Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1817-08-01


tie prevention Of Usny.
NO. VIII.
Taklng 1t then as granted, that the
grounds upon which the laws against usu-
ry are bottomed, have been proved to be
absolutely untenable and preposterous, as
Tar as results can be drawn by the exer-
else OF the reasoning faculties vet the
great question to ensure the success of
the proposition for their repeal, remains
to be examined; and satisfactorily ex-
planned. How has IT happened, that these
laws have been sanctioned in so many
countries, and for so long time, i'm des-
pite of all the lessons of both reason and
experience Mr.. ii. in considering this
cardinal question:, seems TO have acted
too much under the influence of a sarcasm
previously thrown out against himself, for
ms notable discovery of the mischiefs
ofihese laws, III disrespect of the wisdom,
and acquiescence of our forefathers -
ana therefore, treats the question by Sar-
castle retorts upon his antagonists ratli-
er as an incidental, than as the main one
In tins mode OF argument, it is thought,
he has surely gained complete victory
but perhaps the important influence of
this question, called for a more serious
and particular examination and explana
following exposition and sarcastic relorts
Bot we have been told, this il n most'' no.
table discovery" We are wiser than Cur Ia
theirs, We have just found out, that laws
Which have existed for ages ought never TO
have passed To speak plainly, Mr.. Chairman,
think we are wiser, much wiser than our IA
theirs. The art of printing has made some diff
terence between the people of the 18th ceniu.
ry and those of ancient times.-We are wiser
than they were in the time of the Crusades-
wiser than they were, when the judgment OF
a court depended on the result of single conf
bat-when women were burnt to prove their
chastity, or drowned TO prove their innocence
OF witchcraft-when bishops could not write,
and statesmen could not read-and when the
incendiary or the murderer was safe, If he
could reach the sanctuary OF the church
Sir, the sarcasm which have Just stated is
the most formidable argument that expect to
encounter. 1t is an argument of very ancient
date, aud of very general use Ii has been in
variably resorted 10 by those who, from bigot
ry or interest, have opposed the progress of
science and the reformation of mankind
few examples will illustrate the character of
this sort OF argument
when Calico in the 18th century revived
tne system OF Copernicus, and boldly made the
Sun tie stationary centre OF our system, oh :
says the chief OF the inquisition. this is most
notable discovery. You are wiser than our
ancestors-wiser than Joshua. The sun, in
stead OF standing still at his command, has
.peen slways stationary This is a wonderful
discovery, aud entities you to distinguished
station in one of tie cells of the In9uisition.
40 this punishment this great man was twice
condemned, and he was compelled TO abinre
the very doctrine which has rendered his name
immortal.
The case of Harvey, who discovered and
demonstrated the theory OF the circulation OF
the human blood, cannot have escaped YOUR
recoiiection. No physician i'll Europe, ever
40 years of age, would admit IL to be true
Inc faculty could not submit TO the idea OF
fhDaN III ia.
so important and interesting in the animal sys-
tenn OF man. They prosecuted the author as
an innovator, as maker OF notable dscove-
res ana his practice as a physician was
greatly diminished.
With wnat effect might this argument have
peen urged IN the reign of Henry and Elizabeth
against the liberation of interest! How MANY
more years of want and misery might Europe
nave experienced, If 1t had been urged against
the repeai OF the ancient laws, prohibiting the
exportatlon of grain, and even the transporta-
ton OF 1t, from one province to another9
Sir, there has been great deal of useless le-
glsiatI III the world, which might have been
defended by the same sort Of argument AT
one time, the people of England were harrass-
ed with Sunptuary laws They are now aban-
uoned. Laws have been made to produce con-
iormlty Ia religion. They are in a great mea
sure abandoned also here, thank God utterly
abandoned and abhorred Laws have been
made 10 punish monopolists OF corn. Men
nave profited by experience ave, Sir, grown
wiser than their faith RS; aud those monopo-
lists, though having nothing in view but their
own eInolument, are now regarded as real
Denefactors of the country. In former davs
men were as jealous and as active in legsldt-
ing, ana IN writing, and M speaking too a.
gaihst any interest, as they BOW against in
terest beyond certain point. That error is
now universally exploded. Let us take one
step farther, Mr.. Chairman. Let us leave men
to themselves in making their, own bargains
ana tree ourselves entirely from the letters
f.snu srfe C.lI L
bound us"
The retrospect of past times, and past
follies, thus eloquently sketched, forcibly
lmprcsscs upon the mind the awful con-
temptation OF tile vast portion of useless,
ana mischievous legislation, under which
the world has groaned for centuries past ::
ana at 1he same time, the pleasing conso-
ihtIbn derived from tile recollection of the
happy improvements in the science Of DO
iilcs, within the last two centuries and
iheIr consequent improvements in the
CONDITION OF mankind but il also leaves
conviction, that the measure of improve
ment IS far from being full that disco
verIes III political science. are rather he
ginning, than ending and HAT much.
very much, remains to be done for The
completion, and perfection ofthe political
sysicm--lt reminds us, too, of the prci,r-
"'OeS eAlS'iHG al TIE present day, as well
as I'D times past and demonstrates ,llat
they still present formidable obstacles 10
all advancements in political science !.
perhaps amellorated in some degree. by
the extension and diffusion of knowledge.
We cannot help feeling great surprise and
wonder, at the folly, and wiCkedness of
condemnlng Calico to one OF tile cells of
the iDqaisltlon for his revival OF The 6rsf
principle OF The planetary system; nor al
9epITNin9 Harvey OF his medical practice,
for his discovery of the true system ofthe
circulation Of the human blood bur il
exciies neither wonder nor surprise. but
certainly great regret with impartial men
~ ALr ~ aL.n.llL 10 49, :,