The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1913-05-29
PEOPLES FORUM
Grateful and Optimistic.

To the Editor of The virginian:
Sir.-The Vrginian has been generous, and
| am sincerely grateful My apoIgy for hav-
ing occupied much of it's valuable time and
space is the greatness of the cause for which
|, nave essayed to enter a plea-the cause of a
clear-yisioned and broadly seeing and compe-
tent and life-fled civilization. 1t is crafty
ing. too. that The Virgnian has been not only
courteous and dignihed became prom
inent and worthy an educator and guide of
public sentiment, but also open-minded. 1t
is new sign of the coming of better things
a reviving of hope-that The Virginian stands
ready to champion some other than the long
tried penal measures so soon as it shall be
persuaded that the new are safe and effective
l am not willing, however. that The Vr-
ginian shall do both itself and the in
justice--eyen though most assuredly uninten-
ttonal-of resting in and setting forth the con-
lecture that we who protest against capital pun
ishment are opposed to all penalties, would
set aside all law, would consent to A reign Of
anarchy while introducing and perfecting the
larger processes of character building. In the
closing paragraph Of my article of the 24th
(Virginian of the 26thl, there is very dis
tinct avowal of my faith in the possibility of
a certain, and perfected. and effective life
the death penalty. That faith, think is fully
justified-as regards the physical factors of the
problem-by our achievements in the realm Of
material things and. to the moral phases
of the matter by the increasing light which
comes from our studies in the fields OF
psychology sociology, pedagogics, ethics. and
religion. Let it be said once more that the
light which comes from "statistics'-from tests
and experiments already made or now max
quate The problem should be brought before
the judgment seat of severest and absolutely
unbiased reason, and upon it there should be
focused all the light not only of common
sense but also of sense uncommon. extra
common, all the light of extraordinary, broad
est, highest intelligence.
The details of imprisonment measures
and experiences should be carefully worked
out by the State through the most clear
haded able. richly furnished and conscientious
experts whose services she command, and
her application of the most highly approved
methods and her conduct of the criminal
through the inevitable experiences OF his life
long ordeal should be with such exact i'm
partially and such severity of manner will,
for mercy, recognize only that gentleness which
is essential element of justice.
Should any misrepresent my position
through your columns, or seem to fail to un-
derstand me, I might again ask to be heard.
Otherwise. 1 have probably. for the present.
discharged my duty as a ctizen-so far re-
CARDS this vital problem-in uttering, through
your kindness this earnest protest against what
seems to many wastefu1 socially most hurt
full essentially unjunst and wholly unjustih-
able method of punishment. If there be crime,
let there be punishment. But let that punish
ment be wise let 1t be ideally adapted to the
highest ends both for the transgressor and for
the State.
E. W. wINFREY.
Culpeper. Va.