Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1807-04-14
FOR THE ARGUS.
CONCERNING TRE SALE OF LAND 10 Sd
7ISFT DEBTS.
No
A VlRGINIAN.

NO. l.
NJ question deserves more serious con-
sideration or more cautious conduct than
that which / am now about to introduce
Wen aware that it will be impossible to
give entire satisfaction to my own mind,
Can scarcely hope to succeed, either with
those who advocate an unconditional sale
OF land IN payment of debts, or with those
VINO oppose the measure under all modifi-
Ca'iohs. IL behoveS me, however, to un-
tod my own views, as perspicuouslv as I
can, in the hope that I NAV induce some
more able pen To complete a task so essen
tial to our political and social happiness.
have long paused and balanced, whe-
ther or not should engage in the arduous
undertaking, not because every new thought
would not add to the general stock of knew
ledge, and might tend to illustrate the SUBJ
Jtct, but because hoped, and still hope,
that some other more powerful pen might
clear away the distractions and remove
some OF the prejudices which have hereto
tore opposed free examination and impair
tial discussion; but these hopes have been
iiiusory. The public opinion is vet unset
tied, and no effort has been made to recon
Gle the contradictions which the advocates
OF the extremes oppose to each other.
Before proceed, foresee, that the re-
marks about to be offered, will not suit the
taste or expectations of either party and
therefore, 1t might not be expected that |
shall offer detailed propositions to be sup
| ported with zeal, or recommended with ar
| dor; but may entertain a reasonable hope
to excite reflection and investigation-to
rouse the dormant faculties of my coun.
| trymen from the pillow of inertness, and,
to excite every one to the employment OF
np hng - ~, ,.fk =.
lieved, that error eXistS-that innovation
Is necessary-and that these innovations
Will be introduced under the influence OF
public opinion, regulated by the force O!
| argument
This important question has never been
untolded to the people of Virginia in terms
and upon principles which could enable
them at glance, to estimate with Impair
TALLY tine general beneficial tendencies
which might he expected from changes OF
so much Importance. The question has
been generally presented in a plain and a.
farming manner. The people have been
called ON to answer either VeS or no, whe.
ther they were willing that a law should
be passed, force the sale of lands in paw.
ment of debts.
The sudden effects of such a question.
unexplained and unaccompanied by reason.
able notifications, would not only excite
surprise, but produce alarm. Every man
could reco,lect some occasion wnen valu.
able tract of land, had been sold, for ready
money, either, by deed Of trust, or decree
for fourth, or even less than fourth o.
its value. The mind, guided by this i'm.
preston, has dictateda negative, whereas
if pan with proper Limitations had beer
suggested, It is most probable, that the ans
wcr would have been in the affirmative.
Notwithstanding these facts, it has beer
seen, for several years past, that the Icgis.
lature contains very power nj party, whC
are in favor of the question. These per.
sons, in many cases, weigh it by the inva.
iiable standard Of justice, and decide tbi,
by very proper and previous question
"Shall any debtor, enjoying property, re.
f'Se to sell il, and thereby, shut ont his ere.
d.tor from the power Of forcing n sale p
The answer to this question, will be moi
less peremptory than the other. Each par.
" will view their opponents with aundicct
7 eyes. Each viii endeavor to Strengthen
itself by the means which occur, and moi
unirequently will resort to indecous epi
thets. No just retrospective examination
is taken-no prospective benefit is weigh
ed-nO social and liberal conversations arc
held; opposition produces obstinacy, ant
each party in acting against the other, a.
If It really knew the designs of the otner
would be found to act against Itself be.