PUNISHMENT. [To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR. "] Sin,—In your interesting
article on " Punishment " in the Spectator of April 9th you weigh carefully two aspects of the
case. Punishment is, doubtless, intended to reform the criminal and to deter others from a similar offence. How far one of these motives should outweigh the other will always be a matter for argument. But is there not a third reason which you do not notice, but which is equally potent P A criminal is punished, not only in the hope of improving him and of preventing crime, but surely also because be deserves to be punished. Punishment is the expression of society's indignation at his conduct. If this is the case, the " soften- ing " of society's heart towards offenders may be a symptom of a very evil state of mind. It is no sign of progress when society ceases to be shocked at evil. And if society feels righteous indignation, that must be expressed in the punish- ment of offenders, even if it fails to reform or even to deter. It is a factor which cannot be neglected in assigning the suitable punishment for any crime.—I am, Sir, &c., E. S. SHIITTLEWORTH.
St. Stephen's Rectory, Grampound Road, April 11th.
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