smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1875

Our legislation in reference to capital pun
ishment should be revised. Although there
is a respectable humanitarian feeling opposed
to the infiction of death punishments, still
the sturdy sense of the Anglo-Saxon in Eng
land and in the United States believes that
life should be forfeited for life. Capital
punishment is valuable as deterring infu-
ence in crime only in the promptitude and
simplicity Of its enforcement When a
prisoner is charged with murder in the first
degree he should be speedily tried If guilty
he should be executed without delay. The
crime itself is so terrible, the danger to
society from its tolerance is so great,
that the punishment to have any force
at all should be swift and unrelenting.
This should be so even as o matter of
humanity to the prisoner We can imagine
no situation of life more agonizing than for
an accused murderer to linger on for months
and months in his cell awaiting trial, and
then after trial and conviction to linger on
for weeks and weeks awaiting the result of
motions for a new trial, and efforts to obtain
pardon or commutation by the Governor.
No story Of lingering death ever told by the
ingenious fancy of the romancer can equal
in pathos many stories of the Tombs


Take the case of Scannell. He was i'm
prisoned for two or three years. The jury
disagreed twice before a verdict could be
. reached. He was sent to the insane asylum.
Every day of these years was full of appre-
hension and agony. Take the case Of Stokes.
lie was tried, found guilty of murder in
the first degree, sentenced, on the verge
Of death, the day appointed for the execu-
ton, when new trial was ordered and he
was convicted Of a minor offence and sent
for short term to prison. Think of the
agony that must have shadowed this mans
life Think of the awful burlesque upon
Justice which was shown in the fact that two
jures could be found in New York in the
space Of few weeks, one Of which would
regard a man as worthy to be hanged
and the other as simply guilty Of man
slaughter Take the case of Dolen, who was
doomed to die to-day. lie was suddenly
tried His sentence was passed almost with
exultation by his Judge; yet only yesterday
I "a
priesed on the ground that some new evil
dence had been discovered, and succeeds in
obtaining respite for one week. Yet this
man is on the verge Of dcath-hoping, fear
ing, trembling, thinking Of life alone and not
Of his God. IT the Governor had declined
to interfere, what time would he have had
for those religious offices which the humanity
Of orr law extends to the condemned?


Capital punishment to serve justice should
be swift and decisive We should have a
law laying down the time in which prisoner
should be tried, and limiting the period
between condemnation and execution. Muir
der should be allowed to take precedence OF
all other issues. At the utmost thirty days
should bo the amplcst time given the Dis
trct Attorney to try Ais prisoner and this
trial should continue from day TO day until
decided If fornd guilty and condemned 70
death not more than ten days should elapse
hefora the exec tion. Terrible was the
Year: 1875

Now that General Babcock has been in
dicted at st. Louis for criminal offence, we
trust that his trial will be conducted in the
spirit of the vigorous direction of the Presi-
dent in relation to the Whiskey Ring prose-
cutions We are bound to believe that
neither President Grant nor any officer acting
under his instructions will show any indul-
gence or favoritism to General Babcock on
account of the confidential position he has
so long held in the Executive Mansion. 1t
would, of course, be awkward and embar-
rassing to have completely with the Whiskey
Ring brought so near home but it would be
fatally damaging for the President to shield a
member of his official family who is indicted
for o crime. Justice must take its course /;
it must not forfeit the character given by
artists who represent her in marble as an
image with bandaged eyes and with even
scales suspended from her outstretched
hand. The bandaged eyes imply that she
can see no parties and that her scales are
turned only by the law and the evidence. In
the present case she must be blind to the
fact that General Babcock is the private
secretary of the President, and deal with him
precisely as if he held no such relation.


1t seems too obvious for argument that the
Presidents order for court of inquiry
should be suspended now that an indict-
ment has been found against General Bab-
cock in civil court. There is, indeed, no
legal conflict between the military and
civil jurisdiction, but there is o moral
conflict which the administration can
not afford to disregard. If the military
court should acquit, aud the civil
court convict, the inculpated officer the
door would be opened for kind of criticism
which the administration should be careful
to avoid. Nothing ought to be done outside
of the civil trial which would tend to bias or
influence the jury. If the court at st. Louis
shall declare General Babcock innocent the
necessity for n court of inquiry will be SUPER
seded by an honorable acquittal. II, on the
other hand, the civil court shall find him
guilty, the verdict of the jury and sentence
of the judge will leave nothing for military
court TO investigate, and no duty will remain
but for the President to dismiss him from
the army. General Babcock asked for
court of inquiry only when he found
that his request to testify in the
trial Of Avery could not be granted.


