Las Vegas daily optic. [volume] (Las Vegas, N.M.) 1880-1908, 1897-03-26


was waylaId by a gang Of cattle thieves
and murdered, and tho life Of himself
and OF his little son taken, to satisfy
the hatred OF the men whom he was
seeking to bring to justice. More In
stances could DO cited, but these are
enough. All these men had been on
gagged In hunting out crime and IN
seeking to establish peace and good
order. In not q single instance, has :
single murderer OF any n Of them
been brought to justice, except In the
case OF the Borregos, and interference
after interference, unjustly and with
out excuse, has created the impression
in the public mind that they are finally
to be shielded. Under such circum-
stances, where is there any room for
talk about mercyP Mercy to the MUIR
derer, under such circumstances, 10
cruelty to the people and especially to
those officers OF the Territory en-
gagged in the enforcement OF the crimi-
nal law. 1t exposes the district at.
torneys, and the sheriffs and all officers
whose duties require them to be bold
and fearless in the punishment Of crime,
to additional danger Of their own lives.
The hand that stays execution, exposes
these other officials to assassination.
There is nc call for mercy. The de-
mand of the hour Is for justice.
What have the Borregos done that
they should be entitled to such unusual
consideration Have they ever rem
dered any service, either TO the church
or stated Have they lived lives which
could commend them to the good citi-
zens of the Territory Is there any
doubt of their guiltP
Interference in their case has been
most unjustifable and most extraordi.
nary. It has been hurtfuI to the Ter
ritory, tending to embolden assassins
and to tarnish our good name. The
case was tried before a fair jury and
an honest judge, and the defendants
most ably defended by the strongest
legal talent of New Mexico. The case
was re viewed upon a motion for q new
trial. was considered on appeal by the
supreme court and also by the govern
or, and In every instance,the judgment
Of the jury was approved. IL there
any case in New Mexico in all past
having higher consideration
The interference of President Cleveland
vas without right. He was compelled
himself to admit that he had no power,
re luesting the governor to reprieve.
So also is the action Of the present
executive outside Of his jurisdiction.
10 to be hoped that Interference Is al
an end, and that the law may be per-
mitted to take its course, and when
is done, we shall all feel that life
here has some protection.
The honored archbishop In his conn.,
m%unication says, ~ asked Governor
Thornton, not injustice, but in marcy"
II justice requires these men to be hung,
and the above statement, coming from
q high and distinguished source, adj
'nits that IL does, why should it not be
doneP Why should this be made an
exceptional caseP The OPTIC repeats
that it is justice which should be done,
and in doing justice, mercy will be
shown to the living and deserving OIL
GERS, whose lives will be imperiled, ii
by the results in this case it shall be
that they may be shot down
IN cold blood and their murderers pro-
The press Of the Territory
should speak out in nj uncertain terms
propositions Of this character and the
public should arouse itself to demand
, just enforcement Of the law.
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