The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1898-01-12
CHANGE THIS LAW.
Editor Srmter Daily Item T:

Editor Sumter Daily Item
10 multitude of counsel there is'
much that is not wisdom ; but some
ideas present themselves, that may or
msy not strike others fsvorably. So
at the risk of being thought fool, on
one hand, for ,riug advice
where it is not wapteo or on the other,
for casting pearls before beasts that will
turn and rend you, according to the
standpoint or view of the critic. offer
the following through the medium Of
your favor aud your columns.
The crime aud condition Of blood
guiltiOess-so widely and to such de-
gree prevailing, that it has recently, in
concert, been conspicuously noticed.
discussed, condemned aud deplored in
the pulpit and by the press-is. |
think. the result of our application and
practice Coat not the theory Of govern
mens 10 this country.
Oar fathers fed from oppression and
injustice of the powers that we're 10 that
place-Which means wealth controlled
by selfish and ambitious mcn-and
founded government on the declara-
.ion Of q foundation principle, "the
right to life, liberty and the pursuit of
happiness. !" Year BY year the varia-
ton of our compass has grown go great
that it points to mammon as the star of
our guiding aud worship; and the pur-
suit or acquisition of wealth is thought
to be what is meant by Happiness" in
that declaration, and abstractly.
Take mans life-a few, very few
dollars, perhaps 25 10 come cases. will
clear the blood.guilty one! But touch
bis property-and how different ! Laws
are made strong for protection Of prop
erty, aud in the interest and encourage
ment of wealth, and weak for pro,ec-
ton of life. The first We should have
done, and not leave the other uadone.
Your editorial Of Dec. %, which |
quote, is the more immediate cause of
this article. It is needless to ga that
you are exactly right as far as you ex-
press yourself, bat your suggestion. it is
proven in practice, will not work; and
it is because of the impotence of courts
that lynch Law is so prvaleot.
"What the State needs is not sermons to
the church-goipg people on the sin of blood
guilti6ess, go much as q rigid and stern en-.
forcment Of the law. There is far teo much
consideration for the nurderers in the courts,
and the juries are too prone to recommend to
mercy or let the criminal 20 scott free when
they richly merit the severest peualty the Jaw
permits. Education and moral lectures are ex-
celieat for the young and those who have not
yet violated the law by taking human life, but
the prompt and rigid enforcement of the law
is the medicine for the criminals. The mur-
derers require treatment of hemp and not a
course of lectures and the effect upon the
crimioal classes would be much more last
ing"
When we know the cause of our
troubles We must apply some adequate
remedy If We would see them cease.
Sermons and moralizing do very we'll in
their way. They may be little better
for this purpose than "passiog resolu-
tions," but if We would see any improve
ment we must do something Juries
Chat will try the cases can hardly be
expected to be composed Of men who
are capable and will do their whole
duty. while the rules and practice Of
courts continue as they are. Society
instituted courts for it's protection, but
shose who live by the courts twist the
laws and make the rules of courts pro-
tect criminals. Let US reform the court
We can hardly get worse results. Why
should not the State employ paid
solicitor to defend. as we'll as one to
prosecute? I? 1t would be in every way
better for the enda Of justice, and there
would be 20 packing Of iuries.
subornasioo of witnesses, bubbles Of
law and improper delays. Hired attor-
peys would mot be in it, 10 the crimi-
nal court. and very properly. If the
Government undertakes to dispense jus.
tice, she should see to it herself from
all sides. that justice is dooe and 90 in.
justice done to any Of the parties at
interest. 1t is 20 place for interested,
but for disinterested parties when We