The age-herald., 1897-10-14
TECHNICS FROM
 CURRENT TOPICS,

As the wearlsome Luetgert trial drags its weary length along, the laymen of the country are constrained to wonder if there is no limit ever to be put to the interminable criminal trials winch inter- rupt business an demoralize certain classes of the people. If a man is guilty of murder in any degree are the law abiding citizens always and forever to be insulted with six weeks, two months, or even greater time, taken by lawyers and experts, to prevent an honest, just verdict being rendered by the twelve men before whom thy plead and testify? Whether a man be guilty or whether he be innocent, all right minded, conserva- tive citizens are willing to grant him the fullest benefit of fair trial before his peers. But there is a limit to public patience, as there should be a limit to legal delay. Such trials as that of Luet- gert give great weight to the assertion of the agitators that the courts need re- forming in more ways than one. Every instance similar to that of the now fam ous Chicago case, which is filling the journals of the day with columns of re- pulsive reading, emphasizes the fact that any system of courts and trials which will result in delaying verdict for near- ly two months is faulty and is detrI- mcntal to the welfare of the people.
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 avar tri,a les rf ,oanpiti,do and ,oF universal interest attract the attention of the citizens to the conduct of the courts and the latitude given lawyers and judges, there naturally arises an inquiry into these serious matters, and a demand for better and more whole- some legal eractments, which will carry out the laws more speedily and with surer justice. When public indignation manifests itself, the lawyers and judges generally take refuge behind the fact that the best is done under existing laws; that the law is to blame, not the men who execute it. Then why, the 1aymen wish to know, are the laws permitted so to remain; why are there not changes and notifications which will render moro certain and speedier verdicts for the guilty and innocent, according to their deserts?
 Between the sensitiveness of the crimna nal lawyer (who fearing that some in- ocent man may suffer, Hberates every murderer and thief in his power) and the medical expert, who always differs from the other medical experts, the criminal becomes the best protected man in the county. There must be some means for regulating" the law, and that man who shall be brave enough to stand for legal reforms will go down to future generations along with those other pa- triots whose names are immortal.
 That g. trial like that of Luetgerr could darken the annals of any court in the United States makes the need for legal reform imperative and immediate.
 The careless enactment of many of the present laws of the city and state speaks loudly for a closer attention from those in authority. Judge Feagin has put himself upon honorable record as determined to abate the public off, fense of the carrying of concealed weapons by many of the men and boys of the community. In one day in the city of Birmingham there were forty cases tried for the offense of carrying concealed weapons! Think of such a statement being possible in a communi- ty of respectable, law-respecting citi- zens. A few fines and punishments, the greatest and severest that the law per- mts will, in measure, abate this nui- sance. A brave man does not need a pistol in his daily walks upon the streets of a city. It is only the bully, the brag- gart and the coward whose hip pocket is a dangerous arsenal
 By the severe punishment for the carrying of concealed weapons the shot, gun policy which has stained the his- tory of the south with ruthless and in- excusable murders, will soon cease to be- With fewer hidden pistols there will be fewer awful murders and fewer shat tered, agonized homes. The judge is en- titled to the thanks of the community for dealing promptly and vigorously with the towards who endanger the lives of the women and children with their screened arsenals. The shotgun policy for the regulation of the morals of 8 family and community and the hip-pocket pistol must go. The south has turned her eyes to the rising sun.
 Let the "Centuries" Be.
 From the New York Herald