The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1840-09-02
Gen. Harrison and Col. Johnson.

The whig prints have been making an effort
TO connect the reputation OF their own newly
discovered hero. General Harrison with lha, OF
the real, though unprelendng hero of the de-
mocracy, Colonel Richard NJ. Johnson. But
there is such wide difference in the charac-
ters Of the men, that the attemp, never can sue
ceed The latter is a genuine soldier, whose
body is covered by the scars received iu the
honorable service Of his country, and the other
is a doubtful commander, without sears and
without honor, indebted for what nilitary fame
he has, moro 10 the certificates and clamors af
Of his own exploits. In another respect there
is 4 still greater difference. Colonel Johnson
IS a phanthropst, deeply penetrated by the
spirit Of humanity, man who sympathIzes with
the mass, and all of whose exPrtions have been
upon the side Of the largest liberty and equal
rights. OF this fact, let Mr. Webster NO in-
competent witsess, bear testimony:
Sir, il is about that length Of time, (twsuty
years) think, since you who now preside
our deliberations, began here your efforts for
ths abolition OF imprisonment for debt; and
better work was never begun IN the Capitol
Ever remembered and ever honored be that
noble effort! You drew the attention of the
public to the question, whether in 4 civilized
aud Christian country. debt incurred without
fraud, aud remaining unpaid, without fault, is
n crime, aud crime III TO be punished by de
nyng 10 the offender the enjoyment Of the liz ht
OF Heaven, aud shutting him up within four
walls. Yoar own good sense and that instinct
.f right feeling, which often outruns sagacIty,
carried YOU al once to result TO which others
were more slowly brought, but 10 which nearly
all have At length been brought, BY reason, re-
fection aud argument. lour movement led
the way--it became an example, and has had
psw criul effect OH both sides of the Atlantic
imprisonment for mere debt, or even arrest and
holding to bail for mere debt no longer exists
IN England. and former laws on The subject have
been greatly modified and miIigsIed, rs we all
know. IN our States. Abolition OF imprsop-
ment for debt, your own words in the title Of
Your own bill, have become tbs title Of 40 act
of Parliament.
"SIr sn glad of 40 occasion to pay you
the tribute Of my own sincere respect for these
your abors IN the cause of humanity and en-
lghlensd policy. For these labors thousands
of grateful hearts have thanked YOU"
Compare this, with the folio ing extract from
the territorial Laws Of Indiana Of S07, approved
by William Henry Harrison:
Src. 30. When any person, or persons,
shall, on con'iei'on Of any crime, or breach Of
penal Law. be sentenced 10 pay fine OF fines.
with or without the costs OF prosecution, it shall
aud may he lawful for the court, before whom
such conviction shall be had. 10 order hs Stsr.
If 10 sell or hire he person or persons ,rl,o triH
pay The sad hne and costs for such term OF time
as the court Will think reasonable.
And II such person or persons. so sentenced /
and hired OF sold, shall abseond from the ser
vice of his or her master or mistress before the /
term Of such service shall he expired, hr or she
so sbseondips, shsll on con,iciion brfsr. = JUS /
lice of the peace, he WHIPPED WITH /
THlRTI-NlNE STRIPES aud shall more.
over serve t~o days tor every one so lost"