The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1826-07-06
Domratie & RatstfIlanfous
From the Providence Journal.

INsOLyENT LAWS In the course OF
legislation in this State it has happened
that all the laws relating to insolvent debt
ors, which began their operation in 1855,
and-were continued by additional enact
ments through 1850, GS, II, 72, 1920, l8-
22, and 1924, 5, have been repealed at one
blow, without any previous intimation that
such would be their fate. In october last,
the trial of the petitions of Insolven,s,
which had become burden in the Gene
raj Assembly, were transferred to Courts
of Commissioners, and nine commissioners,
constituting three Courts, appointed. The
new system, from the imperfections attend
ing experiments Of this nature, had became
the subject Of excessive abuse, and amount
ed to complete Jail delivery, without COM
pelling the debtor to fair and honest sur
render of property. This had naturally
produced strong excitement against it.
Il is believed, however, that the amend
ments proposed at the last session would
have remedied the evils so Justly complain
ed Of There was however, a determna-
tion TO repeal the whole, and try a new sys-
TEN of things, which it is likely will have
in its turn to yield to some other innova-
tons before long. AS the law how stands
a debtor, though he take the poor prison.
er's oath and have not a garment to his
back, may be kept in Jail at the will and
mercy of his creditor for life, or so long as
the creditor will pay one dollar a week to
keep him there. This is probably severer
than any other system in the United States,
and is liable to be abused by being made
the instrument of fgratifying vindictve and
unworthy passions. The lawyers however
ought to be the last to complain, for it will
probably double their business nor will the
jails lack for tenants.
Mr.. Potter took no little interest in the
passage of this repeating act, in which it is
intimated he had views to private as well
as public legislation and although he did
us the honour to make set speech on FRI
day, which he repeated on Saturday, with,
tor him, the extraordinary assistance of
notes, in which he grayely answered some
articles that have appeared in this paper,
and threw his shafts Of wit, rather clumsly
by the way, at our humble self; still it is
very evident his ultimate aim is to get back
the patronage which he has lost by the
transfer Of insolvent petitions to Courts of
Commissioners. We have never intima-
ted that Mr.. Potter was not humane and
benevolent in his feelings. He is always
so, setting aside political views. But when
he has points to gain, or is aiming, as he
has almost exclusively been as far back as
our political memory extends, for Il seat in
the U. ). Senate, woe betide the private
feelings or interests that stand in his way.
We know he can trample on them, and
can use his influence to promote his own
views and advancement.
Besides, in the course Of the debate on
this subject, when il was intimated that
the power Of the creditor to keep the debt
or in Jail might be abused; Mr.. Potter said
in that case he could apply to the General
Assembly for relief and in this way it is,
little by little, Mr.. Potter calculates upon
an entire restoration Of his personal inhu-
ence in the House, so far as the abuse Of
insovent applications has affected it.
But the repeal of the insolvent laws by
a majority of4 in the House and one in the
Senate, is not, as has been falsely intma-
ted test ofMr. Potter's strength in Grand
Committee Many of the warmest friends
ofMr. Robbins voted for the repeal from
causes above alluded to. It, however,
shows to the people the necessity oftesting
thoroughly their representatives before
August meeting. Mr.. Potter is playing a
silent but deep game. He is now for lul-
ling the suspicious Of the people, hoping
to advance his interests by protesting to
retire from the contest. This is his only
hope but the frecmen will not be deceiv-
ed. They will watch the hon eve when
he affects TO sleep quietly at their feet.
A PLoT! A PLor A private letter Of
June 18th, makes mention OF very anus.
ing affair which had Just occurred at Cam
den, :. Carolina. On opening the mail at
the post Office, which had given indication
of being pregnant with unusual bulk and
consequence, the postmaster, the stage dri-
yer, the hlackies, and all the gossips in the
village, were thrown into utter constcrna-
ton and an agony Of conjecture, on behold
ing large package bearing the franking
signature Of no less parsonage than John
{. Calhoun. Vice. President of the United
States, Who il was directed TO we are
not informed. Here was a nine days
wonderment for the good people. What
could it mean ? 1t might be one of John
Randolph's torpedoes to blow up John
Quincy Adams, or a roll Of M'Dufiie's glas.
ed duclling silk, to fight Clay in, or an ad-
dress to the people of South -Carolins. ex-
planning the Vice-President's construction
Of the rule Of oroer, or it mi.ht-whai
could II be? The scales were produced
and it fell at 4 lbs. Four whole ponnds
! ffanked all the way from Washington