American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1873-08-16
An Evil which Requires Cor
r6ctlOn.

The following article which we
clip from the New Orleans Times
reflects SO well our own views, that
we offer no apology for substitu
ing it in place of some thoughts that
we intended writing for this issue
of our paper. We specially com
mend it to the serious considc:a-
ton OF Gov. Powers, man no:ori-
Gus Tor the abuse of executive
power.
The Governor of TennesseS has
committed the sentence of IL cold
FLOODED murderer, condemned to
be hanged, to imprisonment for life
IN the Penltentiary, and the act
''eXciteS much feeling i'll the COM
munIiy."
This brings up afresh the subject
OF executive communications and
pardOnS, VIII CHI at various times
and III many States, has aroused
deep indignation and called forth
strong protests Oh the part of the
people.
The evil ''has increased, is in
creasing, and ought to be dimin-
iShed." 1t often defeats the end of
Justice, completely multiplying the
utmost efforts of courts and juries !
to bring criminals to punishment. |
All know how difficult it is in many |
cases to do this. Through the crime !
be extreme III its atrOci-
ty, IT the perpctrator have money
and friends, 1t is next to impOSSi-
bic to convict him. He can secure
the ablest counsel in the land for
his defence. Every art, trick, dodge
Will be reSOrted to on his behalf.
The whole curriculum of legal leger-
lemaln and sharp practice will be
to shield the guilty cul-
)rlt and send HIM forth, r.ekIng
with the blood of the innocent,
jhOugh he MAY be, tabled '.Not Gull
y J" To prey on other victims and
'e-enact fresh tragedies.
Ii every other resource fails: if
bold bribery becomes impossible,
md appeals to passionate ignO-
ance nugatOry, there remains as a
asst resort the convenient plea Of
insanity. Now, if juries, through a
pecies of martyrdom, triumph over
vi this as they sometimes do
md meet out in exorable justice to
shall the Executive of the
state knowing nothing of the facts
kept from the &c parte statements
Il sympathIsers and relatives, be
practically to override
he law, thwart its designs and
the ramparts which sOcie-
y has found absolutely necessary
D erect for its own protection?
Governors are human, and facts
mt too often and too clearly prove
hat they are not always as Caesars
life should be. The power Of men >
y may reach the throne as well as R
he cabin. Furthermore, govern Gu
Is are frequently candidates for re- 8
lection, and political considerations Of
re by no means unknown i'll this .pl
business. ia
There is a final argument in IA 8
or of an amendment ofevery State so
DnstitiOn, limiting the pardoning es
over, and that is, for the prOtec- 4
on of governors themselves. They t he
lOuld not be exposed to such u
mptations as they are now liable
} in this respect. 1t is too much
ask of them. Their sympathies Il
re often appealed to SO strongly
lat it requires more than ordinary
prevent them from Civ -
g way to the overwhelming
ressure; yet, If they do give way
icy commit q grievous wrong ,
sainst the State, and give a lie (
,nse, as it Were, to crime. II
A constitutional amendment
ould shield them from all this, and
axe it impossible for a legislature
interfere in the premises.