Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-11-29
CRIME AND ITS CURE.
DIR. Sweeney breaches an Able Ser
mon on This Interesting Subject.


Rev. u. 4. Sweeney. ID. D., preached to
his people at the Seventh-Street Christian
church Sunday morning on the Increase
Of Crime and How TO Prevent It."
DR.. Sweeney showed by the United
States statistics that crime had increased
In the last fifty years two and q half
times as rapidly as the population. He
said that while not a pessimist, he was a
patriot, and everything that was Of in
terest to the country was of interest TO
him. There were but two ways Of deal
ing with the above facts-frst, 10 simply
let the matter run on, and. second, TO
look into the causes Of crime and seek TO
prevent II. In seeking the causes or
crime he named first, the rapid increase
In values. which crazed men and rendered
them reckless as TO the means TO be en-
ployed in making money. "They that
make haste 10 be rich pierce themselves
through with many sorrows" Second.
the stories Of our fabulous wealth drew
TO our country the reckless adveuturer,
the wicked plunderer and many other un-
desirable immigrants; not that all who
came are such. but that very large per
cent, as shown by our statistics. In 1880
tho forelgn-born population was only Is
per cent, yet that small minority pro-
duced 40 per cent. of criminals, a per
cent Of paupers, and 90 per cent. Of sa-
loon-keepers.
Third. There was an almost universal
conviction that a man could escape pun
ishment If he had money. II poor man
stole a sheep he could be arrested, tried
and sentenced in twenty-four hours. II
he had $1,000 it would take as many
months, If ever. Men would compound
with the police and the prosecutor. the
Judge or his friends would take it to the
Governor and secure his pardon.
CONCEALED WEAPONS.
Fourth. The practice Of carrying con-
cealed weapons 1t is always an evidence
Of savagery and barbarism. A man who
will carry weapons Of death in a land OF
churches and Sunday schools openly pro-
claims himself an arrant coward or a
desperate. Therefore, such characters
defy the law and conceal the weapons on
their persons. They thus familiarize
themselves with violence and then COM
nit crimes they would not dream Of doing
If they We're compelled to go and hunt
for weapon with which to perform the
deed.
This state Of things places the un-
armed at the mercy Of the armed and
uoSs away WIN the pfOtectOn Sprlnging
out of law and Justice
Fifth. The most prolific source OF crime
Ia the drinking saloon. The cause of
three-fourths Of the crime in our land.
four-hfths Of the crime in England
In the great battle between the brutal
and spiritual forces of earth 1t is the
most formidable ally Of the former, slim
ulatlng all that IS brutal and depressing
everything spiritual
The cure of crime IS. first, TO teach
the youth Of the land that money must
be honestly earned
Second. Look well TO the character OF
our immigrants and also TO those who
handle the ballot I'm this land. The intel
ligence Of this country must rule IT,
Third. Punish all violatOrs of the laws
alike, regardless Of their financial or po-
litical influence or standing
Fourth. Enforce especially the laws
against carrying concealed weapons.
Fifth. Wipe out the saloon that has so
long disgraced tho civilized world.
The above is mere abstract of the |
sermon. Mr.. Sweeney was especially en- |
phatic IN his sentiments concerning car
rying concealed weapons, citing a num- |
Der Of cases. both abroad and in Rich !
mond, OF the trouble growing out OF the |
barbarous practice.