Alexandria gazette & daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1817-1822, 1821-05-31


ishment is to consist, has been for long
time doubtful matter among wise and
humane civilians. Surely to put to death
youth must at all times, and under any
situation be source Of the deepest grief
to the rejecting mind. To see him cut of
III the morning Of life, by the hands OF the
legal executioner is apt to produce indig-
nation against the laws, and compassion
for the sufferer.
Public executions tend to render the
heart obdurate, and by their frequency
the mind grows callous against the seve-
rest sufferings. If it is necessary then to
remove offenders from the earth, which is
acknowledged to be one of the motives for
putting them to death, let the execution be
done in private, where no unnecessary
sympathies may be created, as is the case
among a wild and giddy throng. Let the
unfortunate criminal expire in the pres
ence of the officers of justice only. No
display of firmness can have much of an
evil tendency there. In that lonely re-
tirement there are no friends or compan-
ions to cheer him to the fatal spot there
are none to exult over the fellow victim;
none to applaud his magmanimous con
duct at the last trying hour of humanity
A bold robber who shews a disregard of
death and contempt for the law, when he
knows, that in an instant his soul will
wing its everlasting flight, deserves a
wreath equally with the military adven-
turer, who has gained crown by wading
through seas of blood. Well may multi
tudes admire the bravery, which has dis
tinguished him in that awful crisis. They
have reason to applaud the wretch, who
in despite of the fatality which is sure to
await him, throw the gauntlet of defiance
at his accusers and avengers. The cele-
brated saying "Aut Cesar, aut nullus" is
completely verified in the conduct of the
hero of the gallows who exhibits the same
contempt of death as that able general
did, when he was encompassed by danger
nall its various shapes.
think it probable that the description
has been too highly coloured and exagger-
ated. If the youth acted like hero in
his perilous and awful condition, so far
from that circumstance havinga favoura-
BILE effect on the minds of the immense
concourse, which witnessed his execution
| am inclined to believe that it must have
had contrary effect. Courage has been
considered virtue in all ages, fit to be
initiated under all circumstances, and the
nature of things. 1t is immaterial in what
parsonage it is illustrated, SO far as the
thoughtless multitude are concerned,
whether in the leader of an army contend
ing for liberty, in the destroyer of his
country's freedom, or in the character of
aculprit, convicted by jury, and execu-
ted accordingly. l trust that the pages of
our law will be no more stained by the
blood of youth. There are other modes
of punishment equally applicable and ex-
pedient. But if it should be the fate of
this lovely land to be again crimsoned by
stream flowing from a warm and ten
der infant heart, let the record of it de-
part with the spirit. Let no sad memorial
arrayed in all the pomp and style of elo-
quence announce the barbarity of his
execution.
The French Consul General, residing at
Washington, gives notice, in the National
lntelligencer, to the deserters from the Roy
al Navy aud army OF France, that the King.
wishing to signalise, by acts of benevolence,
the happy epoch Of the birth of his royal
Highness to Duke of Bordeaux, has granted
them an entire amnesty. The pardon ex-
tends TO all those who have been apprehend-
ed and not tried. Six months are allowed
to those who are in Europe, one year to
those out of Europe. and eighteen months to
those beyond the Cape of Good Hope, to re-
turn and report themselves to the proper au-
thorities.
IL 49, &C 4 -