Everywhere among the English-speaking race criminal justice was rude, and punishments were barbarous but the tendency was to do away with special privileges and legal exemptions.

Summary

This quote suggests that within the English-speaking race, the criminal justice system was characterized by its lack of sophistication and its harsh punishments. However, there was also a growing inclination to eliminate privileges and exemptions granted by the law, indicating a trend towards a more equal and fair legal system. In essence, while justice was crude and punishments extreme, efforts were being made to establish a more just and equal society for all.