The St. Louis Republic., 1902-03-16
DUTY OF THE PEOPLE.

In the Indictment OF Ed Butler for attempted
bribery the Grand Jury has presented for decision
issue which The Republic and public opinion gener-
ally have been demanding II is matter Of deepest
| public concern that the city should know whether
Butler has done the things of which he has himself
boosted and il he has done them. whether he can
defy detection and punishment and enjoy the i'm
| munity of which he has also bOaSted.
With the indictment this issue is at last before the
courts and the people. But the people must not un-
derrate the strength of the Butler side He has not
half the power with which he is credited But he is
no despicable antagonist at any time. The prose
cutting officers must be alert and courageous: and
public opinion IN forgetfuness leave every
thing TO The officers.
The Circuit Attorneys Office is we'll equipped. far
ability is concerned, to deal with this Mr.
Folk has shown himself to be fearless. able and in
accessible influence" but it be remembered
that the difficulties which he will have to encounter
in this case are extraordinary. The man whom he is
prosecute is clad in the armor of wealth and in
trenched behind influences of the most powerful kind
His pursuits have put into his possession knowledge
which is feared by Of the weathiest men in this
community. Able counsel will be employed, every
technicality Of the law will he invoked, and all these
powerful influences will be brought to bear in quar-
tiers where they may be considered most efficient
The citadel of corruption is attacked the safety of
the whole garrison Of knavish officials with whom
Butler has dealt is threatened: they will rally
man. to the defense. They will labor for the acquit
tai of their business" associate because they
guilty than he is even charged with being and
because his defeat would involve them all.
The criminal law, by reason Of our sensitive desire
that injustice shall be done man. is in
such condition that every advantage is with the
accused. The difficulties of conviction. in any case.
are great. In notable case as this. supported
by such powerful influences, these difficulties are
enormously multiplied. There is one thing. and but
one which will neutralize these disadvantages and
insure justice in the That is alert aggres
sive public opinion, which will demand absolute i'm
partiality and energy, without fear favor This
public opinion exists today in St Louis; but it Is
dormant with its expression repressed by 9TH
In negative form 1t will be Of value 1t must
be outspoken To be effective, It must be practical.
To be practical it must give assurance to the repre-
senratves of the State and to all witnesses that their
hands will be upheld if they perform their duty faith
fully. One Of the greatest injuries to public
service is that censure shortcomings freely but
praise grudgingly the public official who does his
duty conspicuOusly well.
Criminal proceedings, though their every technical
ity favOrs the accused, may be made more effective
by aroused, resoute and insstent public opinion
The public sentiment bribery should not sleep
til Ed Butler Is convicted acquitted: until every
scrap Of evidence concerning him others which
be developed in this is before the courts and
before the minds Of the people in the public prints