Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-01-19

Within two days after the murder OF
George Philip Hirth on p street between
Warning Against seie ghss en- an 4
the Laws Delays. ssres's is AZ 9 so,r
men had been arrested and charged
with the crime. They were eventually
convicted and executed, though several
years elapsed between the murder and
punishment The Star Of January II,
1880. referring to the lynching Of the
assailant of little girl In nearby Mary
land, said:
"In view of the awful fate which be-
fell the brute Peck at the hands Of q
mob in Poolesville last Saturday night,
the murderers of young Hirth can thank
their stars that their monstrous crime
was committed In Washington and not
in one of the rural districts of Mary
land. Had its scene been so changed, it
is safe to say that these criminals would
now be familiar with the mysteries of
the realm beyond the grave, instead Of
being safely and comfortably housed in
jail awaiting trial for their heinous Of
tense, under the forms and guarantees
Of law. Yet 1t is better that it should
be so. And this not only so far as 1t
affects the criminals individually, but
also for the welfare and protection Of
society itself
There are occasions and circum-
stances which for the time being seem
to justify the summary and extreme ac-
ton of an assemblage Of indignant and
long suffering citizens, but such pro-
ceedings are always dangerous, since
they sap the very foundations Of law
and order, and there is no telling where
presidents so established may lead. On
the other hand, however, the officers Of
justice should see to it that they leave
no ground on which such an assemblaEe
can stand to either defend its action or
set up the plea that it is necessary.
Those charged with the execution Of
the laws have it in their power to large
ly reduce the percentage of crime
everywhere, II they are so disposed. The
swiftness and certainty of punishment
have even greater terrors for the crimi-
nal classes than the nature Of the pen
atty prescribed for their offense. Out
laws well know that just in the proper
ton that they can secure delay they
reap the benefit of loss Of proofs and
that lack Of public interest which al
ways comes with delay, and thereby in
crease their chances for Anal escape.
Those In whose hands the protec-
ton Of life and property Is placed
should therefore see to 1t not only that
the extreme penalty of the law shall be
enforced in every case. but that its pun
lSnmentS Snau be quick ana sure. Moth
ing short of the fulfillment OF these
conditions will give to society that i'm
munity from lawlessness and crime to
which 1t is entitled. and the community
will accept nothing less from ofiicials
than that faithful and complete dis
charge OF the sacred trusts committed
to their hands which 1t has the right
to demand.
"Apropos of the Hirth case 1t may be
added that 1t affords to the new United
States district attorney an admirable
opportunity to demonstrate his fitness
Tor the important and responsible ONCE
to which he has been appointed. If he
prosecutes 1t promptly. vigorously and
successfully he win in a large meas
ure justify the recommendations and
promises OF his friends. Should he fall
IN either respect he will at the outset
Of his oficial career confirm the worst
predictions of those who viewed his ap-
pointment with disfavor and appre-
hension. He may at any rate rely upon
1t that his management Of the case will
be closely watched and freely criticized.
Other cases in which the public safety
or interests are involved win, Of course.
be carefully scrutinized as then arise,
but this one, from its nature and the
circumstances surrounding 10 may be
likely to attract the earliest and widest
attention"