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THE LIFE PRESERVER 3

WORDS BY THE EDITOR

It is to be regretted that so important a subject
as Capital Punishment has received such
little thought on the part of society as a whole.

The infliction of the death penalty for capital
crimes is a most important subject and should be
carefully considered and weighed from all points
of view. What is the argument in favor of
Capital Punishment?

The theory of retaliation has passed into the
oblivion and no argument in favor of this hideous
punishment can be found in its antiquity. The
argument that punishment by death is a deterrent
to murder has proven to be a fallacy. If it did
surely the thought of death would have prevented
the last premeditated murder.

In Fannings book, entitled "Capital Punishment,"
George Shrady, in espousing the abolition
of the death penalty, writes, "No sooner is the
crime committed than the legal advisor is consulted
and in a majority of cases, fulfills his
promise to obtain a verdict of acquittal. The
criminal classes know this and act accordingly.
An experienced criminal lawyer of New York is
quoted as saying "that of nearly six hundered cases
of murder, of which he was counsel, scarcely a
score were punished." The lesson which this
teaches cannot be misinterpreted and the criminal
who is actually sentenced and executed is
looked upon more as an unfortunate victim of
the law, than one who justly deserved his punishment.
Environment and passion is the cause of
most killings by a person who has lost self-control.

The carrying out of the death penalty creates
violence, riots, lynchings and uprisings against the
law.

Mention need only be made of the recent case
in Georgia, which need not be named. Before
the Governor of Utah had decided to intervene in
the Hillstrom case he took precautionary measures
by placing machine guns and armed guards
around the penitentiary, in which elaborate preparations
and designs had been made for the carrying
out of the judgment. It is reported that the
executive even went so far as to have guards
placed around the church in which his daughter
was being married to prevent any harm from
being inflicted on the bridal party.

At this opportune time it might be well to quote
from a message sent to the legislature of Kentucky
by Governor Beckham: "I recommend that
you provide that all executions of the death penalty
be done in the Frankfort Penitentiary. The
hanging of a man in the community where he
was tried produces a sensation, a nervousness and
excitement upon a part of the people and it has
a brutalizing effect upon the large numbers
*** who witness it."

Captial Punishment is barbaric, falacious antiquated
and should find no place in this state of
civilization. Abolish it before another person goes
to his death by virtue of it.

A NOTE OF THANKS

For the courtesy extended the Association, in
the Hillstrom case, we express our appreciation
to Honorable W.A.F. Ekengren, Swedish Minister,
and Frank L. Polk, Acting Secretary of
State.

JEROME B. SABATH, Secretary.
For the Association

AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE

Lest you forget, be advised that the October
quarterly meeting will be held on the 30th of
this month at the Prince George Hotel, at 8 o'clock,
P.M.

If you have not already responded to your invitation
please do so forthwith. Seating accomodations
are being arranged only for those signifying
their intention of attending this meeting.
For the third and last time you are urged to
advise the secretary at once how many seats
should be reserved for your party. As only a
limited number of non-members can be invited,
please comply with this request.