Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1832-01-31


triotic band who have invariably displayed their
attachment to the cause of civil and religious IL
bertv. Like their noble brethren on the other
side of the Atlantic, they have uniformly esPous-
ed the cause of constitutional principles, and IN
war and peace have manifested Their devotedness
to the rights Of man. They have no interest In
continuiu.: imprisonment for debt, and venture
to affirm that the influential part Of that PROBES
sion will joyfully lend their aid to its discontinue
ance. Whatever obstacle may prevent the Eng.
lish lawyers from destroying this avo"ed evil
am sure that no obstacle can be in the way oil our
LAWYERS. tits highly important that they should
act, because their influence in all legal matters
is justly appreciated. As body OF men, 'ney
are the most popular Of any in the country, anu
are entitled to the respect Of the people. where
yer confidence has been reposed in them' In the
main, it has been sacredly observed. They very
well know the manner IN which the obnoxious
practice Of Imprisonment, for debt has been miro
duced, and would vouch for the honor ct the
profession that they esteem it practice contrary
to the principles Of the Bills Of Rights and other
Charters which we have adopted. Should we be
able to enlist them in this important cause, the
matter would soon be settled, and al American
citizen would no longer be sent to Jail tor debt.
Mr.. Webster is undoubtedly great man, and
his legal opinion is entitled to the greatest re-
spect. He places, as he ought, fraud among the
| list of crimes, and in this particular he agrees
with the common lawyers. Il, then, that opinion
be correct,-and presume it will not be ques-
tioned,- practice of imprisonment for debt
ought to cease at once. Nothing is required but
determination on the part Of the people, either
through the legislative or judicial departments
70 abolish this odious custom, which has too long
remained stigma on the character Of our laws.
The question between the creditor aud debtor
has mere reference to property, and mot to the
person. 1t is high time that the person OF the
Doctor should be taken from the control OF the
creditor, and il is to the influence Vt the latter
that we trace the usurpation Of imprisonment for
debt 1t is enough that the laws OF our country
regulate the liberties Of the citizen for violation
of its peace and welfare. None disputes the
maxim that the peace Of the commonwealth must
he preserved, and that felons, robbers and crimi.
nails ought to be punished. But no one yet, in
this enlightened country, has had the hardihood to
contend that Imprisonment for debt is right The
evil, like many others has grown among US: we
should eradicate it without any delay sincere
IL trust that the subject will be properly cons-
dsred in every State Though we differ essen
tiallv in this section from our Northern brethren
on many important points, yet on all great Prn'
ciplcs of liberty we think alike with them We
rejoice when we can act with them, and hal |
with delight every noble resolution that has It's
birth in the Cradle of Liberty. The evil we de-
piore is one of the many mischiefs which chung to
US at the commencement OF our contest tor Ioer-
ty Though we have made great improvements
in political and civil scien ce, yet some things re-
main to be done. The barbarsms Of former
age must be removed in this enlightened period.
Statesmen have time to remedy the evils which
exist They are bound to act for the good OF
mankind; but especially IN this country, which
furnishes so many models Of excellence. our avs
ought to be freed from the least imperfecton.-
Imprisonment for debt is a glaring one.
Since penning the foregoing remarks. l rejoice
to find that bill aboishing imprisonment for debt
has been introduced int, Congress Statutes
founded on justice and humanity are the most
glorious monuments; and the true character OF a
nation is more correctly discerned in the Statute
Book than in pillars Of brass or marble. The
present Congress- have now offered to them an
opportunity Of forever embalmlng their memo
ries in this ant future ages, by throwing open the
prison doors Of the unfortunate debtor. England
may initiate the noble example; and it may, Tor
auyht we know to the contrary. be followed BY
all civilized nations. May these United States
continue to furnish specimens Of the highest wis
dom and benevoence to the nations Of the earth.
1t will truly be brilliant era in our history
should the Bill pass both Houses BY an over
whelming majority. That this may be the case
is the ardent desire of every patriot and philan-
H.. ord fhn