The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1895-08-14
A Travesty on Justice.

10 the Editor of The NewS and Courier:
The anxiety and, may surely add, the
PRAYERS of thousands, await the approach
ing Constitutional Convention that from
that assem- bly,, regardless of factional
contention, may come forth. humanity
speaking, the best model of a fundamen-
tai law. For this reason our people should
thoughtfully sink every mercenary, po-
litical ambition for the general welfare
and future glory of the Commonwealth.
Law is the bedrock of government.
whether in homes, churches, cities or
States. It's disregard is the rot which will
surely lead to anarchy and rule of crime.
1t was the proud boast until thirty years
ago that law in South Carolina set its iron
hand on any violator, rich or poor. Then
a shock Of indignation thrilled every
community when the daring violator
rushed upon its bosses. Now all admit
that the word "travesty" should sit above
Justice in her temple while shame hardly
bushes at the fearful list of atrocities that
are condoned in the Court Houses, while
law is powerless to check.
So rapid is this lawless growth, that
only ten years ago the Lynch Court.
was held under mask at midnight!
Now in broad day the blood-thirsty mob
openly have mock trials, and condemn
and execute with less thought of human
responsibility than the Drumhead Court
of the guerillas.
This lawlessness is national! It is
American. It's blood gouts are from CAL
ifornia to Maine. All the legal concern
is "Governor's reward for lynchers,"
or the grand jury will investigate. The
mob laugh and are ready for new =" bee"
Among the fixed principles fthe forth
coming Constitutional Convention should
not our Jury system in all criminal cases,
especially violent infraction, be especially
improved upon that justice may unseet
"travesty," and our Court Houses be
temples of law, not arenas for shyster
displays? Then the thief, the defaulter,
the murderer will trem BILE at a doom he
has of his own act earned. Now he ID
turned out astounded at his lnnocency.
This facility of escape from deserved
punishment has led to lynching. The
statistics show that from 1860 to 1895 crime
cent in the United States. In France the
increase has been 130 per cent in fifty
years and in England (the land of fixed
principles) during twenty eight years, the
fignres show decrease Of s per cent.
Here is the land Of liberty debauched
in unparalleled lawlessDess. Nine thou
sand eight hundred and thirty-two MUIR
derers we're tried in 1894 1872 were con-
victed; 900 were turned loose in Ameri-
can Courts.
Why should England's laws reduce
crine? Why should Americas foster it
Because England compels an obedience
of law, America puts mask of Momus
on its profeseed expounders. a lawyer
deservedly honored said: II might COM
init any offence in the catalogue of crime,
beyond service for appearance no trouble
need be feared" Another said: 1--WE
have permitted system of professional
brokerage to creep in as lawyers. They
lend, they borrow, they arc hired 10 set
people up as they can afford the expense.
The State must take care of itself" Such
is the estimate of law. Will the Con-
ventiou zee to it that our laws shall be
enforced? n.