1t was his first wish to vindicate
himself before q civil tribunal. The thing
for which he first petitioned having now
become necessity in consequence Of the in
dictment, there is no longer any reason for
the court Of inquiry, which was granted only
on his request for the purnose Of giving him
Year: 1875

impelled Mr. O'Conor to the great services
these later years, sufficient cause is mani
fest in the concurrence Of opportunity with
ability that summoned him to a combat
from which he did not shrink, although he
well knew the cost to himself of the under
taking. At an age and after labors which en-
titled him to pass declining years in calm and
ease he heard their call for succor and hur-
ried to the strife in the truest spirit of chiv-
airy. lie dies in armor at the head of the
array OF all good men against the powers of
political corruption, and the best honor we
can pay to his memory-the only honor he
would asks that we shall close the ranks
and continue the fight to victory.
Year: 1875

an opportunity of clearing himself If he
could. The coveted opportunity will be
afforded by the civil trial, and there is no
reason for different mode of investigation.
Moreover the offence with which General
Babcock stands charged is not a violation
of his duties as an officer of the army, but
a crime which falls within the Jurisdiction OF
the civil authorities. When Colonel Baker
was recently brought to trial in England be-
fore civil tribunal the Queens government
left justice to take its ordinary course.
instituting no military inquiry, and stand
ing quite aloof until after the jury had rem
dered its verdict. Its subsequent action in
cashiering that officer was founded solely on
the verdict There is no reason why the
military branch of our government should
pursue a different course. 1t is to be hoped
that the order for court of inquiry to meet
in Chicago on Thursday will be suspended
during the trial of General Babcock before
the civil court.


There is another question in connection
with this case on which the grounds of de-
cision are not SO perfectly clear. That ques-
ton IS whether the President should
continue to employ General Babcock aa
his private secretary while this indict-
ment is pending against him. If the
President believes him guilty there should,
of course, be no hesitation. But it is
probable that the President thinks hia
guilt is not yet proved. In that case it is
delicate question. His dismissal would be
construed by the public and the jury as i'm
plying belief in his guilt on the part of the
President, and would prejudice his case be-
fore the Court The President may iustif-
ably hesitate to do anything which would
impair the chances of fair trial if his own
mind is in doubt. If he is fully satisfied OF
General Babcock's innocence it is his clear
duty to stand by him.
Year: 1875

Bishop Haven, of the Methodist Church,
has created a sensation by his little speech
in Boston nominating General Grant for a
third term. Bishop Haven gives the key
note of his startling proposition when he
asks the question, ''Shall the Puritan or tie
Cavalier be the ruler? ?" This idea of bring
ing into our modern politics the divisions
that existed between the Cavalier and the
Puritan is full Of matter for reflection.


We presume that if the modern Cavaliers
and the Puritans are to fight. their battles
over again we must regard General Grant as
the new Cromwell. Grant has many points
of resemblance to Cromwell He is stub
born, unreasonable and good soldier. He
believes the few things which he does believe
intensely. Recently he has been going regu-
larly to church. Like Cromwell he carries
his military system into politics. Every
movement he has made as President is based
upon the idea of q military campaign. When
he could not fight Lee he fanked him.
Although there were stories that came from
the battlefield every few days to the effect
that he was abandoning the fight and meant
to retreat in the end it was seen that his
purpose was to capture Lee all the time.
What seemed to be retreats to the unprac
tised eye were feints and fanking move
ments.


In this manner he has fought his campaign
for the third term. If any persons suppose
that he has abandoned the idea they do in
justice to his stubbornness and tenacity He
tried to ''fank' the opposition to the third
term by the Alabama movement and failed.
Then he tried the st. Domingo movement
and failed. Then he tried 'the Cuban war
cry" and failed. Then he tried Mexico and
the outrages on the Rio Grande and failed
Now he proposes the religious antelope
fanking movement. Will he succeed?


