New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-02-11
THO CONVICTIONS NOT ENOEGH

The conviction of two faihlcss election in
| spectors is crcditabe to the Distrct-Attorncy's
Office and encouraging to all honest citizens.
| TO Mr.. Wcllman, in particular. who has done
most of the work of prosecution. public graf
tudc and commentator are clearly due He
has borne an honorable part in many scnsa-
tiona trials within the last few years. but we
doubt if he has ever served the community more
substantially than during The last week. There
are scores of indictments for similar offences
still 10 be tried and il is not expected that con
victions can be obtained in all Of these eases.
but the people have reason 10 rejoice In the
belief that none of them will fail for lack of
skill and zeal on the part Of Mr.. Wcllman.
1t has seemed 10 many that the long delay in
bringing these offenders to trial was unneccs-
sary. and therefore ccnsurable. since some part
Of the value of punishment is lost when IT Is
not prompt But doubtless the labor Of prepa-
ration was considerable, and there is no present
advantage in complaining of Il process which is
finally producing excellent results.
These convictions are of great value 10 the
community, for the reason that they convey 10
the willing instruments of fraud at elections
their first sharp warning that their vocation
is dangerous one. 1t is dcplorablc that The
subordinates did to order have not been legally
identified with the crimes committed for their
benefit but it is far better that they should
learn Il useful lesson from the fate Of others
than none at ALL We are not sangulnc enough
to suppose that their moral sense will be slim
ulatcd TO such an extent as To make them CON
scious of the real nature and cnormity of the
crime Of swnding voters. Most Of them. 1t Is
fair 10 assume. have passed beyond the pos
sbty Of such a regeneration. But II Will be
an immense service 10 the public If they can
be terrified into acknowledging among them
selves. against their WILL that election frauds
have become unsafe i'll Ncw-York. And even
if no such salutary effect can be produced upon
their minds as distinguished from their con
sciences. il is extremely desirable that a sample
of justice should be put on public exhibition
TO frightcn the horde Of smaller knaVcs upon
whom they depend for the execution Of their
purposes, and who have hitherto been glad to
be hired cheaplv
This consideration makes it extremely impor-
tant that many more convictions should be OBJ
tanned. 1t will not do 10 be- mcrciful nj This
point to the indicted. 1t is the community that
needs mercy and dcivcrancc from the corrupt
despOtsm which has long been operating
through such agents rs these. Two convictions
are well worth having hut they are not nearly
enough The impression which they have ere
atcd will fade away too soon. The value of the
prosecution will Increase in gcomcrical ratio
with every penalty imposed. II Is the cunu-
latvc effect Of numerous condcmnatons that
the public needs for its protection In the right
| Of franchise and the possession Of free lnsiitu-
lions. We dare say that many Of these scores
of offenders are only dmy aware that they
| have done anything deserving Of punishment
If the leaders whose orders they have been
brought up to obey have lost the sense Of right
| and wrong in politics and government. their
own capacity TO see the difference Is likely 10
be very feeble They probably think that
great fuss is being made about n small matter
But certainly. if this is so. II is an imperative
duty to teach them their mistake.