The Anarchists, as a cosmopolitan party, have suffered a severe
blow this week. The actual author of the Barcelona outrage, one Jose Codine„ has been arrested, and has revealed the names of six accomplices. Hitherto, the Anarchists arrested have refused to betray their accomplices ; and Jose Codina's weakness will greatly weaken the confidence of the associates in each other. The Spanish authorities intend, it is said, to try all seven by court-martial, and all will probably be executed. The court-martial is probably necessary to avoid terrorism on juries, but the executions are surely unwise. The first rule in dealing with secret societies of this type is never to execute those who confess, and give information which increases the preventive ability of the police. It is to its determined adherence to this rule, that the Thuggee Department in India owes much of its success. To execute after confession is like refusing quarter in battle. It only makes enemies fight like cornered wolves.
