The Hillsborough Recorder

Capital Punishment in England—We have expressed our belief that the day was not far distant, when the humanity and good sense of mankind, would bring about the abolishment of hanging in favour of imprisonment for life. we are gratified to see that the British House of Commons was recently engaged upon the several bills introduced by Lord John Russel, to diminish the number of crimes punishable with death. Mr. Ewart moved to abolish that punishment for crimes except murder. The motion was seconded by Mr. Hume, and moved by Mr. Buxton, Dr. Bowring, Mr. O'Connel and others, and opposed by Lord John Russell, and the attorney and solicitor general. Lord John Russell stated the object of the government to be, to limit the punishment of death to offences against person and life. His bill proposed to repeal the punishment of death in 21 out of 37 offences to which it is applied by the existing code. He looked forward to the possibility of abolishing it altogether, but thought it best to proceed gradually. Mr. Ewart's motion was lost by a bare majority, the vote being for the motion, 72, against it 73.

The House then went into a committee on the bill, as brought forward by Lord John Russell, and the preamble was agreed to, 102 to 40. The bill was to be taken up again by the next week.

Though this is not far enough for our views of this important measure, still it is a favourable omen. It is not to be expected that the whole civilized world will change their views at once upon capital punishment—but it is to be expected that they will ultimately do so—and those who understand this subject aright, will pray for the hastening of that auspicious day.

Sul. Cou.