The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1893-03-21
The Appointment of Theodore Run

The Appointment of Theodore Rum
O
The appointment of Theodore Run
yon as United States Minister to
Germany is one which will afford
the most unqualified satisfaction to
every citizen of this State Theodore
Runyon is a Jerseyman. He was
born and reared in the State, and his
distinguished career. whether in peace
or war, has been identified with the
States history.
Without being a politician, Chancel-
Tor Runyon has held high office: but
the honors that have come to him in
the past, like those which are now
bestowed upon him, were unsought
and unsolicited. They were earned,
not by intrigue, not by the arts OF the
demagogue, but by studious pur-
suit of an honorable profession and
by answering devotion to the de-
mands of duty and honor.
The selection of Mr.. Runyon for this
post of highest trust and distinction
is plainly not a matter of politics-or,
il it is, it is politics on the highest
plane, on the basis of the public good.
The appointment is purely one of fit
ness, a fitness which must impress
every citizen who co~ntemplates it.
It reflects as much honor on the Presi-
dent as it does upon the new Minister
Iris pleasing to the citizens of the State
without distinction of party. 1t will
give satisfaction to the whole country.
In extending our heartiest con-
gratulations to Mr.. Runyon, we
prophecy that his term of service at
Berlin will be one of high usefulness
to his country, and will round out
and amplify the record OF a life which
is already eminent for public service.
THE libel upon Governor Albeit,
published in the New York World
this morning, is n of the most
shameless in the career even of that
shameless paper. 1t is probable that
it is in part due to stupid laundering,
for it is hardly credible that even the
World would misstate history where
exposure was SO certain. But the
malevolent intent is there, all the
same. and assuredly there is a point
at which even stupidity becomes
criminal. If tine World is merely stu
pid, it has today reached the criminal
point.
We wonder if it will have the de-
cency to make suitable correction and
apology.
WHEN Carlyle Harris left court yes
terday after being sentenced, a NUM-
Der of foolish people followed him to
the Tombs, cheering. Yet this is
what Recorder Smyth said to him in
reimposing sentence =
After listening with patience
through all you have had to urge in
your own behalf, 1 still adhere to what
stated upon your motion, that the
evidence of your guilt was over
wheiming."
The Recorder further showed that
he was fully supported in his con-
illusions by the seven judges Of the
Court of Appeals. Unquestionably,
Recorder Smyth is right. The weight
of legal evidence is terribly against
Harris. and, yet. just as in the cas- of
Mrs the whole mass of evil
dence, legal and casual, direct and
hearsay, the whole weighing up OF
probabilities leaves enough doubt on
the average mans mind to make him
shrink from the idea of Harris execu-
ton.
One thing is quite certain: Harris is
a man of altogether extraordinary in
teIlect and force of character. His
speech to the Recorder was a marvel
oflogic with not a little ~eloquence. II
was Just a trifle too theatric to suggest
a sincere nature; but at least it was
able and interesting enough to greatly
enhance the regret that the man who
was capable of making it should have
to die in his youth the death of a muir
derer.
But. of course, that has nothing te
do with the case. If he were an in
spired genius and guilty. the law
should take its course.
THE BAD SENATOR'S BLUNDERS.