Jasper County Democrat, Volume 1, Number 46, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 25 February 1899 — TO HANG FOR BURGLARY. [ARTICLE]

TO HANG FOR BURGLARY.

A Bill to Tbat Effect Introduced Into •be Illinois Lcgitlatsre. A lull has been presented in the Illinois Legislature by Representative George H. Harris of Chicago fixing the penalty for burglary of a dwelling at death. It was announced that another hill would fix the same penalty for highway robbery. “In the course of my dnties,” said Chicago’s Chief of Police Kiplcy, speaking of the biiL *’l have talked with many of the most dangerous burglars in the country. One after another has told me that if. while he were looting a honse, the owner should awaken, he would shoot him. I know there would be much criticism of this law, bat 1 believe it would have beneficial resnlts and accomplish what capital pnnishment strives at—the prevention of mnrh murder.” Police Inspector John D. Shea says the law as it now stands is sufficiently severe if the conris would impose the limits oftener. Attorney William R. Beiham, who drafted the amendments to the criminal code, said: “I believe tn hanging the fellow who breaks into a dwelling, fully armed and ready to do murder if any one should try to catch him or block bis escape. I believe in just one pnnikhtpent, and that strong enough to be effective. So far aa the intent is concerned, these men are murderers, and should be treated a* such.”