The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-11-10
WILL BROWN BE HUNGP

Capt. John Brown has been condemned to
be hung on the I'd of December. 1t is said
that the leading Democrats of New York have
memorialized Gov. Wise to spare his life, at
least until after the election in that State. The
Journal Of Commerce, an able and leading or
gan of that party, appeals to the Governor to
spare the prisoners life, on the ground of his
fanaticism or insanity and thinks that his exc
cution would only strengthen the cause of
Abolitionism. The Daily Advertiser, a con-
sentative Republican journal, makes a similar
appeal; but the Richmond Enquirer, Governor
Wise's organ, repels its suggestion with scorn,
and insists that "violated laws and murdered citi-
zens demand victim at the hand of Justice"
This effect Of intercession from Republicans is
just what we anticipated. 1t will only insure the
doom ofpoor Brown, and we trust that the article
in the Enquirer will teach Republicans in future
to keep silent. The suggestions of the AdpertiSe,.
have doubtless occurred to every humane and
reflective mind in the country, without distinc-
ton of party; but that journal should have
known that they would not have been received
with favor from quarter deemed unfriendly.
The appeal of the Journal Of Commerce and
other Democratic" journals and politicians
will receive a more respectful hearing at least,
if they fail to effect their object.
There is one condition on which even the
Richmond Enquirer is willing to see Brown
pardoned, viz: the surrender Of Messrs. Seward,
Greeley, Giddings, Hale, and Smith, to the au-
thorities of Virginia for trial and even these
are promised IMMUNITY if they are not found
guilty. The Enquirer says:
" Violated laws and murdered citizens de-
mand a victim atthe hand of justice if Brown
Is a crazed fanatic, irresponsible either in
morals or law, there are yet guilty parties. He
IS then the agent of wicked principals. IF the
Northern people believe Brown insane what
punishment is due to those who have poisoned
his mind with the 'irrepressible conflict and
spurred his fanaticism to deeds of blood and
carnage? He may be insane, but there are
other criminals, guilty wretches, who nstigated
the crimes perpetrated at Harper's Ferry.
Bring these men, bring Seward, Greeley, Gid
dings, Hale, and Smith, to the Jurisdiction of
Virginia, and Brown and his deluded victims
in the Charlestown Jail may hope for pardon.
In the opinion of Virginia, the FIVE Republican
leaders above mentioned are more guilty than
even John Brown and his associates An ie-
norant fanaticism may be pleaded in palliation
of the crime of Brown, but the1fve Republican
leaders would spurn such a stultifYing plea |
They would not compromise their intelligence
even at the cost of their morality. Let the
friends of Brown, let all who believe him to be
insane, and all who intend to represent him as
crazy fanatic, for whose folly no party is re-
ponsible, deliver up Seward Greeley, Giddings.
Smith, and Hale. A fair trial, at their own
time, with their own counsel, will be freely
given them, and if Virginia does not prove
them guilty, they, too, shall go unhurt.p
The Enquirer pays high compliment to
Capt. Brown by requiring the heads of four dis.
tinguished Republicans and the leader of the
Radical Abolitionists as a condition of his
ransom.
In a subsequent issue of the ENQUIRER, we
find another article upon this topic, headed
The Presidency for Pardon" In it we are
told that Gov. Wise is overwhelmed with letters
appealing to his humanity and to his ambition
in behalf of Brown. These letters come from
all parties. His Democratic correspondents
hatter him with the idea that the pardon Of
Brown would render him immensely popular in
the free States, and insure his election to the
Presidency. The Republicans appeal to his
humanity, and perhaps Aatter his ambition
while still another class of correspondent.
threaten him with death, and with the rescue
of Brown, unless he grants pardon.
The Enquirer, which is the organ of Gov
Wise, replies to the various arguments in favor
of pardoning or committing the sentence o.
Brown, and rejects them all. Itsays:
she has forfeited his life, and, though DOS