Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1849-10-11
Homestead Exemption.

terest this subject is awakening in the minds of the
people. But few months since, and il only &C.
caslonaly, and at great intervals, that we could
catch up from our exchanges a random thought in
Its favor, while the masses seemed to be wholly
informed upon its merits Now the entire demo-
cratic press, and many of the Opposite party have
come boldly TO its support and are zeaouSly udvuca
ing It's adoption, either into our organic or statute
law. That il will eventually succeed, we have not
the least doubt that it will be accomplished soon,
we have the strongest hnpes for principle founded
in such justice, such philanthropy, and such beral-
ty, can never be suppressed long by humane and pa
triotic people, when properly informed upon its mer-
its.
Experience has shown iIat from lop- endurance
burdens almost intoerabe at first, may become COM
paraively easy and the public mind Supplied lad
lnsensible to Its effects, TO render it almost mpo.
slbe to awake its dormant energies-to arouse it to
action. to throw off the shackes that Cypress it.
Hence the wisest reforms, even where long expert
ence has marked out their expediency. slow in
their progress and frequently overwhelmed at first,
with the strongest opposition from those who feel
least the necessity of change, whose indoent
minds never investigate sufficiently to improve upon
the errors Of any pOlcy--and whose feeble nerves
and cowardly spirits shrink from the investigation of
ony unrled project. the reduction of any theory to
practice. But when onre The people are brought to
see and feel that long experience has marked out the
necessity of change, and the spirit Of reform is
kindled, no power put out its spreading flames,
until they have had their enovating effect and their
end is accomplished.
AT every advancing period in the history of our
Government-every revolution of law or principle
of political science-our free institutions have be-
come more free, and the spirit of laws more lib
eral and more democratic The time has been, when
Legislation almost exclusively for the benefit of
the rch-when the principle acted upon that
Government should protect The rich. and the rich
take of the pour. But the influence of such dog
mas are rapidly passing away, and will ere long only
be remembered The foles of far less lightened
age. The protection That is extended to Wealth and
Capital will be thrown around Poverty and the en-
elusive privileges that guaranteed 10 the few, and
that build up rnonopoies will give way to wholesome
support and stimuant TO the crippled energies of the
oppressed poor.
That the rights of unfortunate poverty to the pro-
lection OF the laws should have been so much neg
lected is truly surprising and when the principle
upon which Homestead Exemption is based, is diff
| fused into the laws of every State, we will wonder
with establishment that patriotic and enlightened
minds should have been So long in discovering lis
justice and necessity.
How can any one recognize any contract natur-
al, right or proper, which denies any one Of Gods
intelligent creatures the free of much of the
soil, which Providence Las given alike TO ALL as is
necessary to his comfortable ma inenan ce can
not see As well might the light Of heaven and the
free air he breathes be-denied him. For the use OF
one is equally as essential TO happy existence as
the other; and as well might sign away our ma
tural right and that of families, TO the free
breath of heaven and The warm sunlight enjoy, as
the ground that yields sustenance. Thus, if hu-
mainly and expediency, the happiness and we'll being
of society did not loudly call for it, should still
recognize the principle Just and valid. But when
it is shown that erPediency requires it, for the educa
ton and enlightenment of the masses--for endearing
them to their country and fostering their patriotism;
ylanIf G that dc he
support and encouragement Of those upon whom mis-
| fortune hath laid her heavy hands--the unfortunate
or afflicted husband, the friendless widow and help
less orphan when it is shown that the good ana
peace Of society require it for the promotion of pub
lie morals by the removal of many Inducements to
vice and crime-we say, when all of these are com.
bined and brought to bear upon the point, thai
point must and tciA be carried every obstacle.
We wish TO see this question brought directly ant
speedily before the people, and for this purpose shall
always reserve space in our paper for It's advocacy
Regarding it unequal in importance to but few
questions of State policy, it shall not be su Emerged
into party spirit. lost sight of in zeal for The
promotion of other ends.-Peoplss Press