New-York tribune., 1902-09-07
THE EVILS OF TRESP4SSING.

Now that the battle smoke has cleared away
from Bowery Bay and a unique incident In the
history OF New York has ceased to be nine
days' wonder, il may be well 10 consider for
moment what is to be said ION the other side
By that We mean not so much in favor OF the
frenzied man who did the desperate shooting rs
against those who drove him into frenzy, and
those like them elsewhere So far as Hunter
himself is concerned, must regard him with
pity more than with any other passion. The
man WAS mad Some say he was hystericai
others that he was in panic. To some his con-
duct was akin to the running amuck OF a mad
dened Malay or to the mania of one in India
who has touch Of the sun. No matter. What
ever his case may be likened to. the man was
mad.
The question is. What drove him mad? And
it is easily answered in one word: Trespassing
He was the caretaker In charge of an estate.
He was intensely loyal to his employer. Per
haps he had an exaggerated estimate of his re-
sponsibilty and Of the need of protecting the
place against even the slightest trespassing
Such exaggeration is an easily pardoned fault
1t is far better that man should err in that di-
rection than In the other, though it Is far less
common for him to do He was annoyed, irri-
tated exasperated, driven to frenzy by per-
sistent and insolent acts OF trespaSs That
seems to be the whole story. For his madness
and its tragic consequences we must condemn
and punish him. though we must do so more In
sorrow than in anger: but 1t Is impossible that
any one with judiciOus view of the case can
fail also to condemn the criminal provocation OF
his crime
There are few suburban and rural residents,
especially on much frequented highways or in
the vicinity OF popular pleasure resorts, who
have not often been made to feel strongly upon
this subject. It is literal fact that large
number of those who go for a days outing.
especially on a Sunday. practise contemptuous
and criminal disregard of property rights NOT
to say of common decency. They may do so un
Intentionally. The lack of criminal intent does
not lessen the gravity of their offences to the
objects of them. The fisherman does not hesI-
tate TO invade the lawn or garden TO dig for
bait The cheap excursionist regards all lands
as public commons on which he is free to hrear,
down fences. steal fruit mutilate shrubberv de-
Stroy plants and litter lawns with refuse Thus
robbed aud despoiled. besides being ieered ot
and insulted, by bicycle clubs and trolley nar.
ties and cheap steamboat excursionsts MANY
a lawabiding citizen has often felt q moving
OF the very same spirit of passionate resent
ment which when permitted to gain the mas
terry of his will. led poor Hunter to the commits
sion of his awful deed.
There is need of pretty vigorous bracipg I'm
Of popular respect for personal privacy and for
property rights. Visitors to the citv do not
intrude unasked. and without ringing tbe bell
into dwelling houses. and help themselves 10
food and drink. II is equally vfcious for visL
tors to the country 10 intrude upon lawns and
gardens and other private property and help
themselves to what thev find there MANY
man will break down farmers fence. or knock