The Davenport gazette. [volume] (Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa) 1841-185?, 1849-05-10

An net "to exempt homestead from
forced SALE" This is whit is known as
the "homes,ead exemption law" and takes
effect upon all contracts made from and af-
ter the 4th Of July next. 1t exempts 40
acres of lnnd, or town lot and improve
mcnts, no, exceeding in value $500. Like
all experiments 10 legislation the policy Of
this law is yet to be tested. On the one
hand i, may be said that il holds out in
dnceInen,s to dishonest men to refuse pay
ing their debts, and the law protects them
to the extent Of $500. On The other il,
may be urged tina, it secures home to the
wife aud children Of the inebrin,e aud prof.
liga,e, who might otherwise subject the lit
tic hume to the iangs Of creditor to whom
nigh, be traced the downfall of he hus-
baud. and father; creditor too. who would
not hesitate to turn wife and children out
II doors, and cast them on. upon the cold
charity Of heartlcss world. Among bust
ness men this law may have tendency
TO curtail the credit system, as merchants
will no, be likely to cred. man under this
law. unless they can contidc 10 his n,egri.
~. or he IL the owner Of property sufficient
Ia make him responsible, independent Of his
40 acre homestead. It's late enactment in
six of the States Of this Union is an cvi-
dencc that it finds favor with the masses,
and | would no, be surprised if in the short
space Of five years ''homes,ead exemption
law" should be found in every State OF this
Union.
fixing the terms fihe District Courts -
this net merely alters the time OF holding
courts in the several Districts.
An act "rela,ive TO the Pcni,entiary."
The late lessee Of this building reported to
the General Assembly through the Eyecu-
tive, that during the time he had been in
possession, there had been three convic-
tons, two escapes, aud ono pardon, in con-
sequence Of which but very few criminals
remained on hand, md they were running
at large. and the prison in debt; he recon-
mcnded in order TO make il prof, able. that
there should lie az greater number Of con-
riots on hdnd al oil times.' The late law
makes an appropriation 10 repair the build
ing and appoints Superintendent, or War
den Of the Prison.
II" amcnd an oct regulating practice in
the District Courts" provides that the
Judge shall reduce To writing his charge to
the Jury. which shall he taken as part OF
the record in tho case. Some other unm-
portan, amendments.
An act .reqoirng all notices Of sales by
order Of Courts of record 10 be advertised in
some newspaper the title Of this act cx-
plains i,sclf-thc provisions Of tho law
however only extend to counties in which
newspapers are published.
This completes the list Of laws of gen.
eral mature; the varioas joint resolutions
passed by the General Assembly make up
preparations (Which may be found in the
Appropriation Bill, that will give my cs-
pccisi attention 10 hcreaier) or ask
Congress for donations Of lands, &c.
] have already gwen list Of the acts Of
general nature, the obi ct Of them, and
the most importan, provisions, &c. In my
mex, | will give the number and continue
my review by taking up md exposing the
Appropriation Bill, which will give some
idea what NIL these acts cost.
One WHO WAS THERE