The Ohio Democrat. [volume] (Canal Dover, Ohio) 1840-1900, 1844-02-08
UsURY LAw-LAND spECuLAToRs.


In the fo part Of the session, Dr.. Hewitt introduced
Bin into the Legislature to prevent usury, which
was referred to the Judiciary committee. There il re.
mSnsd until about two weeks ago when our Repesen'
Ialive offered resolution to make that committee
port il back to the House This brought out Hawkins,
chairman Of the committee "a ring slreaked federast
who opposed strongly, and the coohs voted down the
resolution. This makes eviden! that no usury Bill
will pass the coon House this session: Last week the
uzzard came out slang whangng our Representative
AS ahumbugser. and all those who signed the petitions
as land speculators By this way does he undertake TO
defend the coon majority fo opposing Mr.. Hewifs
Bill. But let US look at ihe facts. The origin Of te
uSury petitions ew out Of the outrageous punder cal
risd on by some wing speculatoss We will iasan@
one named Crawford who had carried desolaton AMI
distress 10 the door Of every poor who was un
fortunate to get in his clutches. In the midst Of hb
career'he was jerked up before justice and his plum
dsring exposed. It was there proved that he had cum
nngly got poor farmers and mechanics in deb, few
dollars, and then shaved them 100, 200, 400, and IN
some instances 800 per cent One poor man stated
that he had borrowed some dollars from him to buy
cow for Instantly, and in short time this slowhad
shaved him on the dollars until he took from him not
only his COW, but horse and every thing he owned
number Of such instances were brought to light, but
;here was law 10 punish such robbery and tie peo-
pie Indignant at the plumber thus carried on, tuned in
and GOT up petitions signed by hundreds withourespect
to party, for law 10 punish the bearless shaver Th.
was the origin of the usury petitions in this coury and
yet 10 the face Of the facts, this 70 erd ypocrite
sys they were got up by humbuggers ind land
specuato. But we thank him for that word Ind spec.
HatOr He has never ye: charged anything oplO others
that be was not guilty Of HIMSELF Go search e county
records and you will find tina, this knave wb charges
the farmers and mechanics as land speeuLnto has been
one Of The most hearilebs thirsty specuaiq that ever
infested Tuscarawas county. There las Yen scarcely
tax sale for 90 years, but be has either mself in
connection with others been engaged in bBng up poor
mems land for tribe; because they cold not pay the
iaxes- We will give his speculatons atone Auditors
sae only, as an example: First comes 10 acres bid off
by him for about Is dollars, secondb9 acres for AZ
dollars. Third 43 acres for II dollars. fourth 200 acres
the property Of widow bid off by hih for 65 dollars
for all Of which deeds were ordered 10 be made him
If he denies h above we will give James, dates and
fgures HsrshSn is some 400 acresa one sale bought
for $ll3. NV ishe not pretty cpaure to Je chats
iugpihsfS land psculatiOnsl Ne leave the public
20 Comment M, is he the only yhig lard specuator
There are other menyho love to u looked up 10 as ex>
amRss Of honesty, pieS and religion, who have been
kno wn to buy upihe IandsJspoor farmers and turn
ihsiF wives and children out of Aouse and home, with
out Eioafo cat OF a house to shelter them. But we
shatknot point hOm out unless compelled, for we have
hodispoSton tosuch amode political warfare Ifhow.
ever ,hty are willing TO keep man Kihe head ofther
prs4s TO aono,hng but backguard private zeus of our
pary they must not complain if they find themselves
and their dishonest acts hsid up befor9he public. All
we ask d an open field and fair play, AID see who will
come out best in the end.