Columbus Democrat. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 18??-18??, 1841-02-27
RAMBLING THOUGHrSaON THE TIMES
OEnT. No. A.


RAMBLING THOUGHTShONT THE TIMES
DEBT No. 4.
The present number was written, when the Dem
ocrat Of Saturday last came to hand, containing
reply to my previous numbers, by writer who
signs himself, ''Pro bono pubtccN have carefully
pcrused the Reply" in question: and find but little
in il, OF an arsumenaye character and therefore
but little, requiring special examination.
The writer very strangely concludes, that G The
laws for the collection OF debts were abolished 1--WE
would exchange peacable for forciJle mode of
collection" will only remark in reference to this
objection, that the abolition Of the laws for the co
lection of debts, would no, by any means disturb the
existing laws, against violence, bloodshed &c. A
man for taking his neigbors property without leave
would suffer the penalty Of the law against theft
and violence, then, as well as no'o.
The writer urges one objection which had pre-
vjously thoaghtof viz how would debts be collected
out olhe states OF deceased persons II may FIRST
view, seem rather difficult 10 answer this question
but very Slight examination will satisfy every one.
that it presents no impeachment to the reformation
proposed Men would keep accounts, and take
notes as they now do, and when these were pre.
scented TO the executors, or administrators. of the
estates OF deceased persons, they would be paid, in
accordance with the same principles Of justice and
honor, that would govern in other cases of debt
But should experience develope difficulties in rela
ton TO collection IN sue cases, should have no
objection to law des,%lcd specially 10 meet ,le
difficulty.
The author, though apparently ready writer
is SO utterly defective in Logical depth, and acumen
that any farther reply to his article will be unueces
sary, shall therefore proceed at once to the main
sublec, of this article viz the burhens of The prc
sent system. shall enumerae some of the more
important items OF expense, which will do in as
| bret manner as possible.
lhe hrst item OF expense which shall cnumerate
a!s e&ctHs'reiJ the vlrtuous, aud puncua portion
| oisoelcty. Hoe is the raiona e. The merchant.
! physelan' mechanic and all others that sell TO. or
Iabonr Tor Tie public, in pricing their abours wares,
OF goodS, invariably put on an amount sufficiently
great To indemnify them against the losses which
..nev expect TO sustain, by delinquent customers
II they expect 10 lose twenty-five per cent this a.
mount IS o course added, 10 what is considered a
Ia'r and proper value Of the goods, or labour
oueh an extra charge, though burthensome, is
necessary under present circumstances for other
10,
who attempted TO do business, would speedily be- |
come bankrupt
u viii be readily understood how this charge falls
exclusively on the virtuous and punctua dealer,
as IL IS imposed directly and Intentionally, to ndem.
MY against losses, sustained by delinquent custom
ers.
The losses sustained in this way are considerable
even IN this country. intelligent merchants have
assured me, idsti they sod Tor cash alone, or 10 |
surety punctua customers they could afford 10 sell
"f least twenty-five percent less than they do al
present The same Is true, in regard to the char
ges Of PHYSICIANS and mechanics should supDose
That the whole amount paid annually, in LoNndps
eounly, ~ his way, amounts to not less than 500,
VVo, and THIS is paid by about one third, or at most
QUE hail. Of the population.
~ WIZ te seen from this, that virtue il faxed IN
support vice, that premium, in fact Is held on, 10
men 10 violate their engagements; for man can
under The pfesenteysem without the least dishonnr
speculate and trade upon the money. which sbould
oe puid to his honest creditor. But the reverse ~
thswoud be the iaci, II The laws for the collection
VI ues's were aOoisled. Ia tins case, premium
would be held out for punctuaiy and honor rs ,sr-
so"s assessing THESE qualities would alone enjoy the
benefit OF credit; all others would OF course have ~
pay cash. Interest then, honesty, self respect an5
every other feeling, and principle Of our nature
would DC called IN requslion, 10 support truth hon.
esty, aud pnnciuahiy The mean selfish man even | !
"ould become honest, as the strongest FEELINGS III
sch interest," would pnlht out this, as the only road
70 wealth, Responsibility, and station in soc civ
Put again. most OF the legislation Of the copntrv | :
poln ~ the general Government, and amonc ths
s'a'es . rendered necessary, on account 81 evils
growing Out OF the present avs enafciunr he col
ec'lon " deeis.A The principal enaetn,eus Of ali !,