The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1859-02-24

we'll pleased with the results flowing from

we'll pleased with the results flowing from
it.
The laws of Maine formerly inflicted
death for the crimes of rape, burglary, and
ROBBERY with intent to kin. To 537, this
law was abolished or repealed, and siDco
that time the crimes of rape, ROBBERY with
intent to kill. and burglary, have dimin-
ished to 5-l3, being less than half what
they formerly were.
In Denmark, executions are very seldom
known. The women of that Kingdom
at one time murdered their children quite
often. The authorities finally abolished
the death penalty and condemned them
to the spin-house for life, and since this
law Las been in force, this crime has sell
dom been committed.
Michigan abolished capital punishment
in SAG, and it took effect in ls47; and
during the str years preceding the aboli-
tion of the death penalty, there was on an
average, one indictment for murder for
every 10000 inhabitants. But for the
first four years after it was abolished
tucIc uae peeu put JUG luuiCbUC CuI luz
murder annually for every 5000 inbabi-
tants; and for all grades of crimes for the
6 years before it was abolished, tbero
was one indictment for every I3, $50; bus
for the 4 years since it has been abolished,
there has been but one Indictment for ey-
cry l5,4Sl.
In Feb. 1852, Rhode Island abolished
capital punishment, and they are well
pleased with the results flowing from
it. This We have a right to infer from
the fact that in 1855 or SO, they enacted
a supplement to their penal code, making
murders committed in state Prison, pun
ishable as other murders are in that State.
In Pennsylvania murder in the Grst de-
gree is the only offence punishable with
death; in New Hampshire, treason, and
murder; in Massachusetts, treason, mur-
der, arson, burglary, robbery and rape
Yet in the two former crimes are less fire.
quent than in the latter. Such arc the
facts within our reach, and which show
conclusively that the death penalty ere
ates crime. If this be so, then eommoR
safety to society, aside from humanity,
calls 10 imperative tones for the abolition
Of the death penalty.
There surely is no repsration to the
injured party in the inAiction of the Death
penaly; aud if this is matter of import
ance, it can only be accomplished By iE-
prisouiDg the criminal at labor.
But the reformation Of the criminal is
the great object of punisbments IN geuer-
al; and If he is imprisoned he will be sup
piled with moral teachings. OBd if it is
possible to reform bin, it will 10 most ca
ses be accomplished.
Governments nor individuals have no
moral right to take human life, except in
self-defence or selfprcseryation.
If person becomes abandoned 20 crime,
be, as mater of course, forfeits bis right
to miDgle in society, aud ought to be
securely confined, until he becomes uu-
mistakibly reformed, if ever, so that be
cannot exercise communicating influence
over bis fellow men.
Circumstances have been, and will un.
doubtedly be again, such as to convict
innocent persons of the horrid crime of
murder; and who can conceive of more
pitiable and wretched circumstance for
person to be placed in!-All bis earthly
prospects; all his happiness, present and
anticipated, inhumanly and bsrbarously
snatched from him, by swapping the vital
cord of life and usheriDg bis spirit into the
presence of Him ho gave it.
Is it possible for US to conceive the uu.
just, burning and CALLING shame, the rel
atives and friends of this truly uufortu-
nate man would sufFerl
So long as this barbarous Punishment
is inflicted, who can tell when his turn
will come to experience one of the above
conditions and for this reason, il no
other, the death penalty ought to be abol-
ished, and imprisonment for life substitu-
ted; and then, if circumstances should
prove that person was wrohgfully convic-
ted, be would then be restored to his rela-
tives and friends, and have al possible
restitution made hiu.
Then We arrive at he conclusion, that
the only proper and safe security to soei-
ETY. aud individuals, depends, upon meet
ing out to criminals humane and ciyiliz.
ed, rather than barbarous and cruel pun
ishments. The former, as has been
shown, modifies and restraints, while the
latter hardens and inpels TO crime