The New York herald., 1845-02-06
New3Yorlk9socicty for the Abolition or Capi-
tai Punlahment

tai Punishment.
The association, known by the above title, held
its annual meeting last night, corner OF Lispenard
street and Broadway. The apartment not being
large, looked, for that, the better filled, but the
aggregate number who attended, including few
females, was ncorsiderable, ,-dsproportonately
small, indeed, to the weghty end Of a radical re-
form OF the penal code. w. G. BRYANT. Esq,
presided. In calling the meeting to order, he re-
sretted that he unable to congratulate the body
upon any marked triumph Of their principles since
their last annual meetiDg,-yet believed they were
ginning TO enquire whether the punishment of death
was necessary; and if not, whether it was not
disgraceful and perniciousl He could not help
nations, indicated a growing aversion of blood
shed, and spirit of enlightment which would sue
cesstuly overthrow capital punishment also. One
object of the society being the election of officers
Tor the present year, he would no farther detain
them.
tthe suggestion of Mr.. O'SuIlivap, the chair
named acommtiee OF three, to propose the names
of officers After short consultations thr follow
ing were recommended and approved by the meet
ing:-
President; Vice haI csllor wm T Mccoun.
Pice-Presidenfs, John b Scott and Jacob Harssn.
Tensurer, Benjamin Ellis
Recording SECRETARY, Josiah Hopper
Corresponding Secretary. John L. OSul!ivan.
Horace Greeley, Justice Taylor,
VIM Kirklsnd
Mr.. O'SULLIvAN again arose, and offered series
OF resolutions, expressive OF the Of the meet
ing In relation 10 the objects of the society, and of
its present position. Trey to the effect, that
the present was favourable season to renew their
efforts TO abolish punishment by death mems minds
being calm and unoccupied by the turmoil of poll
tical contes-that it be recommended to establish
societies OF kind similar to their own, throughout
the several towns and villages of this State for the
promotion OF the discussion and agitation of the
hat tf,llv
ed for contributOns to the funds-that the best
thanks were due to their New Hampshire friends,
for the prompt and early stand they took, in MAX
ing punishment by death the subject of direct ap-
peal to their candidates during the clecon-that
the Legislature be again petiti0ned to remove froE
the Statute book the law sanctioning the bloody
and dsgraceful practice Of capital punishment. and
that the newspaper published at Boston, called the
"HangmaD," was well worthy of patronage.
The reading of the resolutions was followed up
by speech from the proposer. and another from
Rev Mr.. ChannIpg, on secOndpg them. The
latter gentleman confined his remarks to the fall
lacy prevalent amongst the clergy and their fol-
lowers, that the Scriptures taught retaliation in
blood -shedding-n his estimation, false and un-
founded notion, and one altogether hostile to COM
mon sense, humanity, and the will Of the great
author of life.
ayerse TO capital punshments, even on the ground
OF expedlency, sound policy, and personal security.
MEMBER, whose name the reporter did not
ascertain, next addressed the meeting He be-
years ago, and could rccollect when Canal street
was swamp, where boys sailed their boats in
summer and skated in winter that on or about
that PRISTINE period there took place an execution,
| towards what were now the outskirts of the city,
| at which great multitude attended-some climb
ing up into the poplar trees, some pushing up to-
wards the gaows, and all speculating upon how
the criminals should comport themselves and pass
ing jokes about the whole affair For bis part he felt
strange fltterng, which he never could forget He
was strongly OF opinion that we lived in an age of
n Qd in nd tnatal
were not constituted alike, and that there was
more heat than light generated by the velocity of
the movements of the day. He was also of opin-
ion that although the clergy did not cooperate
with them, they were not worse than other people,
and that it would be better to reason with them,
Instruct them, and convert them than TO ridicule
them. 1t was matter we'll worthy of enquiry,
what should we do with the clergy! Did they
| love blood and murder more than others? No;
they believed the Bible taught the punishment OF
death, and there was use in quanelng with
| cry out 20 you infidels." II would in his
opinion, be far the best way instruct than get
| angry with them; fighting with them wosld be
| like fighting fog-you struck but hit nothiag AT
the same time he did not admire the non-re sis.
| tance plan. Some believed that the less O. one
| arm gave additional strength to the cher-and the
non-reslstance men threw away guns and bbyo-
nets, expecting 10 speak blisters. The speaker
continued al great length 10 oeJrecatc the present
criminal code t. regret the delusion under which
the clergy were laboring ard to illustrate the per-
nclcus effects OF executions on public sentiment,
Atfhs conclusion of this curious and well re-
| celved speech, the resolutions were put and adop-
ted, when the meeting adjourned till that day fort
night