The Daily Comet

The majesty of the Law.

The law must be obeyed. We like a fearless and unflinching minister, who will deal it out to the letter: but we do think that there are times and circumstances, under which some mercy should be extended. When the violator is not aware that he treads on forbidden ground—when he does not know that he infringes its ordinance, in the exercise of an inalienable right, there should be some leniency. We felt very much like joining in the prayers of many of our friends, White and Black, at the market yesterday morning, when the life of a fine large Newfoundland dog, was begged for. But our order-obeying Constable could not be prevailed upon. Every body knew the Dog—knew that more than one family in town was devotedly attached to him, and they knew that more than one tear would be shed for him by the little lads and lasses about the prison: but the law is imperative, and our friend Cousinard fearing the charge of partiality, fired. The poor dog was wounded, and he sent up one piteous howl, and a look for compassion and many hearts were there that responded to his call for mercy, but they were ordered to "clear the way," and another ball killed him. We are satisfied that a hundred dollars would not have bought him—and no consideration could have induced the family to which the dog belonged to have parted with him. There he lay, bleeding upon the ground, a victim to an unmerciful ordinance—without having offended a soul on earth.

There are many men for whom we could feel less sympathy at their death; and we call again, as we have frequently done, in the voice of the best portion of this community ere all of our canine friends are murdered, for a repeal of the law. Ordain gentlemen, that such as have not muzzles, or collars shall suffer, that the good and the bad, go not the same way to dusty death.