The probability is there was some provocation; for such
dire deeds are not perpetrated without a strong and powerful
impulse. It is however of no consequence; no matter what was his
crime, such a punishment was abominable, and could not be
inflicted, even if the laws permitted it, in our State. If that
monster who committed the Stoneham murder in cold blood, impelled
solely by avarice, had not put an end to his own life, but had
awaited his conviction, had been sentenced to such a punishment,
although he would have merited, perhaps more than any other
offender who has appeared in our times, the greatest sufferings,
yet such a sentence could not be carried into effect. The people
would have risen at once, animated by one sentiment, and without
the least previous concert have prevented it. Every man in the
Commonwealth, waiving all distinctions of condition or age, would
have been seen, without consulting his neighbour or considering
consequences, putting a new flint in his musket and girding on
his sword.
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