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WORDS BY THE EDITOR

If five states of this progressive country and no less a number of countries of the world have been able to reign peaceably without capital punishment, should it not be equally possible for the Empire State to erase from its statute books this antiquated form of punishment?

Horrible must be the scene of an execution and Mr. Sabath's words were not misplaced when he termed the impeachable affair a "damnable atrocity.

Capital Punishment MUST be abolished. Let this be our slogan until our aim has been accomplished.

The Association learns with much regret that the Constitutional Convention has refused to strike out of the Constitution the provision permitting the carrying out of the death penalty.

The Life Preserver regards the constitutionalizing of the status quo as a symptom of reactionary, rather than progressive principals.

As we live in hopes, let us hope that a Legislature, in the not distant future, will bring about the people's desire by the abolition of Capital Punishment.

We wonder whether Benjamin Franklin had ever thought that electricity would be used by the State for the actual destruction of life?

"State KILLS Five in Chair in 65 Minutes." Headline in New York American, Saturday, September 4th, 1915. Electricity again has proven its speed.

The Editor will appreciate contributions for publication, which will be used at the earliest available issue. All letters must be signed, as anonymous communications will not receive attention.

Should debaters or speakers desire material for debate or lecture in favor of the Abolition of Capital Punishment, address the Editor. He will be pleased to furnish whatever data he possesses gratuitously.

The Association will furnish speakers on the subject of the Abolition of Capital Punishment, if application therefore is made to the Secretary a reasonable time in advance.

That Leo M. Frank received a fair and unbiased trial has been conclusively proven to the public. In evidence thereof, the manner in which the law-abiding citizens of Georgia accepted the news of the commutation of his sentence, is offered.

Procratination is the thief of time, said Young. Join us now.

Lots of men and things seem easy--until you try to do them.

TO CHARLES H. JOHNSON

Heartiest congratulations and best wishes for success in your new undertaking at Chesire, Connecticut.

When you terminate your affiliations with the Connecticut State Reformatory may your departure be accompanied with the same regret by the inmates thereof as when you left Sing Sing.

THOMAS MOTT OSBORNE DISAPPROVES OF CAPITAL PUNISHMENT

"Round the Courts" reports Warden Osborne as appearing before the Bill of Rights Committee of the Constitutional Convention and voicing his opinion on Capital Punishment in the following words: The death penalty is a direct incentive for murder, which is a mere passing and not a tragedy for those who commit the crime.

"I used to favor capital punishment when I was younger and more sentimental. Now I can assure this Committee that there is no person who comes in contact with capital punishment directly, as the prison employees do, who is not opposed to the death penalty.

The mere fact that we electrocute men in secret, as we do, shows we know we are wrong, and that capital punishment is a gigantic, tragic failure."

TO OUT-OF-TOWN RESIDENTS

When visiting New York you are cordially invited to make your headquarters at the office of the Association, Room 1401, 291 Broadway. Receive and dictate your mail there and make yourself at home. Everyone will lend a helping hand to make your stay pleasant.