The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-06-07
Fate OF DR.. webster.

| A Boston letter of 3Ist uItimo published in the
Philadelphia Bulletin, has the following statements
respecting the position and prospects of DIR. Web.
ser, lately convicted of the murder Of Dr. Parkman:
have been careful to elicit the true sense of the
people OF Boston in reference TO Dr. Webster and
lind that the conviction of his guilt is universal; and
the opinion that he will be executed is very gene
raj. This opinion Is growing stronger, perhaps
ought to say is ripenng into desire that ne should
be executed; first, because of the strong move
ments made in New York and in PHILADELPHIA by
the papers and by petitions, intended, as they be-
lieve, TO force Massachusetts, TO protect his life
against her own Jud gnent, and in defiance of her
own private rights in the case secondly, because
for years past the sentiment had prevailed that CAPT
tai punishment ought never to be inflicted and il
Is now generally believed that this opinion has en-
bodened the murderer and for the last few wears
there has been more decided frmness in the de-
csions OF jures and in the executions. To all this
may be added the fact that the Governor has not
the power to pardon, without the concurrence of his
council; and il is believed this could not be obtained
even il his excellency wished to pardon or commute
But II is believed that he does not
"a Boston Letter." no matter where published,
is rather vague authority for either facts or infer
ences. Yet it may not be amiss 10 note the points
| the writer has made.
Firstly The life of human being will not be
| sacrificed in Boston TO any amount of resentment
the interference of other people may provoke.
| Secondly. The sentiment that has prevailed re-
| specting capital punishment will inevitably grow
stronger if is found that in opposition il
| the life ola man can be sacrificed.
Thirdly. The division of the responsibility be-
| tween the Governor and his counsel may as we'll
excite hopes for the pardon of the culprt the be-
| lief that he will suffer
| II is fearful thing to condemn human being to
death and when it is believed that the safety of
| society does not require the sacrifice, every good
man desires to avoid the responsibility Therefore,
" in the multiplicity of counsel" there is mercy
well as wisdom, for there is division of response
biiy before the people; yet to Heaven it continues
whole and entire upon each asserting voice.
| We offer no opinion respecting the of the un-
| fortunate culprit. The laws of Massachusetts, and
their executors will determine his fate and it is not
| for US to interfere. We but point out the defects
| that we think we perceive in the presumed
for Withholding executive clemency Letter writers
as well other folks liable to err; and mas
much the voice of the many is all powerful in
| country, he who will in any wise cry out for the
blood of victim, before he has fully prepared and
qualified himself to act juror in the premises,
assumes'a fearful and terrible responsibility. Could
the gaping crowds who witness executions be made
to feel that their approval of the deed the au-
thorty for its enactment, there would no doubt be
less levity less brutish hearcsness in the presence
| of the horrid scaf1old.