Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 20, Number 50, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 February 1899 — TO HANG FOR BURGLARY. [ARTICLE]

TO HANG FOR BURGLARY.

A Bill to That Effect Introduced Into the Illinois Legislature. A bill 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 bill would fix the same penalty for highway robbery. “In the course of my duties,” said Chicago’s Chief of Police Kipley, speaking of the bill, “I 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 house, the owner should awaken, he would shoot him. I know there would be much criticism of this law, but I believe it would have beneficial results and accomplish what capital punishment strives at —the prevention of much murder.” Police Inspector John D. Shea says the law as it now stands is sufficiently severe if the courts would impose the limits oftener. Attorney William R. Belham, who drafted the amendments to the criminal code, said: *’l believe in 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 his escape. I believe in just one punishment, and that strong enough to be effective. So far as the intent is concerned, these men are murderers, and should be treated as such.”