In this our modern Cromwell is as well
seconded by his favorite priests of the
Methodist Church as was the Lord Pro-
tector by his Puritan priests when
he made war upon the English mon
archy. Like Cromwell, he has his po-
litical and military surroundings. Bishop
Haven is his Praise God Barebones Chan
dler is his Ireton fervent in speech and
Jealous for the cause Conkling is his Lud-
low, who will stand by the new Protector
and go to exile rather than abandon him !;
Logan is his Harrison. We might pursue the
parallel and find in the Cabinet and out of it
and in the small circle that surrounds him,
and in fatterers like Shepherd and adven-
turers like Casey and over-zealous priests
like Haven men who will be ONLY too will
ing to do for Grant what the fanatics and
fatterers and adventurers in the Puritan
time were only too glad to do for Cromwell
What they aimed at was, if not crown, the
power and the substance of crown. The
modern Puritans aim at the same thing for
their Cromwell This, and nothing else, is
involved in the issue Of the third term.
Year: 1875

The SENATE YESTERDAY appointed it's COM
mittees, with little grumbling from the
democrats as to their representation on the
important Finance Committee. They have
not squarely got to work yet, and exciting
times must not be expected for while
Year: 1875

THE BISMARCK WAR still RACES in
documentary shape. Our London letter
gives some spicy extracts from the pamphlet
Of the ruined Count. They have sting in
them for the Imperial Chancellor, but the
latter is man who believes that those may
laugh who win and he has won.
Year: 1875

punishment inflicted upon Atzerott and
Harold and the murderers of President Lin
coin it had a humane aspect in this, that it
was executed within three days after the
sentence. AS it is now, our law, while it pre-
tents to be humane imposes upon the con-
demned prisoner mental agony compared
to which the torture of the Chinese or the
Indians is merciful indeed
Year: 1875

Can any of our readers tell why
the Governor does not appoint q
public wcigher for Dallas


There was some opposition to the
measure, before it became n law, but
as tho law is imperative and mnnd-
atory on the Governor to
appoint weigher, the Ian.
guage being "authorized and re
quired," we think it ought to be
complied with. The cotton crop
will soon be coming to market,
and rival shipping towns, which
have public weighcrs, while we have
none, will be given the preference
over Dallas by many shippers, on
that account. All we ask is far
chance with our ncighbors in this
matter, and the Governor ought to
see that we have it.
Year: 1875

from tne NeW 1Orh Sun.J


The new Constitution framed by the
Missouri Convention, which is to be
submitted for ratification by the people
of that State in October, is remarkable
for the positive provisions it contains
restricting the Legislature and other
authorities from abusing the powers
conferred upon them. Indeed, with
the exception of Switzerland, there is
probably no State in which the consti-
tuted- authorities are held to such strict
limitations in the exercise of their du-
ties as those of Missouri " ill be ii the
new Constitution is ratified. The Leg
islature is to meet once in two years,
adjourned sessions being absolutely
prohibited and, in order to encourage
Short sessions, it is provided that,
while members may receive five dol
lars day for the first seventy days,
their pay shall be reduced to one dol
lar per day after that period
has expired. The system Of
rules prescribed for legislation is
well calculated to prevent the passage
of laws by means of the tricks which
are often resorted to in order to coll
ceal the real purpose of objectionable
bills. From the Introduction Of a bill
to its final Authorization, it is sur
rounded by safeguards against fraud.
Each different bill must he read on
three different days in each House, and
this rule cannot be suspended. Every
amendment must be Incorporated
with the bill, which, as thus amended,
must be printed before final action can
be taken upon it. And ifa bill Is lost
by the vote on its final passage, it can
not be given new lease of life by the
old track of motipn to reconsider the
vote, thus aitOrding an opportunity for
the application of lobby influences, for
any such motion must be finally dis
posed of as soon as IL is made. But
It is in regard to the collection and
expenditure of the public funds
that the most stringent articles in this
Constitution have been framed. Under
these, until the interest on the public
debt, the necessary items for the sink
ing fund, for public schools and chari


