Evening journal., 1921-03-25
THE LAWS DELAYS.

an December "a, 1912 occurred two OF the most brutal
W murders in the history OF The city OF Washington
About six o'clock In the evening John Mcenry
walked into the store OF dealer in automobile
les pointed pistol at the proprietor ordered him to
throw up his hands He delayed instant in complying
and was shot to death. An employe OF the store
nearby and witnessed the shooting The youthful des-
perado walked from the place. and the police not
fed About hour later he was seen by detective
at the railroad station buying ticket preparatory to
leaving the city The detective placed a hand the
mans arm, whereupon he whired about and shot the
onlcer dead. There were numerous witnesses to the
second murder, and the murderer Immediately cap
tured.
The double crime committed fifteen months
ago. but the criminal still awaits punishment lie
fesscd eye witnesses testified to his guilt and not a
shred OF doubt exists that Mcllenry committed two first
degree murders Yet the has dragged along from
month to month and the end in sight The is
pending before the court OF appeals and it is said that
punishment Of the guilty wretch will be postponed for
several more weeks because attorneys have not com
pleted certain papers for presentation to the court
Now, there is disposition to criticize the court the
once OF the district attorney, or the lawyers for
the defense. Doubtless all OF them conducted the
strictly accordance with the and established judicial
procedure Nevertheless It is fact that delays in melting
out justice in aggravated like that described
sponsbe more than any other cause, for the preva
lence OF lynching in the United States.
The trial Of the MoIIenry in Washington probably
can be duplicated all essential particulars in the Grim
inal records OF most OF the States the Wash
ingon Is Federal court enforcing the laws enacted b!
Congress- It is within the power OF gress to chang
the law and procedure that delays in furnishing crmi
nails may be done away with. And with such reform
in the courts OF the National Capital It would not b.
long before the courts in the States would adopt sima
methods.
That the Republicans do intend to take effective meas
for the suppression lynchlng indicated by TN
following paragraph the national platform OF last year
"We urge Congress to consider the most effective mean
10 end lynchng in this country which continues to be
terrible blot American civilization"
/ No specific recommended in the platform
but with The record In the MclIenry before them,
viii not be dinnout for members on Congress to enac
legislation that will eliminate Of the causes at cas
that encourages lyneetrs in their cowardly work.
And It is not alone in murder that speed shout
be sought in determining guilt and assessing punishment
Every facility, OF course must be granted the
TO maintain his innocence.
But the actual trial OF is not the della!
Weeks and months pass by while the prisoner eithe
anguishes in Jail is bond free to commit othe
crimes II the spirit him to do He may be a
innocent man. but the delay in establishing that FAC
often is OF such length that the public to loo
upon him as a confirmed criminal.
Reform in criminal procedure is crying need. an
II the Republicans accomplish It they will earn N
lasting gratitude OF long-sunering public,