The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-05-21
LESSONS FROM THE PATTERSON
 CASE

ESSptCLS ndS Uctu tuS AONNASc VI " cent or educating to those who have waded through all the details, but we may indulge the hope that 1t has passed away as a matter of official import ance. If she is going on the stage 1t Is to be regretted, but she Is only fol- lowing the example of many others Of both sexes who have achieved promi- hence by ways not altogether to be commended. She will flash for a tirnc in the lime light of the stage and that will be the end of her as public char acter.
 The Advertiser is free to admit that 1t has not been among those who thought she should be convicted of murder. That she Is not e good wo- man, and that her ways have not been those which good people can approve is true. but, fortunately for a great many people. men and women are not hanged or electrocuted because they have not in all things lived an upright and Christian life. We have never de- fended her course of life or her charac- ter, but have simply contended that there has never been any direct or sat- isfactory proof that she killed Caesar Young She may have killed him but 1t was not proven and we contend that the jury should have brought in ver- dict of mot guilty" and ended tho matter.
 While on this part of the subject we must enter a decided protest against the course of Judge Davis of the Su- preme Court of New York. who pre- sided at two of the Patterson trials. In a recent after dinner speech he took occasion to denounce the Patterson woman in the most brutal manner, de- claring that she Tied from beginning to end in her testimony in all Of her trials" This was undignifed and un- just. as we'll as brutal. There was no call for him thus to descend to the level of the bully, nor can any one de- fend this apparent effort to prejudice the public against the woman and to create a sentiment that would operate to her injury if she ever goes to trial again. It is possible that the wine served at the dinner was too strong for the Davis head. for if he spoke in cool and sober earnestness he Is not fit man for the bench.
 But passing by all these considera- tions and reflections there is one fea- ture of the case that must strongly commend itself to the better nature of all humanitarians and all true Chris tan people everywhere. That Is the unwayering and unfiinching loyalty and devotion exhibited by the parents of the unfortunate woman from begin ming to end of her troubles. Through all the varied trials and experiences connected with the affair they never wavered Others denounced her. pro- nounced her guilty, enlarged on her lapses from the narrow path of virtue and cast only looks of scorn on her. but the father and mother never wavered. She is their child, and whatever she may have been or done their hearts clung to her and sustained and com forted her during the painful ordeal through which she was called Co pass. Their loyalty was unwavering and un- affected by the opinions of others.
 There is something in this that Is far above the mere human parental af- lection which parents feel for their children. This gray-haired father and mother have taught a lesson that reaches up to the higher humanity of Christ "Neither do I condemn thee," said He on a memorable occasion, and neither would the parents of Nan Pat terson condemn her nor cast her off because she was accused of having sinned.
 Unfortunately, perhaps, the world has fixed a different standard of morals for the sexes. We expect the woman to set an example of purity and virtue and uprightness in all Hfe's journey. but the world does not expect the same from man. He may be guilty of the most heinous offences. and may be noted for his disregard of all the com mandments, yet he will not lose his standing among his fellowmen, and even SOOu WOulCll WlAA AOCA "ANh epA~A ation on his offences and sympathize with him if punishment overtakes him, but 1t Is different in the case of a wo- man. Let her only once step aside from the narrow path and she becomes at once an object to be summed and avoided, especially by her own sex. It matters not what may be her needs or how dire her wants there Is no word of cheer, no look of sympathy and no helping hand extended. She must go her own way, alone, for she has sinned
 Is this right? Is 1t humane? Is 1t in accordance with the example set by that Savior who was ever ready to cheer the suffering and raise the fallen ? It Is not contended that we should fail to condemn the woman who goes wrong, but we do claim that condem- nation of the wrong should not close our hearts to all sense of pity and for giveness for those who fail to walk correctly. Many a woman has taken ness, led, in a majority of cases, by a stronger will than her own and against which her will was powerless. Griev- ously does she repent her weakness, and gladly would she reform and lead a correct life if helping hands were extended to her, bus
 Alas for the rarity
 Of Christian charity
 Under the sun,