The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1882-03-18
RESTORING THE GALLOWS.


From tie Friends Rrr;e,c.
/ The Legislature of Wisconsin has just
1 restored capital punishment in that State,
where it was abolished in 1853; and it
has thus taken step backward in Chris
| tian civilization, which, it may be safely
predicted, the progress of Christianity
and a sound knowledge of what is wise
and right will require some future Legis-
latule to reverse.
For periods varying from six to thirty
five years the States of Michigan, Rhode
Island. Wilson's in. Iowa. and Maine have
set aside the death penalty by law. while
in Illinois, Tennessee. and two other
States it has been practically abandoned.
1t has been abolished bv law or in prac-
tice in Tuscany; in Russia, except for
political of1enses. and in very few Of
the worst cases of murder, for century
aud quarter: in Holland; in Switzer-
land, where it is now restored in Portu
gal; Roumania: Belgium; SaXony. and
live other States of Germany; and ip CO.
ipinbla. eobu1n America.
The combined experience of these coun-
tries has shown. that in the majority of
them murder has not increased under
| abandonment of the death penalty. Ii
may do So where there is no proper pun
ishmcnt substitutcd-thatis is. where crimi-
nails are either not prosecuted, or if con-
I t,l /
land. often allowed to escape from prison.
In Michigan. Rhode Island. and some
other countries. the proportion of muir
dcr ~ population has declined since abo-
lition of the death penalty.
The advocates of the abolition Of capt.
tai punishment do not make light of
crime. They have so high an estimate
"f the sacredness of human life, that
they ,psk the speedy conviction of tho G
who commit murder. and their prompt
sentence to imprisonment for life under
as rigorous circumstances as are consist
eut with the mental and bodily health of
the prisoner. They further ask that this
sentence be irrevocable, unless the pris-
oner be prored innocent.
Certainty and swittness of punishment
are essential to make punishmentS deter
rent. But a murderer can count upon 3
conviction, and secondly. that even if con-
victed the sentence will not be carried
out. in almost all Christendom where the
death penalty exists. Hence that law
does little to deter from crime.
In Austria. between 1870 and 1879,
there was SOC persons sentenced to death
and only 16 executed, So that the chances
of escape, if sentenced. were fifty tn one.
In France. during the same period, the
chances were two to one. In the thirty
Years, 1850 to 1850 inclusive, there were
zoos persons committed for Trial for will
fu murder in England and Wales, IF
whom 665. or SO per cent. were convicttd
for non-capital crimes during the same
period Of those sentenced to death,
only 10 per cent. were executed. so that
the whole chances of escape on a tIiaL
Tor murder were five to one. If forty
niue out of fifty are imprisoned for lifer
why not the other one?
Imp isonment for life as substitute
for hanging can be carried out eifectu-
ally. 1t has been done in Belgium since
1853, and in such manner rs to secure
health Of body aud mind to the prison.
ers. their orderly Obedience to the disoi-
pine Of the prison. and their instruction
in industry, morals. and religion. But
it requires high degree of Christian
principle in nation first t. abandon the
death penalty. and then firmly 10 carry
out imprisonment for life.