Read the following article excerpt about the john brown trial of 1859 and answer the question.
we rejoice that old brown has been hung. he was not only a murderer of innocent persons, but he attempted one of the greatest crimes against society—the stirring up of a servile and civil war. he has paid the penalty for his crimes, and we hope his fate may be a warning to all who might have felt inclined to imitate his aggressive conduct.
—cincinnati enquirer
which word shows a particularly strong connotation?