Traffic in Instruments of Death.
Herman O. Naerger was arrested in New York a fortnight since for attempting to dispose of some fifteen hundred "slung-shots" which he had manufactured in Baltimore and brought to the former city for sale. The laws of the State make the manufacture or sale of slung-shots a misdemeanor, while the carrying of a slung-shot concealed about the person is a felony. The principle of prohibition, as applied to intoxicating drinks, receives illustration and support from this statute; for the law, in either case, strikes at the manufacture and sale of that which is certain to be used to the injury of human interests, or the destruction of human life. The duty of government not only to punish but to prevent crime, is recognized in such legislation. And our law-makers will yet advance to the suppression of other weapons more deadly than the slung-shot. The pistol is an instrument of death for the manufacture and sale of which no good argument can be presented. It is never useful in the chase. Its only purpose is to kill men. It is used for murder ten times where it is once employed in self-defense. Any fool or villain like Guiteau can buy it cheaply and conceal it effectually until the moment for his fatal deed. If the purchase of pistols were rendered impossible at once and forever, none but criminals would regret it; for all good men would gain more in personal security than they would lose in the means of self-defense. The number of murders would be greatly diminished and the stain of blood now resting on our land would lose something of its terrible dye. To provide legislation looking to this end seems an immediate duty of our legislators, and public opinion ought to be educated to demand it. Christian Statesman, June 7.