An Epidemic of Crime

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Nov 20, 1884

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 44.

An Epidemic of Crime.

IN spite of statistics proving the general moral improvement of the race—and especially in our own country—it is unquestionable that crime is just now assuming alarming proportions. In England, out of every 10,000 deaths, about seven are the results of violence; in Ireland and France the ratio is a little more than eight out of 10,000; while just now in the United States the figures are increased to 21—a proportion more terrible than that of any civilized country, with the exception of Italy and Spain. In the State of New Jersey within the last two years the number of criminals increased 300 per cent. Increase of crime can only be occasioned by a lowering of the standard of morality.

In the popular admiration of colossal criminals, in the mawkish sentimentality of the kindly simpletons who do all that can be done to dull the edge of the law in the case of almost every desperate criminal, in the rash use of the pardoning power, in the ostracism of discharged convicts, and the trashy literature of the day, we find the most direct causes. This last point especially should have the attention of every lover of his race. Epidemics of crime follow vivid descriptions of brutality.—N. Y. Christian Advocate.