If all difference could be atoned as easily as that described in this extract from the Popular Magazine, much bloodshed would be saved:
Not long ago a Paris journalist, who had by some criticism offended a politician, received from him the following letter:
"Sir--One does not send a challenge to a bandit for your species: one simply administers a cuff on the ears. Therefore, I hereby cuff both your ears. Be grateful to me for not having recourse to weapons
"Yours truly, _______"The journalist answered:
"My Dear Sir and Adversary -- I thank you, according to your wish, for having sent me cuffs by post, instead of slaughtering me with weapons. Cuffed by post, I respond by dispatching you by post six bullets in the head. I kill you by letter. Please consider yourself dead from the first line of this epistle.
"With a respectful salutation to your corpse, I am, "Very truly yours, ________"
The intent to kill is present. Is not that reckoned in morals as bad as the overt act?
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