The weekly north Iowa times. [volume] (McGregor, Iowa) 1857-1867, 1859-12-21

past it has been mild and balmy as Spring
not cloud to be seen and such splendid
moonlight evenings and to crown the
whole, we have had visit from long-ab-
sent and dear friend, who left us this morn
ing. | have not yet lived long enough to
believe that this world does not contain
some who may truly be called friends
Oh, there are
Parting, such press
The life from out our hearts"
How little do we know of the warmth and
strength of our attachments, till we test
them by partings and absence. Butenough
of this
have a word to say about the all absorb-
ing topic of the day-the execution of John
Brown. And first, allow me to say, l have
been greatly pleased with your manner of
referring to it through the columns of the
Times. should like very much to know
which side gained the victory at the Nc
Gregor Literary Association, upon the fol-
lowing: "Res0lced, That the unconditional
pardon of Brown by Gov Wise would have
been the best National policy" am not
an Abolitionist, but think that no amount
Of argument could make me believe it was
right for Brown to be hung 1t is notlong
since heard gentleman say, speaking Of
the execution Of Brown, that he Greatly be-
lieyed it would make him nervous to see 9
man strangled to death, even though it was
according to law; yet he fully believed il
the justice and expediency Of capital pun
ishment in some cases"
What a delicate, spiritual constitution
that man must possess! What exquisit,
sensibility! How peaceful and pastora
must have been his training; petted, onl,
child, perhaps; the darling of five maiden
aunts, crossed in first love it may be-dys
peptic it must be! He was evidently no
formed to wrestle with the harsh realities @
life, therefore let him beware of butcher
shops! Let him not suffer himself to b
beguiled, by the syren voice of the people
into becoming common Councilman, les
he be called upon to pass an ordinanc
against dogs; and, above all, let him nc
:, run for the Presidency, lest he see himse
hung in effigy, besides being in suspens
for long months in that meek or-nothing
game. 1t is plain that some nook of quiz
retiracy which treat of gentle sui
E jjects, as histories with the wars left out
and Graham-dict, would suit him best.
But | will no longer deal in irony; mu
. speak honestly, if | speak at all. l kno
that silence would probably become me be
ter, yet hope that in this instance, if III
opinions seem to lean too much to mercy
/ side yourself and readers will pardon n
for my aoomaahood, if not "hcar me for N
cause" Believing, as do, in the absolu
sacredncss of human life, cannot do oil
!. erwise than enter my protest, feeble thoue
7 it be, against capital punishment. On n
own responsibility, | would thank Heave
that this law, though sanctioned and san
titled by centuries of legislation is ber
discussed by the high councils Of the natio
aud its wisdom doubted by many Of Il
first minds Of the age.
believe in my soul that the time W
come, when that spirit of love and forsiy
ness which seeks the good of the crimna
= while caring for the safety of society, whic
is wise in mercy and has no element
: vengeance, shall speak in the action of Sci
K ates, as we'll as sound in sermons and plea
r in prayer; when the teachings of Chri
n shall enter into the councils of Christia
rulers, and become law.
AS sever, NELL,