St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1909-02-27
81777377 - n 49, ~
e al''t''anll farluer.
satu lay, February q. 1909.
The Law PROTECTS, AS WELL AS
i. FINISHES. WHEN ENFORCED.

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Inc greatest blessing that has ever been
given TO people is-a just and well regulated
government. Protection by the law and Sc
curlty to life and property are essential to
prosperity and happiness, and the further
removed we become from those influences
winch establish and maintain a peaceable
ana law abiding citizenship the father re-
moved we become from prosperity and hap
plness and that condition which invites into
our midst an uplifting element, socially and
commercially capable of advancing the par
lsh. The nature Of the pursuits and the
uncentralized condition of our people make
It imperative that no feeling of unrest or
insecurity should exist. In this respect, St.
Iammany parish has enjoyed to an unusual
degree a peaceable existence. In the rural
districts it has not even been found neces-
sary to exercise the precaution of locking
me doors or fastening windows on retiring
at night, and slunbers have been undis-
turbed by thoughts of possible harm or rob-
berry.
But this peaceableg condition was suddenly
interrupted by reports of robbery, incendia-
rism and disturbance. The vicinity of Fol-
som, Ramsay, OnVil and Losa became the
scene of depredations that awakened in the
community a feeling of dread and insecur-
ity. For some time the perpetrators were
unknown. But finally one Magee, negro,
becoming hard pressed by his coneederates
in crime for some reason, makes confession
to Deputy Willie and Sheriff Brewster and
turns States evidence, and the criminals are
convicted.
1t is here that is shown to the people the
great benefit of having in position officials
who can be depended upon to perform their
duty justly and without fear Or favor. Laws
that are made to punish and protect are
useless if not enforced. The judge who has
the courage to inf1ict the penalty and the
discretion to apply it justly, and the attor-
ney who prosecutes with ability and fidelity
to the trust imposed in him by the people,
fornthe bulwark that stands between disor-
ganized society and lawful obedience and
contentment
In passing sentence upon the five Holden
brothers and the negro Magee, the remarks
Of Judge Burns were especially impressive
as to the worth Of good character and the
standing it gives not only in the community
but in the court. He said in substance that
while all men are equal under the law, the
effort to attain high standing in moral
character and good citizenship would be lily
rewarded if it carried with it no distinction.
The testimony to convict man who was
considered to be of good moral character and
upright conduct must necessarily be stronger
than in the case of man of bad character.
He called attention to the fact that the con-
victed men were not only in bad standing
in this parish, but that in Tangipahoa par.
ish, from whence they came, they had ar
unsavory reputation. Their settlement here
had been followed by occurrences which
cast suspicion up them and gave color. tt
the charge that they were Objectionable
citizens, and that on one occasion hides hac
been found in a well on their premises. The
crimes for which they had been tried anC
found guilty, though upon testimony thai
might not have had so much weight hac
they been of high standing in the com.
fnunity, were under existing circumstances
reasonably proven against them. There.
fore he could see no just reason why they
were entitled to clemency.
This term of court has met the approval
of all good citizens. It has secured to the
parish confidence in the protection of the
law and will be valuable as warning to the
eyilly disposed that unlawful conduct will
not be tolerated. The able manner in which
! the interests of the people were handled by
District Attorney Morgan will be check to
evil-doers and teach the difficulty of escap-
ing merited punishment. Out of ten penal
cases before the court he secured nine
convictions, the tenth case being that of
Leonard Cassells, indicted for murder, The
case was submitted without argument, the
Jury was out but four minutes, and the ver-
dict of not guilty was popular one.
AS criminal lawyer Mr. Morgan has
shown marked ability, and his services as
District Attorney will be of great benefit to
this parish in securing the punishment of
criminals in maintaining order, and in sup
pressing taetlawlesness of that element that
is controller only by fear of punishment.
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WHATsTHE CARNIVAL TEACHES.
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