The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1837-08-15
From the Mercantile Journal.

heart-to cuuse men to look with Indifference on
human sufferng--and Ia view without shud
der, the dying agonies Of the maleiactors. The
effect is not a good one--it Is OF brutalizing
character, aud a wise and humane government
will never encourage such sanguinary exhibit
ton. Charles FOX, once said in the British
House of Commons, that among many evils
which arise from wars and revolutions, one much
to be feared was that the frequency Of battles
and massacres, would gradually weaken the mu-
tual sympathes, and render mankind Indifferent
about shedding of blood. This remark evined
correct knowledge Of human nature. Man
soon becomes familiar with scenes of deah--of
violence-and murders, either legal or illegal
and longs crafty the excited feeling of destri'c-
tiveneSs by Witnessing similar scenes.
The effect on people, of familiarity with
bloody scenes, is well seen in the history Of
France, during the last half century. Accus-
toned as the Parisans were to accounts of bat
ties, massacres, and murders, and TO the sight of
the guillotine, executing its bloody work, that
they at length began to regard the day of pub
lie execution as a galaday, hoiday-nnd all
left their labors 10 see and enjoy the gratifying
sight, OF fellow being executed on the guilone
for his crimes. This trait in the character of the
modern French is well illustrated in the follow
ing extract from the writings of traveller, pub
lished number OF years since:-
"The Parisians are so furnished for fetes and
public spectaces, that even the guIllotine serves
as an amusement We went and found an i'm
mense crowd. Whilst waiting for the appear
ance of the victims,an Irish gentleman who was
of the party, remarked near us ragged boy,
who was, in the literal sense of the word, sans
c,lottee.--Struck by the lads appearance, he told
him to call at his lodgings (giving him the adj
dress) and he would give him some pantaloons.
The boy told him it was too far off. Diverted
by his nonchalance, he replied, "Well tell me
where you live, and will send my servant with
parcel for YOU" Il have no home 'Where
do YOU Sleep Son stairs or in hay loft
But have you no particular place where you may
be found / shall never forget the little vaga-
bonds answer! Il am to be foud at all the fetes.
And you callthis fete.' yes, certainly.
attention was at last aroused by shouts of exu
tation. There they are, there they are which
announced the arrival Of the procession with four
victims, who were father and three sons, ehauJ-
fe,us,' from la Vende
Their presence was looked on as the rising of
curtain. The youngest son was unable to mount
the steps from the cart to the platform without
assistance. Here some appearance of compass
sion might have been eXpected-the very reverse;
his exhausted state. was amusing to them.
The father and his two other sons came next,
quite undauned, and full of courage their intre-
pidity delighted the Parisians. These victims
looked boldly around them. 'Ah these are
brave fellows
"The youngest son appeared lifeless he was
Instantly laid hold of, and stretched on the
fatal plank. l heard his exit saluted by such
EXPLANATIONS as the following The devil take
the coward-what afraid of death, and brig
and truly, mistook his trade The next young
est received peals of applause-he was a fine
comely looking young man - Bravo, bravo,'
resounded from all Sides One of the execution
er's assistants fell fiat on his face, which was
caused, it was supposed by those around me, by
the plank being rendered slippery by blood. Loud
shouts and peals of laughter were the conse-
uuence This accident occasoned delay of a
couple of minutes The mob being in high
spirits, the eldest son was uncommonly well re-
ceiyed. He was vigorous and in the prime OF
life-he eyed the terrible scene around him With
a stoicism that would have done honor to bet
ter cause. His dignifed appearance struck the
cannibals with a kind of ave. That's fine
feow-he would cut fine figure at the head
of battaIion!' When one Of the hangmen
threw his trunk into the basket from some acct
dental cause, it sat upright on seat, and the
blood spouted in several streams, to the height
of about fifteen inches from the orfice of the ar
teries. 'Ah the pretty jet deau, what pretty
sight was every where repeated around me.
They appeared 30 amused by the novelty OF this
phenomenon, that the father closed the scene
without being at all remarked-nothing was
talked of but the jet ddeau! heard not one
expression of regret at the unusual circumstance
of father and three sons being cut off from ex-
srence, and shall never forget the heart appalling
scene."