cams_benton_b028_f012_002_011

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and property; or they are but shadows without
substance. This grand object they attain in various
ways. For this – money, power, & the sword, are given
them. They must punish evil-doers – & favor such
as do well. Their eyes must be on the faithful of
the land; – they must set no wicked thing before
them those eyes. They are armed for their work; – & with
those arms they must defend the all good men citizens
from the injuries of the wicked; – & suppress crime
by inflictions of severity upon the wicked all offenders, when
they disturb the peace. All experience confirms
the saying of that renowined [renowned] legislator, Solon –
"That all states are supported by reward & pun-
-ishment; & that, when these two things are removed,
all the discipline of human societies is ren
broken & destroyed". "For the minds of men
lose their regard for equity & justice, unless
virtue be rewarded with due honor; nor can the
violence of the evil be restrained unless crimes
are followed by adequate punishments."

Nor should we conceive of penalties
as fixed quantities. Their amount & degree:
must be determined by circumstances. In one
age & country a punishment that will prevent
crime & keep the peace – then will be found quite in-