Vandalia Whig and Illinois intelligencer. [volume] (Vandalia, Ill.) 1832-183?, 1833-04-17
From the New England Farmer.
AGRICULTURAL ESSAYS, NO. x.
ENGAGING IN LAWSUITS.

The Farmers of New England in general
are too ant to contend with each other ID the
law; and to refer. even the most triffing con-
troversies between them, to the decision OF
Courts of justice But they ought to guard
against this minqus practice, as they would
against the greatest disappointments and mis-
fortunes. For if they will attend to the fruits
of this unhappy passion, they will see that but
few, if any, have been benefited awhile multl-
tudes have been utterly ruined it. So great
are the unavoidable expenses of time, counsel,
witnesses, attendance, fees of officers, and sol
many the vacations of minds, that in general,
la man had better compound with his neighbor
in quiet and peaceable manner, and give him
his coat, although he had previously taken
away his cloak, than submit to the manifold
evils which may possibly arise from process
in law But you will say, he may gain thel
cause and then--t9 which it may be replied, heI
NAV lose il and then. Farther you may OBJ
serve, that there are certain characters, with
which you are obliged to be connected occa-
Isional!y, who are so given to contention that
it is next to impossible to keep up an amicable
correspondence with them They will en-
croach, deceive, Cypress, and pay no conscien-
ious regard to their conduct and engagements.
Doubtless there may he such characters; butt
if you know them, it must be your own fault,
10 some measure, if difficulties arise between
you and them. 1t is imprudent to have any
great intimacy, or much to do with man OF
dishonest, conventions spirit. And yet it must
be acknowl lodged, that it may sometimes he
duty which YOU owe to the public, as well as to|
yourself, to oppose his base and dishonest at
tempts. As, where man challenges the tile
you have to your lands, when he might as well
claim the lands and tenements Of any
other neighbor-to oppose, and If possible, suit
ably punish such character, SO avariclous and
wicked. every man ought always, to be ready
and willing. Such men in nelehborhoods and
in society, are like foxes and wolves in flock
Of sheep: and we have to lament the lot OF that
man who is obliged to come forward, and tol
expose them at his own expense. But to avoid
the vexations and expenses which Numerically
follow from suits and processes in law, "study
to be quiet, and to do your own business-keep
your shop, and your shop will keep you" A.
void taverns, horse.races, shooting matches
and gaming tables. Pay all your little, as well
as your grea er debts punctually. Give your
aborers their hard earned wages daily, or at
iOhSt WcChly, anu CiOSC ali youi uCSouhtS "iih
every man, at the close of every year. Use
the creatures and goods of your neighbor, when
hired, or borrowed, as carefully, or more care
fully, than you would if they were your own
be truly charitable, and look upon all men as
your brethren. Accustom yourselves to dol
little favors to your neighbors, and without any
expectations of reward from them. Overlook
things said and done by them, when they were
angry, mistaken, or heated with liquor. Never
attempt to take the advantage Of them, however
they may expose themselves; but throw the
mantle of charity over their weaknesses. Re
member that you also are man; and that
benevolence is the law of your nature. Above
all things, make it YOUR study and endeavor,
to regulate and control yoxr passions and appe-
tites. An example of this kind may be follow
ed by your neighbors; aud if it should, 1t would
put an end to contentious of all kinds; and save
you from the expenses and vexaions of the
law; which, though necessary and good in it,
self, may prove the most permanent source of
distress, to those who rashly and wantonly en-
gage in it.
GF"For every thing you buy or sell, let or
hire, make an exact bargain at first; and be
not put off to an hereafter by one that says to
we shall not disagree about trihes.'
New ENeLAND.--The following elegant ex-
'ract is from much and justly admired Speech
delivered in the House of Representatives by
Mr.. w. B. SHEPARD, of North Carolina,
two or three weeks ago, which we have not yet
reached in the order of publication of the De-
bate to which it belongs:-Int.
"Did believe it essential to the prosperity
OF welfare of The southern states, that the man.
ulactories of the north should be levelled with
the dust, it would be an unpleasant duty to vote
a benefit to myself, which would be the entire
ruin of another. A few summers ago, while
flying from the demon Of i'll health, l visited
New England. ] found her towns and villages
crowded with an industrious and enterprizing
her hills and vallies redolent with
health, prosperity and contentment; every
mind seemed to be intent, every hand was &C.
cupied; the world does not contain a more
furnishing community. There the advantages
of education are extended to the poorest indi
vidual in society, and that society receive its
remuneration in his sober, Industrious, and