The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1912-03-19
TIE TINE For TROOPS.

Governor Mann has throughout the shock of
the Ilillsvlle trouble resisted the obvious
temptation TO go into Mysteries or to yield to
the spectacular
The first symptom of these weaknesses
would have been TO order out the troops In
all probability that was the first thing to
occur TO him. That he has not done SO is fine
evidence of his restraint and his second
thought b. Fastening experienced and tried
detectives to the scene. and by dispatching
there States officer and officers of tho State
Guard, the Governor did everything which
the tragedy left TO be done. In addition. he has
recognized the gravity OF the situation by de-
claring outlawry against the indicted men and
by repeatedly raising the rewards offered for
their capture. dead alive, He has provid-
ed for the early trial of those of the Allen
gang who have been captured, and in every
reasonable way for the capture of those who
have escaped. Ordering out OF troops In the
circumstances would have been manifest
superfuity; 1t might have meant worse as
tending to turn the public sentiment of the
community In which the murders we're COM
n.itted against the State. 4 free people are
patient Of law but impatient OF militia Troops
are justifiable against mob violence of one
sort or another. or to protect the processes of
the Law. When they are otherwise called upon.
they apt TO be of irritation
than of benefit.
The pursuit of the Aliens has naturally
come TO mean sort OF guerilla warfare.
Guerrilias. superior always. to massed
bodies of men They must be hunted on their
own terms, in their own way. on their own cho-
ground For such purposes the concert
Of military company is well-nigh useless.
The more independent strategy Of men familiar
with the ground and with the game is. on the
other hand. generally effective, if only the men
themselves be alert. brave. and in earnest
Nothing has yet occurred to show that the de-
,cctives and their posses in the mountains are
lacking in either of these qualities.
There will be time for troops when the Law
again manifests itself at Tillsyilie to punish
the anarchists who have dehed it. When
that time comes. we trust that the Governor
will have at the seat of justice the troops
which will impressivciy declare the power OF
the State and It's determination to protect the
law and its officers. What would now be use
less in hunting scattered desperados through
mountain retreats will then serve to notify
raaicontents of their danger witnesses OF
their freedom. and the officers OF the law
themselves that the State Is visibly as wei!
as theoretically ready to answer their call
ard enforce their legal DEGREES.
AS 10 the Governors idea that the absence
OF troops at the trial would have great moral
effect it seems to us that such moral effects
as Is yet to he had in Carroll consists in show
OF the power OF the State Although 1t Is
true that the calling out of troops gives de-
PENDANTS the right to change of venue, it
viii probably be found impossible in any event
10 have the defendants tried by Carroll conn
~ jurors A change of venue would there
fore scarcely avail the Aliens anything but
without the moral suasion OF troops. a trial
in Carroll might put the State to tie last
ing shame OF a miscarriage Of justice in those
cases In which in the entire history OF the
Commonwealth it is most important that JUS
lice be done. - --% = - -