Sir W. J. H. Joliffe, lieutenant in the 15th Hussars, Life and Correspondence of Lord Sidmouth, Vol. III, p. 120. World History

II.

EARLY REFORMS

410.

Observations of the Russian Emperor (1814)

In England, where every man enjoys so much freedom of action, the execution of the laws must necessarily be severe, in consequence of the difficulty of imposing adequate restraints on the early transgression of them. As you cannot, therefore, interpose obstacles to the commission of crime, the only remaining check is to punish it severely when committed. In Russia we can interfere to prevent the commission; severe punishments, therefore, are not so essential.