The convicted anarchists now in the Chicago jail awaiting execution are making, through their friends, strenuous efforts to have their punishment lessened. A petition has been presented asking for a reprieve. The plea is that the peace will be preserved. While we boast a reasonable amount of mercy, still we can see nothing to commend to our favor a petition which is, at the same time, a threat. There is abundant evidence that the introduction of anarchists into our country is for no good, and now is the best time to strike a blow, which, being dealt against a pernicious organization in its incipiency, shall be all the more effective in crushing it. Many people imagine that, because eight thousand names have been secured to this petition, it deserves consideration; but, let the sense of the people at large be taken, and then we shall see how many million names of good American citizens, demanding the execution of this sentence as a safeguard to them in the enjoyment of their rights as free people, shall be secured. Where the safety of a nation is at stake, there is no place for timid sentiment in the hearts of those who are custodians of that safety. Then, since a “jury of twelve of their peers” has declared the six anarchists guilty, let them hang and let others of their organization take warning.
The policy of England toward Ireland as expressed in her dealings with O’Brien is peculiarly cowardly. It should not be the part of unaffected spectators to express themselves too strongly on either side of a national question like this, but no man, sane and honest, can know the facts in the case and not feel in his soul both contempt for the English government and sympathy for Ireland. That country is indeed to be pitied whose proud boast it is that the sun never sets on her dominion, and yet is under the guidance of a government which, to forward its purpose deems it necessary to resort to such measures as those employed against Ireland’s patriotic editor. The history of nations shows that a policy of oppression toward any part of a government will re-act disastrously on the oppressors, and the rulers of England, if they are wise, will adopt a conciliatory policy before they goad to desperation a race of people who have more than once shown themselves no unworthy foemen for some of the proudest armies of Europe. In the present condition of the international political affairs of our neighbors across the Atlantic, an outbreak in Ireland would mean something more than a rebellion to be crushed; and the sovereign, the beginning of whose reign was marked by serious trouble in the East, might close her career with that same East either entirely snatched from her hands by her Muscovite neighbor or the scene of a long struggle for the mastery.
Read the papers and what spirit of ferocity is often manifested in the “criminal columns.” There is an account of some wretched man who, after he has suffered death at the hands of an infuriated mob, has had his body riddled with bullets. Granting his crime merited death, there is no principle of justice in such action. It is a violation of that right which the English noblemen obtained from King John at Runnymede, the right of trial by jury. Moreover, it seems as if “judgment had fled to brutish beasts and men had lost their reason.” Besides usurping authority, the mob is moved by vengeance alone to inflict punishment. Every reasonable man should discountenance such procedure, but is at the same time desirous of the just execution of punishment upon him that doeth wrong.
The Nestor of Southern statesmen has recently given to the public his opinions on prohibition. We heartily agree with him that one of the strongest weapons possible for man to wield against the progress of intemperance is found in the duty of every mother to implant in the very souls of her children the true principles of temperance. While the children are young is the time to give lasting life to ideas which in later years will produce good results for the suppression of the liquor traffic and the elevation of mankind. But this weapon is not used so successfully as is necessary. We do not agree with Mr. Davis that any inalienable rights would be taken from the citizens by the success of a new political party with temperance for its issue. If the State needs and even demands a reform, if both Democrats and Republicans are afraid to touch the liquor problem, the formation of a party that does not fear to suppress social evils is a necessity. Times change, and parties must change. Moreover, it is no disgrace, nay, even it shows a spirit of fortitude for a man to change his politics, if he finds that he can better promote the welfare of his country. Slavery once impeded our healthy development and it took the organization of a party to abolish it. The impediment of our age is intemperance, and the demand of the times is some political force—call that force what you may—which will free us from the tendency toward degradation.
There will be contests this fall in several States, between the two political parties, and the press in its comments may attempt, as is too often done, to vilify the candidates of the opposite party. The best way to secure success is for both candidate and editor to treat every man according to his worth and not rely upon low ribaldry and exaggerated invective. The man who attempts to succeed through bitter recitals of the deeds of the past will not only offend the finer sensibilities of the best citizens but often stands in danger of defeat among his equals. Such a person ought to be put on the retired list and preserved as a specimen of humanity of two centuries ago. Every man is expected to be strong and enthusiastic for his party, but no man should so far forget the use of his reason as to call his neighbor a rascal simply on account of different political views. When a man’s character will not bear the test then let the press expose him. The publication of prejudiced accusations, and the display of cartoons devised by narrow-minded partisans tend only to corrupt our civilization. It is the purpose of The Archive to condemn whatever may be wrong in every political party and at the same time to maintain such views as can be considered at least liberal.