Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1850-05-23

ened that graSpiuS Supuity Is uslvlng lnul-
yiduals into contracts which there can be no
reasonable probability of their ever fulfilling
and which / am sorry to say, are too often
never intended to be fulfilled. Labor is de-
prived Of its just reward. Every man whose
business compels him to give credit, feels
keenly and painfully The insecurity of his sit
uaion. The utmost vigilance will no, pro.
tect him and he not unfrequently finds
himself, after life of toll, and through no
fault OF his own, reduced to penury and de-
pendence. I. COW
The foundation of all useful social organ,
ization is the mutual confidence existing
among its members and it is one Of the
most imperative duties OF government TO
foster and strengthen that confidence, and 10
discourage, as far as X may, every violation
of it. Any law which directly or indirectly
weakens. the feeling Of moral obligation
| to perform all contracts 10 the utmost abil-
lty oil the contractor, 'impairs 10 the extet
of its influence the obligation of contracts
and is, in its spirit Us violaiive of the Con-
sttution as would be the literal annulling
of contracts. Such laws exercise a more
perncious influence, for they corrupt to a
greater or less extent, the moral sentiments
of the community.
| am aware, gentlemen, that the evils TO
which 1 have alluded, are not entirely with in
| your control. There are, however, two points
al which you may approach them, and TO
some extent apply the corrective. j allude
TO The statutes which regulate our circulating
medium and provide for the collection of
debts.
An uniform and stable measure of value,
to be found only in sound currency, is as
necessary TO the safety of business and the
security Of private rights, as is uniformity in
the standard of weights and measures, but
unfortunately it is not so easily attained.
The fluctuations in our bank currency. in
times past, have had much TO DO with the
disastrous results of many industrial opera
tIons. But to our banking system shall
have occasion to advert in another part OF
this communication.
The best interests Of society are promoted
| by such laws as shall enforce he prompt pay
ment OF debts-ihe faithful performance of
contracts. Whether our laws have been
such for the past many years, as to meet this
conditor-whether creditors have not teen
left to depend upon the honor OF their debtors
rather than upon any legal power to enforce !;
whether all proper facilities consistent with
due respect for the claims of humanity are
placed within the reach OF the creditor, are
| questions to which | would invoke your at
tenIioi.
The debtor, it will readily be conceded,
should not be deprived Of the means of SUBJ
sistence; but that he should be permitted 10
enjoy comparative wealth, and 10 hold al de-
fiance his honest and perhaps needy credi-
tors, is alike repugnant TO good faith aud 10
the dictates of sound philanthropy.
Maine has deep stake in the pelpetutv
of The Union. 1t becomes us then TO eXer-
else eternal vigilance in preserving il in the
| purity OF the principles and intentions Of lis
founders. While therefore, we are tena-
| clous OF our rights, we should be careful that
we do not invade the right of sister
States. We ought not TO forget, That under
the Constitution we equal.
Our State and national Governments,
though deriving support from the same
source, are vested with distinct powers
have distinct objects 10 accomplish, distinct
duties 10 perform. They must move in har>
mony in order 10 accomplish the common
COED of the whole ); they move in harmony
SO long only as each shall move in its own
orbit. To common constituency are both
alike responsible for the fidelity with which
they shall perform their appropriate functions
and 10 that constituency Is each amenable TOR
the neglect or violation Of lis appropriate
duties.
do not intend 10 be understood as calling
in question the right of the Legislature 10
instruct our Senators in Congress. There
may be, aud undoubtedly are, occasions on
which it is eXpcdient TO exercise this right.
But in exercising it, we should be quite sure
that we are giving expression TO the settled
| opinion. the deiIteraie will of our cunsttu-
ents-that we do not mistake the rlanior of
| faction or tauaticism for the voice of the peo-
| pie. That the representative both here and
| M Congress, is bound 10 obey the inslruc-
tons OF his constituents, few it is presumed
will deny. That constituency is, however,
the people, and in order 10 make such in
! strucIIons contormable 10 the spirit of our
institutions and subservient TO their prosperi-
| ~, they should emanatc from decided ma
Jority thoroughly informed upon The subject,
and they should be clearly and unequiyocaly
expressed.
There may be, there is, such Il thing as an
arlstocracy OF opinion, not less dangerous 10
our liberties, not less subversive of democrat
lc principles, than are aristocracies of DIFF
ferent description. Opinions formed and
acted upon under the influence of party die
tallon, or under that of affiliated societies,
whether political, moral or fanatical, must
4 Pdiah ahhS VI huiS
| The true spirit Of our government demands
that our political opinions, at least, should
| be formed deliberately and without bias. and
that they should find thei, expression at the
ballot box in all cases where legislative ac-
ton is>to be based upon them.
| Maine is ably aud faithfully represented in
both branches of the National Legislature
The opinions and wishes OF the State upon
the all absorbing question of slavery extension
have been too frequently and freely expressed
| 10 be misunderstood. la view OF these coz
siderations, would respectfully suggest that
further legislative agitation upon this excit-
ing subject, is unnecessary, and may be per-
nicious.
TIE importance of our educational system
is so well understood, its advantages so gen
orally appreciated, that il can hardly be nec-
essary that should commend it TO the tos.
tering care of the Legislature. knowledge
is power, and il is ,oealh throughout the civ
iliZed world, under all forms Of government;
under our form Of government it is ,nore-i;
is the foundation upon which our institutions
rest it is the vital fluid which imparts
health and strength to our social system.-
Our predecessors, impressed with the im-
oprtance of 'diffusing knowledge among
men'-oi placing the means of education
within the reach of all. have wisely directed
their efforts 10 the improvement of our free
schools, and to give impress and character
TO our whole system of education. These
efforts have thus far been eminently success.
ful, and our schools are now in state o
progressive improvement which promise;
the happiest results.
The Constitution and the laws contemplate