ties and for the pay of public Officers


other than thelmembers of the Legisla


ture are provided for, no appropria


tions can be made. Then the Genera


Assembly may provide for its own pay


and make such other appropriations a


are not prohibited by the Constitution


But they can not give or lend the predl
or money of the State for any purpos


whatsoever, nor can they authorize an.
subordinate authority, such as q eourl
a county, or a municipality, to do SC


nor can they remit any claim which th
public may have. And neither the Leg
, islature nor any subordinate author
ity can add one cent to the public oct


unless empowered to do so by vote G


two-thirds of the people OF the stat'
county, or municipality, as the cas-
may be.
Year: 1875

YZf,oUo, 90 IL


The above figures tell their own story,
which is,that of the total expenditures of the
year, S157 ,292, ,416.S1, or "a per cent. of the
whole, is directly chargeable to the war, for
which many of the present leaders of the Dem
ocratic party in Maine are as responsible as any
men can be who did not actually bear arms
against the nations cause. We are aware
that the leaders of the Democracy lose their
temper when their attention is called to the
part they played in the days of 1865, but
so long as they attempt to foist their share
of the responsibility in the present taxation
of the country upon the Republicans, they
must not complain when their page of infa-
nous history is rected to them.


We shall not undertake to defend all the
expenditures of this or any other admins
tration. Less money might be expended ON
public buildings, Notifications ETC.. but no
one who has any knowledge of the instincts
of the Democratic party is SO silly as to be-
lieve that Democratic congress and
Democratic administration would cut
down the public expenditures. No one be-
lieves that Democratic congress and
Democratic administration would reduce the
army of ofice-holders in this country. In
deed, the securing of these places for them
selves is the only platform upon which that
incongruous mass of outs called the Demo-
cratic party can heartily unite. On that
point, for more than twelve years they have
been determined unit.
Year: 1875

Western journals OF both political parties
are commenting on the reticence on the finan-
cial question of Governor Hendricks of rn.
diana, who, they say, is in a dilemma as 10
whether he shall "stump'' for imitation in
Ohio or contraction in Maine.


The point TO be guarded against is their
ability to capture the whole Government in
1876 as they captured the House OF Repre-
sentatives in 1874, in which event the decla-
ration of Mr.. Beck, that "this is no nation"
would soon be made practically true. Let us
look to it in time.-N. Y. Commercial Adcer-
tiser.


We repeat it: The conduc. of men during
the war for National unity has everything to
do with their fitness for position. We may
excuse the man who cast in his lot with the
South, being moved thereto by the accidents
OF birth and education. But for the man
who stood uD in communities where LOYALTY
was the rule, and denyed his country-for
that man there is only tolerance. There is
no forgiveness for him. He was false then
and he is false now. He will be false to-mor
row, and next week, and next year.-PhiLa-
deLphiG North american.


The San Francisco Call thinks that If the
Ohio Democrats carry their state this year
the currency question will become the Lead
ing one in national politics; that the old par
ties Will be rent asunder, and the North and
East Will be arrayed against the South and
West
Year: 1875

An earnest desire to justify your generous conf
dence, and strong regard for the honor and acel-
rare OF our State, inspire NTH the firm resolve 10
spare no effort and to consider other consequences
IN the endea1or to faitly discharge the duties that
aoat De incumbent on me If your choice shall prore
70 oe the choice of the people also. pledge you and
thousands for aohom you act in that even an honest
purpose ana fred determination to make the public
good my single aim and constant care.


Gen. Connor's Acceptance
Year: 1875

The prospect is good for lively time at
the Pennsylvania Democratic convention,
there being sharp division of sentiment
among the Democracy of that state on the
currency question. The chairman OF the
state committee says the Ohio platform will
engage considerable attention, and Senator
Wallace anticipates protracted discussion
in the convention. The initiation heresy is
evidently gaining favor with the Democrats.
Year: 1875

PHRENoLo GIsTs have discovered that the
study of the Chinese language changes the
shape of the forehead. One student says
that since he began the study the region of
his perceptive faculties has taken on
layer of boue quarter OF an inch thick, and
the hats he used to wear will only rest on the
top of his head now. 1t does not appear
that he was very thick-headed before he en-
tered upon the study of the monosyllabic
tongue. While there are so many speedier
ways of getting swelled head it is strange
that anyone should take to Chinese and
spoil a good hat thereby.
Year: 1875

We do not read anonymous letters and communi-
cations The name and address of the writer are in
all cases Indispensable not necessarily for publication
but as guaranty o. good faith.


