Alabama state intelligencer., 1831-08-06

On Proherty is by nature hoard mg animal, having an appetite for storing ur things. of use; and the sense of property is bestowed on men, for securing to them what they thus store up This sense discovers it. self at l very early period. We see that chil- dren possess it; for they are capable of dis tlnguishing their own chair, and their own spoon.
 In the earliest ages, perhaps, every man separately hunted for himself and his family. But as chance prevails in that occupation, it was found more convenient to Carry it on in common. We find, accordingly, the prac- tee of hunting and fishing in common, even among gross savages.
 In small tribes, where patriotism is vigo- rous, or in country thinly penpled in propor- ticn to its fertility, the living in common is agreeable. But in large state, where sell fishness prevails, or in any state, where great population requires extraordinary culture, the best method is to permit every man to shift for himself and his family. Men wish to la Dor for themselves; and they labor more ar dently for themselves, than for the public. | The sense of property is not confined to the human species The beavers perceive the timber they store up for food, to be their pro- pertv; and the bees seem to have the same perception with respect to their winters pro- vision of honey. Sheep know when they are in trespass, and run to their own pasture on the first glimpse of man; monkies do the same, when detected in robbing an orchard Sheep and horned cattle have sense of pro perty, with respect to their resting places in told or inclosure, which every one guards against the encroachments of others. He must be sceptic indeed, who denies that per ception to rocks. Thieves there are among them, as among men. But, if rook purloin a stick from another's nest, council is held, much chattering ensues, and the ie1 taiionis is applied by demolishing the nest of the criminal. To man are furnished rude mate rials only. To convert these into food and clothing requires industry; and if he had not a sense that the product of his labor belongs to himself his industry would be faint. In general, it is pleasant to observe, that the sense of property is always given where it is useful, and never but where it is useful. An ingenious writer, describing the inhabi- tants of Guiana, who continue hunters and fishers, makes an eloquent harangue upon the happiness they enjoy, in having few wants and desires, and little notion of private pro perty, "The manners of these Indians ex- hibit an amiable picture of primeval inno- cence and happiness The ease with which their few wants are supplied, renders divi sion of land unnccessary; nor does it afford any temptation to fraud or violence. That proneness to vice, which, among civilized na- tions, is esteemed a propensity of nature, has no existence in country, where every man enjoys in perfection his native freedom and independence, without hurting or beng hurt by others. A perfect equality of rank, ban ishng all distinctions but of age and personal merit, promotes freedom in conversation, and | 6rmncss in action, and suggests no desire but what may be gratihed with innocence. Envy and discomfort cannct subsist where there is perfect equality. We scarce even hear of ldiscCntented lover, as there is no difference | of rank and 'rtune, the common obstacles that prevent 'uitian. Those who have been unhap- pilv accustomed to the re6nenents of luxury, will scarce be able to conceive, that an Indian, with no covering but what modesty requires, with no shelter that deserves the name of house, and with no food but of the coarsest kind, painfully procured by hunting, can feel any happiness. And yet to judge from exter nal appearance, the happiness cf these peo- pie may be envied by the wealthy of the most refined nations; and justly, because their ig ncrance of extravagant desires, and endless pursuits, tn 1t torment the great world, ex cludes every wish beyond the present. In word the inhabitants of Guiana are an exam
 
 who want the least, approach the nearest to the gods, who want nothing" It is admit ted, that the innocence of savages, here pain ted in fine cclcrs, is in every respect more amlable than the luxury of the opulent But $ there nct d middle state mere suitable than either extreme to the dignity of human ma turc. The appetite fer property is net be- slowed upon us in vain. It has given birth to many arts. It furnishes opportunity for grati lying the most dign!fed natural affe ctions; for, without prvate property, what place would there be for benevolence or charity Without private property there would be no industry; and without industry, men could never be civilized.
 The appetite for property, however, in its nature a great blessing, degenerates into great curse, when it transgresses the bounds of moderation. Before money was introduc- cd, the appetite seldom was immoderate, be- cause plain necessaries were its only objects. But money is a species of property, of such extensive use as greatly to nAame the appe- tite. Money prompts men to be industrious; and the beautiful productions of industry and art, rousing the imagination, excite a violent desire for grand houses, fine gardens, and for every thing gay and splendid. Habitual wants multiply. Luxury and sensuality gain ground. The appetite for property becomes headstrong, and is often gratihed at the ex- pense of justise and honor.-.Adams' Moughts or Man.
 From the Boston City Gazette.
 Sometimes fair truth in fiction disguise; haan I,ls .1