The Charlotte journal. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1835-1851, 1843-09-26

ing protection from oppression 10 the un'
fortunate of our own citizens, and TO those
Of all other nations who might choose 10
come and reside among US. This 4 ieiSh
TO see done. Ny opinion is, that It wiil
rebound 10 the honor Of The country. Ii
will relieve the bankrupt, end, by leaving
him unshackled.in MS enterprise, he will
often accumulate the means both Of provld-
ing for himself, and of hquidatug his debts,
which homes, men frequently DO under the
influence of moral obligations.
The interest Of the debtor, the interest
Of the creditor, the interest of society,
and the glory Of our country, all conspire
10 sanction the measure. The object OF
Government ought always 10 be the mi,i-
CATION of human misery, and the advance
ment of human happiness, as ier as possible
II | can light up the smile Of gladness, even
IN one solitary bosom. where the tear OF
sorrow vas flowing, ENJOY in The act,
qualification which my feeble language can
not describe. With these sentiments, ]
have ever been the advocate for relief to
tho war worn soldier, and TO The widows
and orphans Of those who suffered or per-
ished IN their coun!ry's defence aud With
The views which have expressed upon this
subject, have exerled oil my feeble pow
ers in favor of the abolition of imprlson-
meni for debt. When ! am satisfied that
the object of constitutional measure IS
good, can never abandon il on account OF
difficulties which present themselves 10
making It petiec, IN all its details. S.ml-
lar difficulties may be urged with equal
plauslbfiiiy against free government; a
eainsi universal suffrage, aeains, popular
elections and indeed against oil Of our in
s,iiu,ions. Il is no, good TO be impracti
cable. No man ought TO put himself up as
a standard to which all must come-how
ever great, be will be disappointed 10 the
end, and perhaps his usefulness in some
measure lost. We should provide a uni
form system Of bankruptcy upon as liberal
principles as justice will warrant--and as
experience shall show its imperfec.ions, VIC
should give it such consideration and a.
mendment as will be found equitable. 1
should expect lis provisions TO be extended
10 all classes q erery profession, inroiun-
tdry as 10 merchants, ard voluntary as TO
OTHERS.
The law should embrace all cases exist
iag at the passage of The law, US well as all
which may happen in future. Such arc
my views upon this subject. ! DO not set
up myselIa standard for others -organlzed
as am, could no. act olhe. wise, without
a violation Of conscience, and the obliga-
tons of solemn duty. For have no doubt
that il the system should be established, its
beneficial effects would be felt in every
part Of our country, and especially through.
out our whole trading community. Ii ID a
system which | believe prevails in every
commercial country in Europe. and in eve
ry civilized nation on the globe. Indeed,
from the earliest antiquity, the Jews, though
an agricultural nation, had their general
i1bilees. IL is The same measure in DIFF
ierent form, the same great conservative
principle, for the same great object. 10
this country, all power is based on the will
of tho people. We have no legal or cons,i
tullonal classes but the rich and the poor,
the fortunate and the unfortunate, are all
equal. There is perpetual revolution CT
property, the poor becoming rich and the
rich becoming poor; and to suffer any IN
necessary impedlments TO enterprise, is TO
interrupt the prosperity Of the nation. II
then the relief which baDkrup, law gives,
extending all its provisions 10 all who de.
sire il, is proper for any other country, i,
IS much mere doe 10 this great Republic.
Mos; respectfully,
Your fellow citizen.
Ri. NJ. JOHNSON.