[D8704AFJ], Letter from Alfred Porter Southwick to Thomas Alva Edison, December 5th, 1887
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Title
[D8704AFJ], Letter from Alfred Porter Southwick to Thomas Alva Edison, December 5th, 1887
Editor's Notes
The question does not arise as to whether we as individuals believe in capital punishment or whether the state has the right to inflict it, or whether society could not protect itself in some other way, but because capital punishment exists and is likely to continue, the question before the commission is what is the most human way to accomplish it; the rope is clearly a relic of barbarism; would execution by electricity be more humane? Your reputation as an electrician will help us persuade the Legislature to use electricity when they change the law, if you will assist us; "Civilization, science and humanity demand a change"; hope you "will change your mind on the subject and give us the benefit of your knowledge."
Author
Recipient
Date
1887-12-05
Type
Folder/Volume ID
D8704-F
Microfilm ID
119:321
Document ID
D8704AFJ
Publisher
Thomas A. Edison Papers, School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers University