The recorder. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1802-1803, 1803-01-12
DEBA II
OK raB
PENIIENEL4R7 RFL.I.

we'll excite all the inle re,t that las been
manifeited ilnce It's firlt introduction in
to this houGc. But am unable 10 dil-
cover, from all the information can
obtain, orfrom any arguments thsc have
been urged upon this Hoor, thai the
propo(ed amendment would De ain i'm
Provement5 that i, would &c "a TO leIitn
tie frequency OF crimes, or proliuce
any advantages that would be in any de
gree commenfura5c VITA the expence
believe rhe contrary, believe Il
would tend 10 demoralilc flciyty
and 10 involve us in expences from
which no benefits would reiulc
Though | feei prepared to decide,
without perceiving rhe lhadow OF
doubt upon my mind, believe there
gre many members OF this houic Who
do nor feel an equal rcadi1=iS 10 do 10.
| have lived in fate where a liolilar
law eNilted, ana nay experience Of it is
unfavonrabie % the opinion either OF
Us juttice or It's policy Boz here the
iubjeGt is now. In Cur neighbours
ing itates, fuch intii1uliaas have been 70
recently eitahhlhei, ckar Ne have hard
iy had the opportunity q witnessing
their effects. hey are indce,! every
where Of modern dare, OF couyic mot
ofus know very little of the propolcd
ettabliihment, the eXpsnce it would in
involve us lii, or the effects il viii pro
ducei and thus, in tie dark, w are cal
led on rodecide upon n1cafHrc of the
higheit importance to inc community
from che imperfect and perhaps partial
information 30 be Obtained in debate.
thouid have believed the novelty
Of the iublc6t, and this wang Of in.oryna
ton, would preclude The necc11;ty.of COM 4
batting It's principles in form, II had
nor known the influence which f9lcn-
did and delu5ive theories ofren have
over the mind, when rlIey are Hatrertng
20 che human character.
lis huTn;liating to tic pride ofnaanto
admit, that his own fpecjes may be de-
graded e low, be 10 Left 40 every priu-
ciPie OF moral rectiaide, to bccore
''ch an enemy to iocicty, as 10
DC uDflt TO baVe an exiitcnce ii il.
L he ideal perfecEibiiiy Of human narure
IS more locthing 70 his feelings, and in a
t2ncied belief Of which he iumerl.aes
iadulges himtelf in ipite OF every DAYS
lad experience. 4 faIfo cGiAlare ot
The powers and qualities 81 lie .nind
have no doubt, has toe mach infu-
ence IN promoting The me2lugc t1~soYe
u,
The plan Of lehen.ng the frequency
OF crimes, by reforming inltead of pu-
mining Criminals, has originated il 3rin-
ciPles rhac revere; bur fure / am the
advoctcS Of this mea6re arr rnifakeq
In the effects lis calculated TO produce.
Tneidea drf originated With philoio
pliers, who, in rhclr clofc5s, iaw human
nature only through the & fpeEtaoles Of
g" books. / hey had no, like men of
the world, ezperimentally traced it
through all its abyrinrhs Of dcprayitY,
They have deceived themielvcs in
making TOO favourable climates CT
the qualities Of man; and have piopor.
toned his punllhments to that Derscct
character which exits Only il their owq
warm inaginoyions. viii, indeed
admit that .p'n9hments muGt be in
tome degree proportion T. IT,. adj
vances nan has made towards civiiiza-
tion ard refinement. In KulHa, II is
lad, ~ travellers Of dHccrnment, that
tie crutl ponl.hmcnt OF the kncu- IS
L~cei!ary ~ refrain crime apong heir !
baroafian hords Frequcnt dccapi-
LaEip" may pofbiy be ncceGny in /
Turkey. Bur IN this country, i fandlv I
hope the human lind has made r,.e