Litchfield enquirer., 1852-05-13

err, and acts Of legislative body, which
have become laws, however the majority
may be obtained, are. considered finding,
and obedience thereto Is made the test OF
good citizenship. But who does not see.
that in the progress Of our government. ii
such legislation shall pass without any in
quiry into its policy or merits, n'ajOri;ies
thus obtained may one day become dicts-
torial and oppressive to the last degree.
Unwilling as am TO make this commu-
nication lengthy, cannot pass to any new
topic without first recurring to those which
| have noticed in former messages. there
fore renew the proposition for establishing
limitation Of the hours Of labor, in cases
not regulated by previous contract. espe
cially on all those works which partake Of
q public character, that those who toll may
not suffer from inconsiderate or wrongful
drafts upon their time and strength, and
to the expediency of bill for the protec-
ton and security of the homestead. In
addition to what has heretofore been sub
mitted on the latter subject, j, may be OBJ
served that one of the evils resulting from
the want Of fixed and permanent abode
for the citizen. is to lie fourd ia the period
ical shifting of families from one neighbor-
hood 10 another Thus the IS home feel
ing"-in itself en- element of the highest
notwithstanding no where to take root. is
lost to the socisty which it would, other
wise, have invigora'sd and refreshed. The
proposed law would secure to MANY the
blessings of comfortable place for life,
and offer inducements to others to invest
the fruits of their industry in way likely
to promote public enterprise and social
contentment and happiness.
The idea that law CT this sort would
seriously affect the prevailing system of
credit, and thus become new shield against
the payment Of just and equitable claims,
has no foundation in any solldity OF el-
soning as it is not proposed to make such
exemption Of the Homestead retroactive in
its character, no objection OF the kind can
be properly sustained. That very securi-
ty which it is important to gain if posi-
bic. for property obtained for the purpose
of settlement and shelter, which on the
ground Just named. is regarded with sus-
picion and dis,rust. and on another as an
encouragement TO idleness and neglect,
would, it is believed, become the main
spring to industry and thrift. Should
law be framed to meet the case have ielt
it my duty to submit to you again, desire
to say that the amount Of property which
the Legislature may choose to exemption
being taken for any purpose whatever,
should be made large enough to afford
something like real security to that impor-
tant interest Of the citizen.
renewed the proposition for the aboli'
ton of the death penalty, that life may be
spared when resistance has ceased, and the
weakness of guilt and shame becomes the
strength OF the law. Neither the protec.
ton Of society, nor any moral considera-
lions. require the infection Of such PEN
nlty. On the contrary, the best feelings OF
our common nature, when freed from the
excess Of human passions, work against
the high-handed exercise Of this power
upon the feeblest and most wretched OF
eulrrits. If the law could reach the often
der the moment conscience begins its more
fearful work, and tie sentence OF court.
sends the victim at once to the scsttold.
something in this sanguinary mode of pun
ishment might lie excused, on the score OF
illsuppressed horror of the crime. and in
dignation against the c'inlinal. But as the
laws are now, the very GOODNESS with which
preparation is made for the work Ct the
hanginan, after hatred has died away. and
pity begun to plead for the life of the VIC
tim. invests the whole subject with sense
of daring usurpation of the majesty OF
higher tribunal than earth affords.
The subject of establishing general laws
to meet the Just demands Of the commu-
niiy in regard to those projects which are
supposed to concern the public welfare. has
he etofore been pressed upon the consider
alton of the Legislature. 1t is worthy OF
your attention. think to observe in regard
to this matter. the far greater security to
the public afforded by the enactment OF.
laws which would become part Of your
statutes, than private acts. which are now
comparatively hidden, and nnder which not
unfreqnently, great injustice is committed.
General laws, submit to You then. are re-
ally wanted, in the first place. TO relieve
the Legislature from a mass of business
which can hardly be provided for BY legal
enactments. aid more important still.to
furnish all concerned distinct view Of the
necessary guards and securities which such
snac,ments clearly ,fford against encroach-
nlents on individual rights. In this con-
nection, avail myself Of the opportunity
to return again to The proposition to create
a Free Banking Law. deem It most
worthy Of your attention at this time, and
respectfully submit to you the expedieRcy
Of giving it an imnortsnt place il the bus
mess Of The session. On any ground that
can be named, have no doubt it will 10
found TO be much safer system than the