Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1848-07-12
Democracy & Land Reform in Wisconsin.

Tho great, the unexpected Democratic
majority gwen in Wisconsin, at the late
election for members of Congress, officers
Of the State government, and including
members Of the State Legislature, was un.
doubtedly owing to the fact, that the DEM
ocrats took ground in favor Of Land Re-
form-free land to actual settlers, land lim-
itation, and homestead exemption. So the
Governor, and other State officers, Con-
gressmen, and large majority Of the State
Legislature, are understood to be staunch
Democrats and advocates Of land reform.
But few months previous, Tweedy,
(whig) had been elected to Congress as
the Territorial Delegate, his democratic
opponent not being land reforner. So
our two young Northwestern States, Mich
igan and Wisconsin, both sanction land re.
form, and give greater Democratic mo-
iorities than any other States in proper.
tion to the aggregate votes they cast.
Nelson Dewey, the new Governor Of
Wisconsin, goes strong for the exemption
Of homestead for each family. The fol.
lowing is an extract from his late message
10 the f.egisl ature:
The constitution in the bill Of rights de-
clares that "lhe privilege Of The deb,or to
enjoy the necessary comforts of life shall
be recognized by wholesome laws, exempt
ing q reasonable amount of property from
seizure or sale, for the payment Of any
debt or liability hereafter contracted."-
That the principle of exemption is correct,
humane and Just towards the unfortunate
debtor, is universally admitted. The prin-
ciple being conceded, it therefore becomes
a question Of expediency only, as to the a.
mount and species of property to be OK.
empted. On this question, public opinion
is divided. .,
On the one hand it is contended that per.
sonal property only, should be exempted,
and on the other that the debtor should
have reasonable amount of real estate
as homestead exempt from forced sale
If the debtor is not to be stripped of all
the comforts Of life, and himself and fam
lily left destitute, there can be no good rea.
son, resting upon principle ofpublic policy,
urged to sustain any distinction in the kinds
of property to be exempted. The same
principle that would exempt personal prop
erty would apply with equal force to. the
exemption Of real estate. .---.r
This subject have given much reAeo-
ton, and am fully convinced that the ex-
emption from forced sale, Of reasonable
amont of real estate as homestead for the
debtor, though in my opinion unwise and
impolitic as constitutional law, would
be as a statutory provision, measure Of
permanent public benefit, create sound in
dividual credit, suppress fraud, prevent
want, and raise the moral character Of our
people.
therefore call your attention to this
subject as worthy of consideration, and
urge that provision be made by law to cor.
rY out the homestead principle. In fra
ming such a law, care should be taken to-
guard it we'll against fraud, and limit the
amount Of property exempted, within rea--
sonable bounds, and continue its provisions
10 debts hereafter contracted and to per-
sons with families that the law makes it
heir duty to provide for and support.