The Washington times., 1895-03-18
DIsREsPEcT FOR THE LAW.
Rev. DT. Kent Draws a Lesson from the
Green Foster Episode.

Green Foster Episode.
Policeman Green and his recent dismissal
by the grand jury, of the case against
him for killing Reuben Foster, received
some attention from the Rev. Alexander
Kent at the 7 copies Church yesterday
morning.
enforcement of the Law was the
subject discussed at the request OF the
Union for Practical Progress, and Dr. Kent
believes that the exculpation of Mr.. Green
was a forcible illustration OF non-en-
forcement OF law that, kept up. viii bring
the worst evils.
After pointing out that Christ's aim was
the regeneration of human government by
the operation of the principles OF His
Kingdom in the minds and hearts of men,
he id:
The state is the really divine and per-
manent institution, and while the protect
i've or police function of government will
grow less and less, as society advances GU
moral and spiritual lines, the administrative
function will grow more and more i.npor-
tant The main business OF the State
will he the proper organization and rtiliza-
ton OF the forces in the interest Of Il true
economy and an efficient use OF individual
gifts and requirements in the common ser
vice. The present business OF the church
the only thing that can Justify its exist ence
is to help make the state the organ or
Christ-like righteousness.
He called attention To the fact that open
violation of law by favored classes ic;ds
To failure of allegiance to the law by the
masses. The children, seeing the failure
OF Justice, grow up without respect Tor
law and authority.
Il have great sympathy with the police"
sflfYf
cult disagTeeabIe, and dangerous duty. The
temptation TO take the life OF desperate
character, who they have good reason TO
know is always ready To take theirs, must
Ioften be very great. The wonder is, con-
sidering the Influences under which they
live from day to day, thar they refrain from
violence in the discharge OF their duties as
generally as they do.
"Still we must not let these considera-
tions make US too liberal with them, and
thus encourage recklessness and brutality
utterly fatal 10 the moral Influence or the
force and sure to encourage in the dangerous
classes a vindiCtiveness and hate certain
To ultimate in crime. N officer should
not be excused for shooting an offender
merely because that offender has outwItted
lim and is in danger Of escaping arrest.
Modification or anger should be no excuse
for violence.
If the law does not give the officer
right TO shoot the man VINO Is merely Trying
to escape, then the recent acquittal OF Po-
liceman Green would seem 10 have pal
pable miscarriage OF justice. The omnu-
nifty should not forget that injustice on
the part OF the ruling powers is one Of the
most fruitful sources of crime. IL breeds
natred and defiance OF these powers and
fisrespect for the law they are sworn TO
enforce"
Dr. Kent then spoke OF those who escape
punishment by payment of tribute to the
officials intruSted with the enforcement
OF law. The revelations AT New York had
led to suspicion of a similar condition
in other cities II ii existed in Washing
ton, the civic center, an organization TO
promote the public good through the ':cpart-
nents OF education. character, industry,
public health, and public morals was IN the
way 10 making the facts known 10 the COM
nunity.