The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-01-28

the cases of many felonies. in which time witnesses have died, become scattered or their memory dlmmed from lapse of time, so that when trial has come, acquittal has resulted. Thus the law has been brought into contempt, followed naturally by repeated acts of lawlessness, and it has become a by-word that ''human life is the cheapest thing in Jefferson county"
 All fines imposed, and the returns from punishment at hard labor, and incidental ly some of those exhorbitant ones, viz, of $500 and 12 months. which it is noted are imposed by some of the inferior courts on small offenders, viz: vagrants (sometimes consisting of the destitute and friendless) go into the fine and forfeiture fund, and thence into the pockets of the benefciaries of the fee system, either directly or indi- rectly.
 This system is the octopus which has wound it's horrible, slimy and powerful tentaeles about the body polite of Ala bama in apparently death grip; but in the November election of this year, when the people of the state will vote on this question, one of the strongest arms of this octopus, that which entwines Jeffer- son county. will be topped off at the root, and Jefferson will be free; but the re- mainder of Alabama will continue m bondage. Why did the legislature of Ala bama in providing for the abolishment of this system in Jefferson county, fail 10 provide for it's destruction throughout the state?
 ino I,a 1ag4 at.esf ~f,-;.- here, hundreds of cases, some of the most serious nature, were stricken from the doelets without trial. This action, I believe, tended to bring the Jaw into con- tempt, and was one of the worst things which could have been done for the well fare of true labor, which, in my opinion, can only hope to maintain it's rights by organization and observance Of the law.
 Again, the almost utter disregard of the former prohibition laws No adequate. and, in fact, little if any punishment being imposed for a violation of the same in the upper courts, unless upon the ig norant and helpless, tended. I believe, to bring all our laws into contempt. This is emphasized by the many crimes committed about Lewisburg in this county, where it is said these violations hourished.
 Under the convict system, men have been sent to Jefferson county from many counties of the state to work in the mines, who, after discharge, have remained here. thus burdening the county with many law less and undesirable citizens.
 Now. what is the remedy? Some contend it consists in a revision of the criminal procedure so that such a great number of cases may not be reversed by the ap- pellate courts on account of technical er- TOT, and the criminal, thus gaining time, given an opportunity to be finally ac- quilted have the highest regard and re- spect for some who have expressed them selves on this subject. and am willing to admit it may be our laws could be slight ly changed in some respects to advantage; but this is a subject which I believe should be approached with great caution, when it is remembered that our criminal law is the common law of the people, and is founded upon the accumulated wisdom of the ages. the rules of which are in tended to protect society, promote justice, and at the same time, safeguard the inno- cent and those who deserve the protec- tion of the government. Undoubtedly our laws could be so changed as to secure easier convictions, but am afraid that the brushing aside of these long estab- lished rules and principles would result in many who are innocent or justifiable being caught in the same trap with the guilty In fact feel sure this would be the result.
 Some contend that the doctrine of "error without injury" should be established by law for the courts in order that convic- tions may be more easily secured. This, to my mind, is one of the most vicious doctrines which could be foisted upon any people. 1t is a matter of common knowl- edge that error in almost any field of ac- tlon results in some injury to some one, and I believe this rule should apply to the courts It is contended by this doctrine that although the trial judge misdirects the jury, admits improper evidence, or