The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1897-08-14

as cents; for two weeks, 20 cents.
Address changed as often as de-
sired.
Governor Atkinson and the Hines Case.
The Intelllgencer has refralned so far
from commenting upon Governor Atkin-
sons remarks accompanying Ie remls-
sion of the fine of W. s. HINES, who shot
Ben Hall for alternating the affections of
the formers wife The expressions made
use OF by the governor have been severe
ly criticised by the press and public
throughout the country, the general sem
tlment being that the position assumed
by Mr.. Atkinson was most extraordl-
nary for chief executive OF state and
dangerous in Its effect, coming from such
source, Many OF these criticisms do
the governor injustice and charge
him with setting up a general doctrine
that man should take the law into his
own hands when aggrieved by another
party, although the law provides reme-
dies for all wrongs OF a criminal charac-
ter.
While the 1ntelllgencer believes that
such doctrine. especially when an
nounced by the chief executive of
state, is wrong in principle, and danger
GUS In effect, 1t does not feel that Cover
nor Atkinson deserves all that is said
about him in the press. 1t does not be-
lleve his action was due to lack of ap-
probation OF law and his official respon-
slbIlitles. Those who know Governor
Atkinson know him to be a man of strong
and honest convictions, He is also a
man OF chivalrous impulses, and
Is frank and open in all his
expressions, both as a private citl-
zen and in his official capacity. These
characteristics have led him, at times, as
they have led many another honest and
out-spoken man, to say and do things,
with honest motives, which have been
regarded as indiscreet and have brought
down upon his head the severest sort OF
criticism.
1t should be known by the press outside
OF the state that in this state Governor
Atkinson is known in almost every home
as a generous, warm-hearted man,
strong In his friendships, exemplary in
his habits, an ardent advocate of every
thing that is progressive. clvlllzlng and
for the betterment of the Industrial. in
tellectuai. moral and religious develop
ment OF the people. This correctly de-
scribes Governor Atkinson, and does not
describe the wild-west type OF man
some of our contemporaries seem to
think he is in commenting on the HINES
case.
Such citizen must have pleasant do
nestle relations. and the sacredness in
which Governor Atkinson holds those re-
latlons is proverbial among those who
know him. His regard for the sanctlty
OF the home and his affection for his
family are matters OF common comment
among the people of this state. 1t Is
religion with him. and when he gave ut
terance to the strong language he did in
denouncing the man who had come be-
tween HINES and his wife, and in an
executive order used language that
was unwise. coming from a man
sworn to uphold the law and to advise
the punishment Of crime according to
law-when he gave uttcrance to those
sentiments. II was the husband and
father that was talking and not the gov
ernor.
This consideration, however, docs not
excuse an indlscrctlon and failure 10
divorce personal feelings from official
duty. Well and good; but there is this
TO be said in the governors behalt-that
he was deceived as to the real merits OF
the case he had under consideration.
While the onense Of Hail. the Victim OF
Hines, was BID enough, and Hines had
his remedy at law, the fact Of tho case Is
that the woman in It was equally guilty.
Her affections had not been "allenated,"
for subsequent events show that she was
willing party. and that no vengeance
Hines could have taken with his own
hand on Hall would have altered the fac,
that the woman was an equal partner In
The home-brcaking. Governor Atkinson
was led TO believe differently. Il turn1
out from the fact that the falthloss wife
is now living with Hall, the alienation
was not worth tho powder that Klmcg
spent In his work Of vengeance.
This being true the arrest and conylc.
ton Of the offenders as the law provides
would have aufIiccd II lr dangerous
thing 10 permit any man 10 take the law
inhia own hands and act as Judge and
cHccutloner. II such were tho custom,
then Tho laws made for the protection OF
society and the Fighting Of wronRa would
fan TO the ground. II ia a serious mis-.
take for an executive 20 encourage cltl.
zens 70 tnke the law In their own hands.
But the fntelliganccr knows Governor
Atkinson IN firm believer IN and sup.
porter VI the majesty of the law, and be-.