Czolgosz as a “Problem”

     Speculations as to the future destination of Czolgosz before he had “shuffled off this mortal coil,” seem to be about as various and contradictory as the views of the press and pulpit upon the “anarchism” avowed by the murderer. For instance, “Judge” prints a cartoon upon the subject, depicting his Satanic majesty as telephoning from the internal regions to Auburn prison, asking that the job be put through as speedily as possible, as he has a new and unusual punishment which he wishes to try first upon the assassin. Upon the hypothesis that the latter was performing “God’s will” in assasinating [sic] McKinley, the request of the Devil seems reasonable enough. But the difficulty of explaining why the Devil is permitted to punish him for carrying out the will of God, still remains. However, these minor contradictions are hardly worth the consideration of the clergy, who now seem to have their hands full in trying to [sustain?] that more important contradictory statement that the interests of laborers and capitalists are identical.
     But nevertheless Czolgosz was given a chance to escape the preparations which “Judge” pictures the Devil as making for his reception. “Spiritual consolation” was offered him, though whether he availed himself of the opportunity is not very clear. A few days before the execution, Father Fudzinski, after an interview with the prisoner, gave the Associated press [sic] reporter the following vague information. “He was born a Christian,” said the priest, “and although he may have renounced Christianity, he is a Christian, I think.” Surely this man has compelled the press and pulpit to perform many wondrous logical somersaults. He has been described as a Christian who had renounced Christianity; an “infidel” and a believer; a doer of the will of God [instigated?] by the Devil; the priest fits him for heaven, and the press consigns him to hell. Certainly if these various views contain any truth the most wonderful contradiction of all, viz., that he was an anarchist and a Socialist at the same time, may even find some supporters. The real fact that he was an anarchist who voted the Republican ticket, doesn’t seem to be quite absurd enough for general acceptance.