The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1842-04-15

eloquent manner. That petition covered the whole
ground Of this bill. He wished TO know, there
or for Buncombe TO night he should like to know
what reasons had caused this change. He hoped
this bill would become a law, and in the language
Of the petitioners, such a law as would be a terror
to the evil doors.
Mr.. STARE argued in favor of the passage Of the
bill-he thought it was the duty Of the Legisla-
lure to place such barriers around chastity aud
virtue, and those who had neither manliness, pow
or, nor chlvalry to defend them from what? from
the qualification ola moment of nhallowed'psssion.
There appeared to be too greatla tendency TO laugh
such matters az this dowP-he must say he was
ashamed OF the feeling that appeared to prevail on
n,s ~tapJect, among virtuous and honorable nen.
lie remarked that his own observation and expe-
rience had convinced him., that there was ne sub
Ject SO worthy of legislation as this same one of
lctnueusness' and he thought that the great nun
Der oil Petltions on this subject were net unworthy
OF consideration. He had presented MANY petf.
tions on the subject, and h could not sit silent in
TINS discussion: II any crime deserved imprison.
nent ior hieEi there was any verse than muir.
der, 1t was this, and he belle we'd it was necessary
that some punishment should be providsd-he vas
not tenacious as to the amount.
Mr.. DAvEZAc wished to ask his f.iend from .Je fer
son (Mr. church, from whom he had alwavs receiv.
ed the most courteous treatment, and for whose Ia.
Tents and abilities he had the highest respect, if he
alluded to him. He did, he swell knew, present
a petition which the ladies knowing his deep re.
spect and ardent devotion for the sex. did him the
honor to send to him. He had said, and he would
repeat it here again, that he was glad to hear the
voice OF women who could not vote expressed on
such important subjects. In former times we were
indebted to them for the spirit Of chivalry which,
in place Of civilization, softsned the hearts and
manners OF men. The gentleman misunderstood
him ii he theughtthat he (Mr. D. had at that time
formed an opinion as to this bill, which indeed was
not then in existence. Mr.. d went on TO argue, in
his WI peculiar and eloquent manner, in opposition
to this bill. He remarked that out of all whom he
knew were opposed, he had been the only one who
had dared to stand forth AID raise his voice against
T.. re considered that it required more courage
Tor him to do so than il did for him to face the balls
OF tine British at New Orleans He was well aware
that ne would be misrepresented, abused and ca
Eliminated for The course he had taken on this
question, but he trusted in Providence, sc &c.
Mr. OSULLIvAN rose to remark (Mr. SIMMONS
suggested that this was not a cOrporation-laugh.
ter that he was in favor Of legislation on this sub.
Ject, and would send an amendment auxiliary to the
object to the chair. He thought the principle was
that where crimes of this nature inffinged ON the
interests, rights and feelings of a third person. il
should be punished. The unprincipled seducer
who enters the bosom Off family circle and robs it
OF the wife and mother, inficts on the husband and
children an injury almost equal to murder. Mr..
OS. thought with his colleague from New York
that any attempt to close houses of ill fame, would
only tend to create more atrocious and violent
crimes. Crime would stalk abb Dad by day and
night in the public streets-the worst of crimes.
fraught with violence and blood. History records
many attempts of the nature involved in the pas.
sage OF this bill, and history also shows that 20.
vernments SO attempting were compelled in a very
few years to retrace their steps. The amendment
ne proposed was to strike oHt The three first see.
tons and substitute one making it a penal offence
for every one who shall entice any married woman
to adultery, to be punished by 10 wears imprisop.
ment in State Prisoa, and a fine of $40, Geo.
Mr.. SIMMONS hoped this amendment would not
prevail. II fixed the penalties too high public
sentiment would not support it. Mr.. S. proceeded
at length to argue in support Of the bill. Mr..
HUMPHREY wished to know what was the fleet of
similar laws where they were in force. Mr.. Sim
mons referred the gentleman to his report, but said
he would give a brief recapitulation. Mr.. S con-
tinued at great length in his arguments in favor of
the bill.
Mr.. DAvEzAc followed in reply to some allu.
sions to papacy by Mr.. S, but that gentleman
that he did not intend to be understood
as i appeared he had been, MIR. d was satisfied.
Mr.. HATHAWAY remarked that the ladies,
Knowing his regard for everything that concerned
their interests, had done him the honor to send
heir petitions to him for presentation He had
also made some remarks on that occasion, and he
not know but that, like his friend from Now
7 ork, he would also be called upon to explain on
which OF the occasions he was talking for Bun
combe. He had taken a deep interest in this bill,
and in this diseussion,a and although satisfied with
The general principles of the bill he was not with
The details. He had heard a question a. to the
Of this kind of legislation in other States
to which no answer had as yet been made. he
aware that q similar law was in operation in
Massachusetts as to its working there he had no
means OF judging, but from the reports of some of
his friends on q recent visit to Boston, he should
think not very favorably. Most laws for the pun
ishment OF crimes, made certain distinctions accor.
ding to the provocation which caused its commits.
sion. He thought this bill Should do the same.
There should certainly be some difference ia the
punishment meted out to the wilful deliberate Sc
Queer, and the man who, provoked by perhaps the
display Of her charms by some beautiful
was wrought up TO such q pitch of excite.
men, the effect of which induced the commission
Of the crime. But he was willing, and indeed pro.
posed to go FATHER than the gentleman himself in
this matter.
Mr.. SIMMONS. What, total abstinencea
Mr.. HATHAWAY Yes sir, total abstinence. He,
Mr.. H., was willing to ~legislate out of our borders
out OF the State. To carry this into effect he pro-
posed q substitute for the whole bill. As it was
rather hastily written, the clerk might not be ena.
b!ed to read II; he would read it in his place.
The People Of the STATE Of New York represented in Senate
and Assembly, do enact as folocs -
81. The crimes of seduction, fornication and adultery
hereby abolished.
~. This act shall take effect Immediately.
The reading of this was received with the most
vociferous laughter.
MIR. SIMMONS regretted the levity manifested in
this matter, and alter some few remarks in relation
to his amendment, it was adopted.
Mr.. O'SvLLIvAN's amendment was rejected. "a
was the substitute of Mr.. Hathaway.
The committee then rose and reported PROGRESS. |
Ind the bill was referred 10 a select committee TO
report complete, and the House adjourned.
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