The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1842-12-04

inc II will be brought by the Columbia, due yes
,erdav NJ Boston Her news will be interesting.
Ps,ze FleHrERs AND PARDoNs.--lt appears that
there are some efforts making in certain quarters in
order 10 obtain pardon from Gov. Bouck, for the
prize fighters recently convicted at Westchester.
Upon a general reflection of all the matters con-
nected with this affair, upon the gross outrage COM
mitted upon the laws and usages of society, and hav
ing seen the bad results of the recent pardon in
Webb's case, we begin think that the exercise of
the pardoning power is almost always hurtiu in its
results, and that the granting of pardon in the
present case is altogether out OF the question.
Now, let us look at the of Col. Webb. He
was sentenced for two years to the State Prison,
and thereby deprived of all his civil rights and pr-
veges. By great deal OF drumming up and down,
and the exercise of powerful influence, pardon
for him was obtained from Gov. Seward, who has
usually shown himself so very firm when all SINH
lar applications have been made to HIM. In giving
this pardon, Governor Seward gives great deal of
advice to Webb, to his future course Of life. Has
it had any good effect upon him Has it made him
better citzenl Has it improved his manners
Has 1t harmonized his nnd' Has it had any anne
horating effect upon the journal under his charge
Not in the slightest degree On the contrary, since
the country repeatedly abused in that paper in the
most shameful manner-called a wretch, trailer,
and a score'of other opprobrious names and not
only that, but violent attacks made on innocent,
unoffendng, and helpless females. We need but
particularize the case OF Mrs. Parlin.
Such has been the effect of one mistaken act of
clemency. In the case of the prize fighters, ii
would lead TO the worst results. Every ruflian in
he o,t, ba IN
low GROCERY, with ring in it, and corrupting the
morals of half the young men in the city. This
man, sullivan, had begun this game Just before the
last fatal fight. In his case we see no ground for
pardon. He was banished from England for some
such ofience-he escaped from Botany Bay to this
country, and he has been the founder OF all the
prize fight rowdysm that has corrupted the city Tor
the last year or two, and which threatened such
evil consequences On this account, therefore, the
sentence of the Court should be carried into effect,
as well as for the honor and dignity of the Court,
and the preservation of the laws.
The morbid philanthropy and miserable sensibility
that would enlist in avor of these men, is all wrong.
The only way TO keep society together and preserve
the purity of justice, and the safety of innocent
men, is to punish all offenders against the law,
from the highest to the lowest.
would have been no repetition of them if the first
offenders had been punished. Look at the conduct
OF Webb, after causing the death of one member of
Congress, and shooting at another. When he was
put IN jail for it, he looked as sort of fashion
able adventure in the Tombs, held his levee daily
with his black servant behind him, and received the
visits of those who call themselves fashionable So
ciety, such as Charles A. Davis, alias Major Jack
Downing, and Others who lay claim TO all the re-
spectabity and decency, and therefore claim to
be above all the laws that were made to punish
rowdyism, whether fashionable otherwise.
An attempt is to be made to get Sullivan par
doned, because he and his band are useful to the
ocoiocos. This is most preposerous, to attempt to
bring politics into it, For here we have set of
prize fighters connected with each political party,
that throw the city into confusion at elections,
and disgrace ii at home aud abroad The whole
system swrong, and ought to be broken up; which
it be unless those at present in the hands
ofjustice receive the full punishment awarded to
them.