The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-08-06
Western Federation
 Mav Enter the District
Unsavory Record of Dark Msdeeds- ds-The Lynchng at Brighton Not Surprise But Much Deplored-Who Is
 to Blame For Disorder?
BY FRANK V. EVANS.

ure for such incidents as that which happened at Brighton Disorder, lawless- ness, strong passion, thoughtless anger frenzied spirit move in arithmetical pro- gression. These formulate a contagion which needs not the untitled voice of peace. and cannot be checked by warn ings for order, when there is no order.
 70 matter how painful or unjustifying it may be, how deplorable the circum- stances which make possible the rule of Judge Lynch, there need be no surprise if his dockets be cleared of still more indicted ones ere peace and order and right and justice are fully restored in this district.
 Who Is To Blame?
 There are men in this district-few in number, but strong In power-who could by the stroke of a pen or by uttering a few words, calm these troubled waters and bring peace and order out of chaos and confusion. If these men desire that this happy result should be accomplished they do not by any act by any word or deed of omission or commission, give expression to such desire. And these men may be feasting upon the shadows and clouds the disorders, the restless ness, the confusion and the crime which today darken this section, while ignor- ance and innocence are chafing and suf- fering and peace Is weeping over the perturbed conditions which confront this community.
 But, there seems little hope for an awakening of these men to the goodly service they could perform; and again the people turn their pleading eyes toward the lawful authorities who may force the establishment of peace.
 Matter of Bail.
 I,l,;- ie ;,fa hot he mi al Mine Workers have deposited about s5o,- GOO in lawful money to secure bonds for members of their union charged with crime, and that besides this many hava given personal bond and are out and at full liberty. In this time of turbulence it is not out of place to quote the fol lowing from a decision of Judge Hallet. United States district court in habeas corpus case. Says the learned jurist:
 "In times of turbulence and violence, when there Is probability of mob rule in the country, there is a discretion on the part of the authorities to hold prisoners without ball. and there is reasonable discretion which may be exercised in all cases in whf-h criminal charges may be preferred to hold the prisoner in GUS tody until reasonable investigation may be made to ascertain whether he has committed an offense against the law. Whether this shall be done by the regu- lar authorized officers In the administra- tion of criminal law by the sheriff and by the district attorney, or by the min- tia Is a matter in the discretion of the officers of the state"
 Whether or not it has become neces- sary to apply this rule here at this tur- bulent time is a matter for the consider ation of the lawful authorities; but one thing Is quite certain and that is that the condition with which this district is confronted calls loudly for the applica- tion of the most vigorous rules of govern ment. This Is not a season for mild methods. but a time for the law. with its fullest strength to assert itself.