Associations to Prevent Crime.
By Wm. Penniman
Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper of Dec. 14, 1872, contains the following: “Even the most staid journals are debating about the necessity which exists for Vigilance Committees. It seems to be conceded on all sides that the administration of criminal justice is a failure as it stands. And it is equally obvious that the means at hand are not enough, either in quantity or quality, to prevent much crime which might be crushed in the bud. Well may the press talk about associations to prevent crime, now that New York City has converted The Tombs into a ‘Grand Hotel for Murderers.’” How long will it be before we shall have such hotels all through the country (if not already) for the protection of murderers, providing the assassins have money enough to pay their bill. Notice the following privileges which cut-throats can enjoy in this New York hotel. The quotation is from the same paper as above. “They can dress in the extreme of fashion, be attended every morning by a first-class tailor or hair dresser, have their meals sent in from a first-rate restaurateur, be supplied with wine from their peculiar wine-merchant, smoke the finest calamus or conchas, and receive any first-class female friend at stated hours, provided they can afford to pay the regular tariff for such creature comforts. No enjoyment is denied them, if only they have money enough in their purses, save the somewhat perilous one they might experience in a daily ramble along Broadway.” Men are becoming alarmed at the condition of the world; the many strange signs which are coming up, from time to time, cause them to cry out in amazement, “What next?” These things they cannot prevent. Many are equally alarmed at the moral condition. Not looking at it in the light of prophecy, they can not account for it, and in vain devise plans to stop the onward tide of corruption. Hence some are attempting to check the tide of corrupt, sensational, and licentious literature which is flooding the land. Temperance societies have been organized to put down intemperance and have accomplished much; yet intemperance is a crying sin. Educational institutions and church organizations have effected much good. Yet all these associations have not converted the world. Now they are perfecting some special effort for the prevention of crime. It is plain to be seen that the laws of the land are not effectual, for many will neither fear God nor regard man. What is to be done? What can be done? What can these crime-prevention associations accomplish? Money is king, and if the criminal has a plenty of it, he can go to the “Grand Hotel” and fare sumptuously every day. All these things show plainly where the world is drifting. The truth of the matter is, the wicked are waxing worse and worse, and crime is on the increase. The great spiritual declension in the churches shows plainly the fulfillment of the prophecy, “Because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” Matt. 21:12. We have an Association (thank the Lord) in which all can work, and act as “Vigilance Committees.” Even if we have but one talent, we can use it in the circulation of books and tracts. How much was accomplished by sister Hannah More’s vigilance in this work? and how much has been done by many others? These facts should encourage us to work, and as the time is short, we should do what we do quickly. I thank the Lord that we have such leaders in the field. We should look upon the work of preparing tracts for translation into other languages as a great work, and one designed greatly to advance the truth. Let us pray for the success of this work, and if means are wanted to publish them, we can aid in this way. These are associations to prevent crime in which we should work with a heart and a will. Wm. Penniman.