more destructive than this
man who has Just emerged from behind the
prison tHrs os sing Sing.
He should 10 permitted : /, pass AZ once into
the black cloud or utter obscur.ry Public |
morals require Il. The reputation of the
whole country demands il. The day has |
passed when the financial Claude Duvals. |
! jonathan Wilds and Jack Sheppards of the |
United States should be held up TO the ad- |
miTing attention Of the world.