The Trial of Czolgosz
We own that we are agreeably surprised
at the manner in which the trial of Czolgosz was conducted. Speaking
frankly, we didn’t think that the bench and bar of the Empire State
were capable of accomplishing this in so eminently proper a manner.
The case was characterized by orderliness, dispatch and decency
throughout. Our opinion as to the quantity and quality of justice
which the New York Courts mete out may be erroneous, but when there
are considered the monstrous delays and perversions which have occurred
within the last few years, and of which the Molineux case is a shining
example, it will, perhaps, be admitted that the aforesaid opinion
is justified.
The standard of the profession will
be raised appreciably when knock-out questions, arguments on technicalities
and the various subterfuges which are now being constantly resorted
to for the sole purpose of hindering, delaying and obstructing justice,
will be regarded as distinctly unprofessional. If the New York City
Bar Association would consider this matter instead, perhaps, of
holding meetings at which only a little over 200 are present and
then proceeding to attack some member of the judiciary on the eve
of an election, we are of the opinion that the work which that learned
body would accomplish would be of more public utility.
Contrast the Czolgosz case with the
Guiteau trial, which, of course, occurred without the State, during
the course of which the defendant was permitted to indulge in all
the theatrical tirades which his insane vanity called for.
The course adopted in denying to the
assassin the publicity which he sought, will have more effect upon
the average “red” than any other measures which could be adopted.
He went to his doom, not amid a blaze of tinsel glory, but silently
disappeared from a world which he had designed to startle.
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