Mississippi Democrat. (Carrollton, Miss.) 1844-18??, 1845-03-19


veinment, and in shape which command
I. belif, we personally youch for"
TnE WORLD IS GovERNED roo MUcIn.
The following extract from the Boston
Times, which the editor Of the Ohio De
mocratic Guard, applies to his own State
is also peculiarly applicable to the State 0
Mississippi II is inlolerabe, that poo
pie should be appressively taxed for The
support Of unnecessary legislation.
The history of legislation, Throughout
the world at the present time, aud in pas
times, proves the correctness of the sen
timent, contained in the heading of this
article. For proof that the United States
is governed too much, look 10 the proceed
ings of Congress. For proof that Mas
sschuseetts is governed too much, refer tc
the doings of the legislature. Humanity,
we are inclined 10 think, has suffered
more from the evil effects of TOO much le-
gisiation, than from the want Of legisla-
ton. Man has been considered by man,
as sort of two legged brute, requiring
any amount of fences to keep him from
breaking into his neighbours field and eat
ing up his grain, than as rational, reason
able, intellectual being. And again, those
who have had the power of legislation in
their own hands, OF could control it, have
used it as system of acknowledgement
robbery, of course--and in this way have
the masses suffered egregiously.
| ~ hoe taI1 for ha Ioot
about five hundred men, one-iourth Of
each year TO legisIate ror the people of
this commonwealth, in the shape of pay
ing Legislators, or by the evils growing
out of the multiplication Of bad laws, or
the repeal of good ones. One legislature
makes: another unmakes--and so it goes
on year after year, and a majority Of the
people seem nightly pleased in being tax
ed and cheated, cheated and taxed. The
multiplication of special laws is getting to
be--in fact always was, great evil
Corporations have multiplied, till it seems
to be almost a settled principle that no.
thing can be done without an act Of the
legislature.
Now, we contend that in this matter
there is great need of reform. In Massa-
chusetts, in particular, the people are go
verned too much. Does anybody believe
it necessary for The interests, safety, and
happiness Of the people, that four or five
hundred men should be employed three
months in 5yery year to make and unmake
laws? No man, il seems 10 us, who is IN
his senses, will say that it is. The fact
is, a few simple and general laws, bearing
alike upon the whole people, are all that
are required for the security of property,
and the protection of life, liberty and ho-
nor. All other laws are a nuisance, and
can never be intended for any purpose
but to rob the people, and make work for
the lawyers.
Is il necessary 10 form associations for
religious, charitable, and educational pur-
poses2 Pass general law under which
all such objects can be accomplished, Is
it important that individuals should COM
bine for the purpose of building bridges,
railroads, STEAMBOATS,, &c. &C.? Let it be
done under general law. But above all,
should the spstcm of granting special acts
of incorporation for business purposes,
upon the principle that the public take
the risk of failure Of the enterprise,
while individuals get the profits In case
they succeed, be abandoned at once and
forever. This system Of interpretations
for business purposes, with exclusive pri-
vileges, has been carried so far in Massa-
chusetis, that the political power Of the
State is now in the hands OF few wealthy
capitai,ts, most Of whom live in the city
Of Boston. For The favors which they
have received, and are receiving from the
government, they can afford 10 pay libe-
raj sums Tor electioDeering purposes-and
they do 1t. 1t is this that makes Massa
chusetis federal State, und will keep il
SO I'LL the people change the system Of
legislation. Boston Times.
NEWSPAPERS. - A newspaper, Gays a
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