p. 12 | Note and Comment

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 22, 1911

Note and Comment

The Nation Responsible

The press of the District of Columbia is considerably exercised, on behalf of the people of the District, over the question of hanging a woman for the murder of her husband. The execution of the murderess is set for July 31; but there is quite a sentiment in favor of having the sentence commuted to life imprisonment. It is felt that if the execution of a woman takes place in the national capital, in a city governed by the national legislature, the world at large might take it “as representing the modern idea as held by the nation.” Speaking editorially, the Washington Times of June 1 says:—

Whatever be the attitude of the public toward the just and righteous punishment of the murderer, the Times does not judge that the people of the city of Washington, or the people of the country at large, believe that justice will be best satisfied, and the public welfare best served, by the hanging of a woman in the capital of the country.

The principal objection to the execution of the sentence is that such an act would represent the nation as favoring the hanging of women; and thus it would logically be considered. For the very same reason, advocates of the principles of religious liberty in this country have protested against the enactment of a religious law for the District of Columbia. When such a law is passed, the nation will represent itself as standing for the union of secular and religious things, the union of church and state. When the national Congress commits itself to the passing of such a law, it can no longer be said that the nation stands opposed to a union of church and state.