The Rathdrum tribune. (Rathdrum, Idaho) 1903-1963, 1909-01-08
THE LAXTY Of COURTS. |
- ~sst';K
Taft May Attempt Policy r, Of
Reform.
THE PANAMA PROBLEM.
Lock System or Sea Level Canal,
the Question. f,t

Washington, D. C, Jan. a.
There is no end of speculation as
to what will be the color of Presi
dent Taft's administration during
the four years beginning with the
fourth of March, 1909. He is, Of
course, committed to the Roose-
welt policies and these he will no
doubt carry out with perfect good
faith and even with enthusiasm to
the extent of his ability, but it is
believed that he has views of his
own, and these he has expressed
with some emphasis on one or two
occasions. He has particularly,
VIXEN making addresses to legal
associations, emphasized his belief
that there is failure of Justice in
the United States, inasmuch as
appeal is too easy and the evasion
of law. through the laxity of courts
and the weakness of jurors and the
chicanery of lawyers, too frequent.
Take for example the case Of
New York City. Within a period
of five months, there have been
seventy-fve homicides, mostly
murders. In London, a much
larger city, within period of five
years-more than ten times as
long-there were only ninety-two
homicides or murders. The in
habitants of New York are proba-
bly, not more bloodthirsty than
those of London, but in England,
it is very perilous thing to take
human life, while in America, it is
safer to kill than to steal or forge.
There are many arrests for crime
in this country, but in nine cases
I! out of ten the offender escapes
| conviction. 1t has been a long
, time since wealthy, well-connect-
ed murderer has paid the penalty
of taking human life in America.
Our criminal jurisprudence, as ad-
ministered throughout the country,
is very complaisant to the criminal
who is wealthy, influential and has
respectable connections. If Presi
dent elect Taft, by his great pres
tige and influence, may be able to
effect reform in this respect, he
will do more for the country than
if he should succeed in doubling
the strength of the army and the
navy.
| President Roosevelt has invited
six engineers to make the trip to
Panama with President elect Taft,
the party to start on the 25th of
this month. The object is to get
still further expert opinion as to
the best method of constructing
the Panama canal. From the
thorough inspection undertake IN
by the President. elect and the ex-
perts who accompany him, it is
widely discussed and inferred here
tn 1t there is serious doubt as te
the feasibility of the plan adopted
three years ago, of a canal 50 fee
above the sea level with a series O
locks. 1t may be remembered tha
three years ago, by invitation o
this government, there came five
distinguished engineers from
j Europe, each of whom was recon-
mended by his home government
and these with seven engineer
appointed by the President, wer'
taken to the isthmus and after
careful examination, reported il
, favor of sea-level canal. Thei
, plans involved much greater ex
pense than the lock system and
requirement of nearly twice tn
5 length of time to finish the work
This to the President, impatient O
delays and expense, was seriou
objection and he practically over