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9
effect the direct opposite of that designed. Perhaps
(sagacious philosopher) "by an odd connection of
or causes, this barbarous custom might contribute to render
"those times more populous. By removing the terrors of
"too numerous a family it would engage many people
"in marriage; and such is the force of natural affections
"that very few in comparison would have resolution
"enough when it came to the point, to carry into
"execution their former intentions. China where this
"practise still prevails, is the most populous country
"that we know."
The reader will now judge whether I had not some foundation
for my hypothesis opinion above hinted that the number of children infants
destroyed would not be increased by the withdrawing the
punishment from the practise — an hypothesis that
seems confirmed as much as an hypothesis can be confirmed by an experiment made amongst such a variety of causes acting at the same time. by a notorious and continued experience continued and conspicuous course of
experience of much too great a notoriety to be questioned.
I hope I shall not be misunderstood as recommending the
express permission countenancing and encouragement of such a practise
by a Law which running directly counter to the senti-
current of popular sentiment would in that view from that consideration be even
if tho' some slight advantage were too result for it, be impolitic
and impracticable — There is a great wide total difference between
approving a practise by a new Law, and repealing an
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Identifier: | JB/096/219/001 "JB/" can not be assigned to a declared number type with value 96.
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096 |
legislation |
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219 |
homicide - of infants |
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001 |
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text sheet |
3 |
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recto |
c19 |
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jeremy bentham |
[[watermarks::[gr with crown motif] propatria [britannia motif]]] |
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31223 |
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