We cannot un6c.take to return or reserve commu-
nications that are not used.
Year: 1875

The general advance of breadstufs on the
continent will make lively demand for our
crops this fall, and bring back to us some
the gold that Europe has been drawing away
All branches of trade will feel quickening
and the long anticipated revival of business
will begin. As soon as trade lightens up the
senseless Democratic policy of initiation will
fall into disfavor and its advocates will be
sent to the rear. 1t will be amusing to see
how soon the politicians will cease fondling
that Ohio baby to which Mr.. George II.
Pendleton claims to stand in the relation of
Goting father.
Year: 1875

Tor the purpose of nominating candidates for four
Send,ors, Judge of Probate, Register of Probate,
the Courts.


Also to choose County Committee, and to act
upon any other business which may properly come
before the Convention.


The basis of representation will be as follows: Each
City and Town will be entitled to Delegate and
one additional Delegate for every 60 votes cast of
Nelson Dingiey for Governor in 1874 fraction of 3
votes additional 10 the full number will enttle the
City or Town to an additional Delegate. This basis
will give the following deagates and annortion ment
Year: 1875

A MODERATOR on TRIAL FOR DIsOBEDENCE.


The Jersey City Presbytery met Yesterday
morning at 10 O'Clock in the First Presbyterian Church
in Hoboken ID tho regular sem-lnnual session. After
the usual opening services Moderator Wall made YER
bal report Of his action In the Of the Prospect Ave
nue. Church at Jersey City Hghts, stating that in
the instructions OF the he had
preached in the church. but had reraned from decar
ing the pulpit vacant because be considered
Mr. GlendennIDgs appeal to the Synod to act
stay 70 further proceedings pending
the decision OF that body The debate upon this report
continued through the morning session. and was re-
sumed in the afternoon. DR.. Fisher and Elder Miller
made short addresses sustaining the on the
ground that he could not execute sentence until the
Synod had decided on the appeal. Dr. Magee of Pater
said that the Moderator had right to Judge for
the Presbytery and should have read the finding and
sentence OF the Presbytery. The Rev. Mr.. Marshall
spoke in favor OF the position taken by
Moderator Wall, while the Rev. Mr. Edwards
claimed that Moderator Wall had fallen short of his
duty After citing several from the minutes of
the General Assembly he asserted that right OF the
Presbytery TO dissolve the pastoral relations is
clear. The sentence @ deposition from Office a nd
the Book does allow the appeal to suspend action
He characterized Mr.. Glendennings letter. read n the
Prospect Avenue Church direct flying In the face
OF the Presbytery."


The Rev. Mr.. bod said the community looked upon
the suspension from Office portion Of the punish
ment and he thought Moderator alls action was us
tce tempered with mercy. He favored referring the
matter 10 the Synod for Its approval At nalf past
Moderator Wall was called on for a statement. ana
he asserted that the action he had taken
was at astme when the Presby terry could not
be called together in time TO adyise him,
and cialmed that the Moderator should exercise Iis
Judgment In such After quoting several de-
the higher courts sustain his action and 10
show that appeal q stay OF proceedings he said
that nc did notqueston the OF Presoyery 10
depoee minister. but there case on record
where Presbytery had gone into church contrary 10
the wishes OF pastor aud people and dsposed the


The motion 10 approve Moderator Walls renort was
lost by vote OF % l5 Mr. Gendenning voting I'm the
Affirmative. Moderator Edwards said while Nf t,len-
dennings vote not cast out 1t exceedingly out
Of llace for him TO vote


Tby Rev DIR. Imbrie then moved that the Presbytery
declare that Mr.. Walls action error in Judgment
ana sustained by the Presbytery. THIS was adopted
Imbris next moved that the duty OF Announcing 10
the Prospec Avenue ChuIch the nndng Of the Pfesby