The Daily empire. (Dayton, Ohio) 1865-1867, 1867-07-08
Eycrntlon on Mn.I,nIIinn.

all Christian people regard the course Of
tho Mexicans toward Macmillan and
the oflicefs captured with him may teach
us a. lesson Of humanity which many in
this country seem slow to learn There
is scarcely person of proper feeling
who does not look upon the execution Of
Ma&imilian as Simple and cold-blooded
murder. Yet many Of these same peo-
pie, afew months since, were clamoring
for the blood Of Jsfl. Davis.
We have no desire to enter upon the
defense Of Mr.. Davis; we do not wish to
plead the justice Of his cause; but we do
wish 20 impress upon our readers the
extremity to which even good men may
be led when governed by passion and
prejudice, and the danger there is in
trusting the management Of affairs to
those whom two years Of peace have
scarcely restored to reason.
II We consider the nature Of the oiiense.
even according to Radical ideas, the
crime of Macmillan was as much greater
than that Of Davis as the objects he con-
templated were more destructive. In the
one case It was proposed by foreign
nation to overturn an existing Republic
and substitute in its place an Empire;
in the other il was an attempt of an
integral portion Of nation to withdraw
its allegiance and set up govern.
meDt, for, itself True, in the one
case, that Republic was torn by internal
faction, the constant scene of war and
bloodShed, a disgrace alike to themselves
-pt humspityjin the other, it was adorned
with al the fruits Of wisdom and policy,
prosperous at home aud respected abroad.
But, on the other hand, the change, in
one case, was attempted by foreign ma
tion who had no right to Interfere; in
the other, it originated with the people
themselves. ..
Which then was the greater criminal,
Macmillan who representa- French bay
onets, or Davis who represented, in ex
tent of territory, nearly half the nation?
If Davis deserved death, much more did
Nlaximilian. Yet their own feelings in
view of the latter's execution, must con-
vince any one, who is open to conviction,
of the detestation, with which unpr.iu
diced minds thrOughontsdSa GcrId monI
have ,n rsgeI9teS rsgagts o. Ne eSe American people, had
they yielded to the Radical clamors for
blood.
In matters of this kind, especially
when guided by ambition or hatred, men
are apt to loose sight of justice, and in
the desire for vengeance, too often forget
the objects of punishment. There is a
sentiment, bearing on this, in Mr.. Mills
late work (Review of Sir w. Hamil-
ton) that deserves TO be printed in let
tcrs Of gold. and nailed to every rostrum.
, "If anyone thinks" he says, that
there is justice in the inhiction Of pur-
poseless suffering; that there is natural
affinity between tho two ideas Of guilt
, and punishment, which makes it intrins-
ically fitting that wherever there has
: been guilt, pain should be inflicted by
way Of retribution; acknowledge that
can find no argument to justify pun
, ishment inflicted on this principle"
E The two great objects of punishment
e are the reformation of the criminal, and
the protectiol of society. In the case
of the highest puniShment-death-the
! latter only, of course, is contemplated
d If il does not accomplish this purpose
e { it does not. by inspiring respect fol
the majesty of Law, and fear of its con
sequences, deter others from the com
y mission Of like crimes, punishment il
Il not only useless, but itself crime.
: Now is there anyone believes that tn,
d execution of Maximilian and the officer
u under him, will increase the respect o
Europe, or the Mexicans themselves, 70
IS the government of Juarez! Or, in ou
= own csse,' does anyone think that tn
/ blood of Davis would aid in cementin,
y the Uhio0J or in restoring peace an
q prosperity to the country! If they dc
N they must be constituted of strange ma
E, terials, and form their judgments afte
? a peenliat standard To us it seem
IL that the feelings of horror and indigna
N m tion, with which all christian people re
IS gard the conduct Of the Mexicans, wou
- have. baen felt toward us, but in as rnuc
greater intensity as better and NOR
ss generous policy was to be expected. w
e. may well be thankful that We have e'
u capped the odium which such an act {
TO bArbarity would have entailed.
lr. IrllLAL.ZALLL L
AZ Suicide OF a Horse.