ell-tempered severity.

For my own part, I think the fire is not extinguished,--on the contrary,
it seems to require the attention of government more than ever; but, as
a part of any methodical plan for extinguishing this flame, it really
seems necessary that the execution of justice should be as steady and as
cool as possible.

SOME ADDITIONAL REFLECTIONS

ON THE EXECUTIONS.

The great number of sufferers seems to arise from the misfortune
incident to the variety of judicatures which have tried the crimes. It
were well, if the whole had been the business of one commission; for now
every trial seems as if it were a separate business, and in that light
each offence is not punished with greater severity than single offences
of the kind are commonly marked: but in reality and fact, this
unfortunate affair, though diversified in the multitude of overt acts,
has been one and the same riot; and therefore the executions, so far as
regards the general effect on the minds of men, will have a reference to
the unity of the offence, and will appear to be much more severe than
such a riot, atrocious as it was, can well justify in government. I pray
that it may be recollected that the chief delinquents have hitherto
escaped, and very many of those who are fallen into the hands of justice
are a poor, thoughtless set of creatures, very little aware of the
nature of their offence. None of the list-makers, the assemblers of the
mob, the directors and arrangers, have been convicted. The preachers of
mischief remain safe, and are wicked enough not to feel for their
deluded disciples,--no, not at all. I would not plead the ignorance of
the law in any, even the most ignorant, as a justification; but I am
sure, that, when the question is of mercy, it is a very great and
powerful argument. I have all the reason in the world to believe that
they did not know their offence was capital.

There is one argument, which I beg may not be considered as brought for
any invidious purpose, or meant as imputing blame anywhere, but which, I
think, with candid and considerate men, will have much weight. The
unfortunate delinquents were perhaps much encouraged by some remissness
on the part of government itself. The absolute and entire impunity
attending the same offence in Edinburgh, which was over and over again
urged as an example and encouragement to these unfortunate people, might
be a means of deluding them. Perhaps, too, a languor in the b