The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1894-06-21
Erastus Wiman's Conviction.

GT3StuS WiOldn SOnNICllOH'
Malice should have no place in the
ADMINISTRATION Of justice. Justice is
urest when tempered with mercy. 1t
generally understood that in the ori.
in of the prosecution Of Erastus Wi
lan for forgery malice played con-
picuous part Mr.. Wiman's genius
ad contributed largely to the upbuild.
~ Of another mans fortune; and that
ther man, SO far from exercising for:
earauco in the hour of Mr.. Wiman 8
amDtation, appears, from all evidence
hand, TO have turned upon him, with
nat elenGlessness often born OF q con-
1iousness of moral obligations. We
lould not say this had not the judge
his charge TO the jury impressed
their minds the fact that tho motives
Mr. Dun were not to be considered
/ the formation OF verdict, thus
lainly intmating that If those mo-
ves could be taken into account, it
'ould weigh heavily in Mr.. Wimln's
ehalf.
Nevertheless, technical crime was
Undoubtedly committed. involving a
lenr violation of the law. Upon this
oiut there is apparently no room for
0ubt. Judge Ingraham declares his
onviclion that Mr. Wiman was con-
cious Of wrong doing at the moment
g committed the various forgeries.
here are many persons who entertain
oubts of this, and are merciful enough
D give 10 the defendant the benefit Of
Gose doubts. 1t is not for us to say
Thich position is the correct one. Ga
ne face Of 1t, q regularly established
tribunal Of justice, proceeding in the
ccustomed manner, has found the
risoner guilty and has sentenced him
0 five and one-half years in states
rison. We could not undo this if we
would and we are not sure that we
hould wish to undo it. From man
f Mr.. Wipan's education, standing
nd influence, better things were to
ave been expected than the commits
ion Of serious crimes. 1t will
orengtheu popular confidence in the
ltegrity OF our courts 10 know that
'ealth ana reputation ara not per-
lifted to shield this man from the
JGical penalty for his offence. Up to
uis point, therefore, all is probably as
should be.
But furthermore, serious doubts arise.
he mere physical incarceration of y
lan like Mr., Wiman in Jail does not,
our opinion. constitute the real
;onement which he ought to make.
is question whether that atone
lent has not already ia large part
cen accomplished in the ignominy at
andant upon his arrsignment and con.
iction. The inadsquacy Of our present
unitive system has seldom been more
onspicUously illustrated than in tie
urposed Punishment Of this able, cul-
ured and doubtless penitent man to the
ociety of vulgar felons, pickpockets and
romiscuous toughs. What chance is
lere for his reformation in the viii
ted atmosphere Of Sing Sing?
jhat benefit is derived, either
0 him or to society, in such
incarceration? Would not the
ahievement of this complete sentence
marked by q hardening Of his in.
tincts rather than by their conversion
lto directions of righteousness2
The crime, 1t is true, deserves pun
lhment. But there would be an even
reater crime committed by the state
iere it TO deny to Mr.. Wiman fair
nj, honest chance to make amends for
ia one trsnsgression. His liberation
nder parole, would seem to be not
unly merciful but also just.