The record-union., 1895-04-16
THE SAN FRANCISCO TRAGEDY.

In times of great public excitement
such as that now absorbing attention in
San Francisco, because of the dreadful
murders in the Bartlstt-street church,
the wise and discreet citizens are those
who exert their influence to quiet and
caution the public. For the course of
justice is more likely to be interrupted
than promoted by feverish public pulse.
All action is followed by reaction, and
the causes that give momentum to pub
lie opinion if too much exercised tend to
bring about counter action that defeats
the very purpose the people most desire
accomplished. Out of too hasty judg-
ment and an abnormal condition of the
public mind the criminal very often
snatches advantage.
Circumstantial evidence is dangerous,
but it is at the same time oftenest the best
of evidence. Circumstances now point
to young Durrant as the murderer of the
two girls whose bodies were found in the
church of which Durrant was an officer.
Indeed, unexplained the circumstances
thus far developed would suffice to con-
vict the young man. Assuming that
one-half of all related so sensationaIly in
the press concerning this double tragedy
to be true, there rests upon the prisoner
burden to be cast of, that he can be rid
of only by the most direct and positive
proof of innocence. He will be aided in
escape, even if guilty, if public excite
ment is so fed as to render it difficult for
the people to secure a jury in San Fran
cisco competent to try him.
The presumption of innocence should
not therefore be lost sight of, or be al
lowed to be put aside in this case any
more than in one less hideous and fear
ful. The man charged with the murder
of the two girls is in custody, and must
answer to the most dread of charges. 1t
looks now as if his guilt will be estab-
lished beyond all doubt. But it must not
be forgotten that all the testimony against
him is that of unsworn witnesses, and of
circumstances not yet established accord
ing to the requirements of the law, which
is the chief safeguard of human rights
and privileges.
When the dispassionats examination of
the courts has been undertaken we will
be in condition to judge with satisfac-
ton of this mans guilt. That the ends Of
justice may be conserved it is therefore
essential that no theories or testimonies
be now advanced that will not bear the
scrutiny of the law. Every statement
and theory now put forward that breaks
down when produced in court increases
the chances of Justice being defeated
Two monstrous crimes have been COM
mitted; a man believed to be guilty of
shem is in the clutch OF the law: that his
guilt may be the better established, there
fore, it is essential that no fanciful tales
be given ear 10. Good citizenship will
manifest its resolve that the guilty be
punished by allaying rather than in
tensifyinG excitement. DurTant must
have his trial, and it must be fair and
unbiased examination of all the facts that
may be legally proved. All attempts to
fasten guilt upon him by sensational
methods, and to inflame the public mind
unduly will, we repeat aid him to escape
punishment, if guilty. The wrath of a
just people is far more terrible in its
calm, dignity and irresistible resolve that
justice be done, than in an abnormal con-
dition, stimulated by passion, and fed by
recitals that may not be given any stand
ing in court.