The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1897-06-05
GOVERNOR HOGG'S MOTION.

To the Editor of The Post
Maynard Texas, June 1.-While 1 con-
denim mob violence as much as Governor
Hogg does and will unite heartily with
him on any feasible plan to prevent it, yet
l must condemn the plan marked out by
him, as | believe 1t will only encourage
what 1t intends to prevent. Mob law viii
20 on as long as the present condition OF
the courts go on. The raping business will
still go on. Something, or somebody, is re-
sponsible for this state Of affairs. The law
yers and courts condemn the common pen-
pie, and vice versa the common people
charge the blame on the lawyers and
courts. When a case of rape is tried then
commences the endless chain of contn-
uances. new trials, appeals, remandiug for
new trial etc, until the wrath uf the peo-
Pile bols over. Every leading man in the
State may write their theories for years
aud still the same condition of things Will
go on. The courts must give relief
Governor Hogs idea Of taxing the good
men of a county to pay the nearest kin
of dead rapist is an outrage on society
There is no law, divine or otherwise. to
punish an innocent man for the wicked
deeds of another. Governor Hogs idea IS
to frame a law making a county responsible
to the nearest kin of dead rapst for
wherein "A mob hangs man, must be
taxed to pay that $4,000, 1t is simply offer
ing premium TO men to raise their sons
to be rapists. An eye for an eye and a tooth
for u tooth is the divine law and ought 10
be the only law in dealing with criminals
Let every violator of the law stand for his
own acts.
Should such law be enacted believe
the common people in the State would rise
an uI ,pOIar,t al ma 10,
pay it. To make the idea plain | will il
lustrate 1t. Suppose John Smith is hung
for rape in San Jacinto county and his
father comes forward and claims his $50On.
Now who pays that money? The common
people who are not connected with the
mob and who have worked hard TO save
something for their wives aud children.
John Smith has met a just death and the
people are to be taxed 30 pay a $4,000 prem
ium TO John Smiths father for raising an
ungodly son. Suppose you enact such 4
law. win the people pay the money
say nay. Before they VIII do 1t every man
in the county will toin the mob and STAY
John Smiths father and all the family If
need be. This is why say Governor Hoge
idea will cause a worse state OF society.
You may enact laws, the governor may
get mad and teak his hair and offer largo
rewards but an outraged and enraged pco-
pie will protect their females even II they
have to hang a governor or king,
Now the question arises In the face OF
these stern facts, what must be done? \
confidence has to be established between
the people and the courts FOr certain
species Of crime there must be a speedy
trial and a speedy inhiction Of punish
ment. The judges of courts must cease to
display their legal acumen IN hunting out
is to dot and is 10 cross, Enact law. as
the MeXicanS have to proceed to trial In ten
days after the criminal is captured and in
tiict punishment ten DAYS after verdict is
rendered. Have an emergency venire"
drawn by each Jury commissioners court to
be ready for an emergency trial" Should
there already be a venire drawn for Che
regular court. it could also be constituted
the emergency vcnire." ! believe a law
of this kind viii satisfy the people The
people have enounh of the red tape busi-
ness of our courts. Governor Hogs has
freed his coon up the wrong tree.
w. 7, Hill