Year: 1870

Killed His Mun.


A we'll organized mind can hardly compre-
bend the ambition of certain class of men
to graduate in crime by killing fellow be-
ing. Yet such an ambition exists. Proba-
bly, fourth Of the murders which disgrace
our civilization are prompted by no other
motive. The process of formation BY which
mind arrives at such condition can only
he imagined. Human nature is immitative.
Youth admires the power a1d accomplish
ments of age. The mind possesses natural
bias and circumstances complete its destiny.
| A lad at school is impressed with the effort
| of gifted orator. IF the discourse is politi-
cal. the youth resolves to become politician
and, like the distinguished man he admires.
mako political speeches. If the oritcrical
effort which charms him is the argument of
great lawyer, the youth resolves to adopt
that profession. The invention of a genius
| in mechanics attracts another variety OF mind.
Another is dazzled by the parade perform
ance of holiday soldier. The dignity and
| solemnitv that surround the clergymen draw
the grave and serious minded youth into the
pulpit. These are all legitimate tendencies.
The fame which awaits those who sncceed in
the various professions is frightened BY the
| thought of usefulness. But there are GER
tain peculiar mental organizations which
are fred by the contemplation OF deeds of
lawless violence. The model and master of
| such is dark-browed outlaw at whose ap-
proach peaceable citizens tremble. The pow
er of inspiring terror has for them an ire
sistible fascination. Physical strength, NOR
al recklessness, the daring of desperation,
are the qualities which elicit their warmest
admiration. Every conspicuous hero Of the
road or the battlefield has thousand hum
ble iEitaters. Every ambitious youth can
not become Clay or Webster; nor can
every aspiring desperate become n joaquin.
Bat they can approach such greatness accor-
| ding to the measure of their abilities. The
politician who starts in the world determined
to become Senator finds measure ofsatis-
faction in being the village oracle and the
star of the village debating club. So with
| the would be desperate. The aspirant can
not always achieve national reputation but
he can make himself terror of a small cir
Gle. A majority of men shrink from per-
sonal collision which may result in the she'd
ding of blood. The desperate takes advan-
tage of this fact. Iie is always ready for q
! fight. His weapon is at his side and he is
skilled in its use. lie delights to parade it
before eyes unaccus.omed to snch sights.
As the orator rising to address an audience
experiences certain moral support from his
reputation. so the desperate derives sense
of power from his former deeds of violence.
| IF his very name is terror, the battle is half
fought. But to gain o name in this world of
| blood and muscle one must accomplish some
| thing worthy of n.entiom. A series of sue
cessful fights is good start, bus all crea-
| lures of this class feel that their reputation
rests on precarious foundation until they
have killed their man. Nothing less will do.
This is the graduating degree without
which the most promising scholarship is
! incomplete. Their ambition is to be point
ed at as The man who killed poor So and So.
Strange and incomprehensible ambition yet
it has been the motive power Of many dark
and unprovoked murder.


The sentimentalities of the age treats this
description of law-breakers with great leni-
ency Homicides resulting from brawls are
regarded az misdemeanors. The murderer
remains in Jail few weeks and then emerg-
es to the admiration of his less distinguished
comrades. He is perhaps not so bad citizen
as before as his reputation is made and he
can rest on his laurels. But he is an exam
pie to the aspiring of his class. He has kill
ed his man and is clear of the law. A GER
tain order of fallen women regard him with
mingled love and fear. He is welcome to
their houses and often made partner in the
proceeds of their business. He is advanced
several degrees in the estimation of his COM
panions and in their circles he is treated with
a certain respect. He has demonstrated his
courage. The act may have been cowardly
but it creates for him reputation as man
| Of nerve. Until society awakes to its danger
and in its character as administrator OF JUS
| tice sweeps score or two of these fellows
/ into eternity it will be in certain circles re-
garded as rather feather in ones cap to
have killed his man.-Golden Era.