The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1913-01-16

Allens-but OF the fact that none of the
Aliens slain was merely another COIN
cidence. II didn't prove anything. II just hap
pened so--it just happened that every physical
circumstance connected with the frightful
currence went to show that there was no con-
spiracy on the part of anybody save those who
reaped the bloody harvest OF conspiracy In tact
"a conspiracy that IL not written down and
signed and sealed by the conspirators worked
just as effectively in every particular, as If 1t
had.
But we must not rush to conclusions based
upon the facts in the case. We must disregard
the significance of facts. We must assume that
facts lie and that men like Judge Bolen have
perJured themselves; that the witnesses who
told how Floyd Allen had boosted to the effect
that the would be shot UP and that even
Judge Massie would not be spared, deliberately
related faIsehood. We must believe only these
amable Aliens; only these moonshine veterans
only these frequent law-breakers -only these
fierce rolsterers who held themselves and their
kindred above the law and who in
ststing that they shall not even when adjudged
/ guilty by the law of murder in the hrst de-
gree, be amenable TO the laws decree as are
other murderers We must accept only their
theory which, when now in the shadow of death,
they advance as a means or saving their preci-
| lives And If do-mark that-if We do,
then. IL is In order to visit that place in Car
roll where the late Mr.. Foster is sepulchered,
dig up his body, entomb IL at some crossroads,
and mark the spot with stake that will mean
a human brute despicabe coward, traitor
/ to public trust and the laws of the State, a
vile would-be assassin lies buried there. And
after this is done ring up the curtain--sound
the music of triumphal march and permit Floyd
Allen and his so beautiful son-these good, pure.
gentle, abused, oppressed, threatened and ma
ligned gentlemen to advance TO the front of the
stage, be received with thuuderous applause.
and proclaimed for what they claim themselves
to be.
Is Virginia coming to any such humiliatlng
pass as this? Is the security of life in Virginia
to be accounted as of little worth this?-
Is the common sense of the public and the pro-
ceedings of courts and the verdicts of juries TO
be made the plaything OF any such curious con-
| Ception, and be rendered of avail because
of sentimentality which II permitted to over
| ride the courts will make mockery of lawfully
administered justice? Are to disregard the
findings of Juries and rely upon the ill-lnformed
opinions and unsupported conclusions that
| spring from street corner gossip casual read
ings Of partially reported trials? II go dismiss
your judges, Abolish the Jury system What's
their value to express judicial murder? Let
all these things be anshed from the usages
of civilized society and when murders are here
after perpetrated, commit the matter to
referendum to all the people, and let them hear
the evidence and decide. All the people
not hear all the evidence to be sure-they can
not observe the manner Or witnesses in giving
tn ctr testimony; they cannot listen to argument
OF counsel to instructions of courts But
these things are Of account evidently, II many
of the champions Of the Aliens are TO be be-
lieved-nor ever will be considered OF any
count by them unless, perhaps. of these
days the hand or murder stimulated and
strengthened by all this activity In behalf Of the
Allen felons shall knock at their doors
and claim the life Of some whom they love.
IN 'l'e h'eaitiIf,e iot II DC cphs1ueieu liH'
about ten thousand murders are annually being
committed in the United States. that according
| TO reliaole ascerta1nInent, murders nave IN
creased WITHIN the United states during the
past twenty years ny 400 per cent. ana that in
| 1911 only murderer in Sc executed
a iar average or what mas been happening IN
the past rev years Inc united states not only
holds the murder record among other great
nations but the discreditable distinction Is
| largely que 10 the ease with winch guilty men
are aDle 10 escape capital punishment IN TINS
country, even after they have been duly con-
Vlcted
! Ine oFef"nelnihe degree OF pubic sentiment IN
| ~,a $50 oPI . ~ 'i'e No,'l ~, a.ioI, oi