Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1807-04-17

Even in countries where the government
finds motives to support an hereditary aris-
tocracy, no argument can be offered to OPP
pose such proposition-how then in this
commonwealth, where every thing is car
ried on upon opposite principles, can it be
pretended, that creditor, who cannot find
means to recover the payment of his debt
in money, ought be debarred, if he chooses,
from obtaining by compulsive means as
much of the debtors real estate as will sa-
tisfy his demand
VIII it be pretended that public injury
or private oppression will be the result /?
/ believe not but even if any one should
be so weak as to insist upon either, how
easily will he be refuted by the proposition
itself a proposition 50 plain, so simple,
so just proposition which contemplates
the execution of naked act of justice be-
tween competent persons ; but where there
is a want of inclination on one side or the
other, to be satisfied with that which rea.
son and justice prescribe.
Every candid reader will perceive that
these remarks are dictated by a sense of
justice and public usefulness. 1t will not
be pretended that they are predicated up
on the wisest propositions OF which the case
is susceptible. They are capable of inn
provcment or perhaps may lead TO discus
sions from which happy medium may be
obtained, calcu.at to insure Justice with
out oppression.
Let us then engage in the social enter
prise with tempers of Cancellation : Let
each one suppose that he is about to- make
converts to his own opinions, and that the
plan which he recommends for adoption,
is precisely that which is justified by his
Judgment, and desired by his inclinations
Let him suspend those emotions which are
! the usual concomitants of irritated opposi-
ton and thus by assuming rationa, me-
dunn conquer by seeming 10 yield, without
in fact yielding more than was always in
! tended, and can always be defended.
| Whether the propos ton which has been
advanced, with proper notifications can
ever produce the desired object, OF lead to
! the establishment of happy medium
| where we shall all meet and affiliate will
depend upon the patronage and coungenance
which il will receive from the influence
and talents of future legs ators.
This is indeed question of great natl.
onal concernment. Il will he difficult &c
persuade the legislature to make such in
novations as may be necessary. Some will
| be restrained from the fear of losing theii
popularity-others from the fear of acting
amiss-and others from long established
prejudices. 1t is no part OF my design t
treat these Causes of disappointment will
criticism. Every man of reflection vii
admit that the remark is just, and every
friend of his country ought to counterac
the consequences as far as he can.
For myself only ! Can promise, that NJ
temporising policy shall deter me from
supporting whenever and wherever can
these principles upon which these argu
ments have been predicated. Happy IN
deed shall be if these feeble and humbl
Efforts shall in any degree tend to strength
en- the bonds Of social union, to cure tn
evils Of long standing and erroneous poll
Icy, TO promote justice, to protect the fee
bic from the arm of e11tortion aid oppres
sion, and at the same time TO raise an
establish the responsibility of this common
wealth, and the happiness and harmony
the people.
+ PATERNUS.