The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser. — 1824-10-14 (London, England)

DEATH-WARRANTS.  There is scarcely any popular opinion more erroneous than that which has obtained, almost universally, relating to the mode in which the order is intde for the necutims of criminals who are sentenced to death at the (lid Bailey Sessions. It is generally believed that on these sad occasions it is necessary that the King should aMx his sign-manual to a death-warrant, as it is usually termed : that is met the feet. Those who are better informed as to the laws of their country, are aware that no such invidious duty devolves on the Sovereign—he signs pardons, but not deathwarrints: in truth, there is no such thing as a death-warrant, in the common acceptation of the term. The law of the land swards the punishment of death upon those who shall be guilty of certain crimes; and it is well known that no report is made to the King, of prisoners capitally convicted at the Assizes, unless the Judge thinks fit to do so. In London and Middlesex it is otherwise, except on convictions for murder ; and then the order of the Court is sufficient warrant for the Sheriffs to execute. At a certain period after die termination of the Old Bailey Sessions, it is the duty of the Recorder of London to pi:adult to the Lord Chancellor a report of time capital c invicts, which•is subsequently laid before the King in Calmed, and there the respective cases are discussed and decided upon: the result is communicated immediately to the Sheriffs, in an order signed by the Recorder, and sealed with black wax, setting forth the names of al! the prisoners, and ordering the execution of certain individuals, and expressing that the rest are respited during his Majesty's pleasure.— Thus, in point of fact, the report is male foi the benevolent purpose of affording the Sovereign an opportunity of ascertaining how many of the lives of the wretched convicts can be saved, ecesistm ntly with the duty which he owes to the welfare of society ; and not for the purpose of his ordering what number of them shall suffer death. 1 here have been occasions wherein the personal feelings of the King would have inclined him to spare the life of an individual: but the genial sent-meat of the Privy Council has been so decidedly adverse, as to discourage the interposition of the Royal clemency. Au instance occurred since the accession of hie present Majesty, when exertions almost without a parallel were made on behalf of • person under sentence of death for forgery, whose previous character had been exemplary, and whose family and connexions were highly respectable. Noblemen and gentlemen of rank put forth their utmost powers of intercession. Mr. —, a much respected member of Parliament, obtained a private interview with the King, to whom his Majesty observed, that he had never witnessed such interest as had. been made in the case referred to, and that he was cordially disposed to sive the unhappy man from an ignominious death, but it could not be effete& fur there was not a single hand in the Council held up in his favour ; thus the law was left to take its caurse. His Majesty, under sub circumstances, however humane his feelings. could not, as a Constitutional King, consistently exercise his prerogative of mercy in direct opposition to the unanimous opinion ot his legal advisers.  EMPLOYMENT or