The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1852-04-21
The Homestead Law.-The Spartan
burg Spartan.

We fear our readers are tired and worn
out with so 50 much as we have already
said on the subject of the Homestead Law
Very probably il is reasoned by some, that
as it has already become the Law of the
land, why make so much ado about it
We are sorry to intrude on the patience
of our readers by giving so much on this
subject and although it has become one of
the statutes Of the State, we are not willing
that those who were instrumental in adopt
ing this Law, and many being the prime
movers, should receive the thanks and adula-
tion of the people for doing them public SER
vice, when be believe it is calculated to prove
to be an injury.
The honor of introducing this law in the
Legislature belongs to Mr.. Tucker, one of
the Editors of the Spartan. and in his paper
of the 9Th inst he has a long article on the
subject, attempting to meet and rcbut the ar
gumepts made against thcLaw. and cndeavor-
ing to show what will be the practical ben
efits aFising from the adoption Of this Law.
Our fdend of the Spartan also anucxcs to
his article the names of eighteen States be-
sides South Carolina, which have adopted
similar Laws. The Yorkyillc Miscellany,
and Camden Journal, have each copied this
tablesof States and we presume, think them
selyesfortunatc that they have such an auxili-
airy as the Spartan,who is able information.-
Now we intend to show that there are some
notifications and restrictions in many ofthese
Laws, which make them differ very mate
rally from the Exemption Law Of this State.
Before weSdo, this however, We wish to
reply e. our Brother of the Spartan, which
for fear of trespassing on the patience of our
readers, we will do as briefly aspossible.
Bringing an array of names of eighteen
States which have adopted, Exemption laws,
is it any reason thut South Carolina would
be certainly right to so likewise!
Is not the law of our STATE in relation to
the electing Of Governor &c, different from
every other State in the Union! Yet do
not most Carolinians believe il to be right or
why continue to adopt il! Are not most
of our eminent politicians opposed to South
Carolina sending delegates to the nominating
Presidential Convention Yet, do not the
majority of the States in the Union send de-
legatcs!
Many other measures adopted by other
States we could mention, which are not
adopted by South Carolina. But to proceed:
The Spartan says-"If n mans credit is
good independently of the operation of that
Law" i. C., before the Law was adopted.
then this Law cannot in any way possibly
affect his credit or his creditors"
Very logical reasoning this, We would like
to know the why and the wherefore.
II a mans credit is not good under he
practical operation of the Homestead La,olhen
no ma" is obliged 10 gire him credit !" this
is the reason, as all contracts are voluntary
and gorerned by the supposed interest of boih
contracting parties" Why we were under the
impression that rom philanthropic spirit,
from spirit % give aid and comfort this
Law was enacted. Bot the Spartan says,
If the merchant knows he cant get his pay,
don't give the man credit Never mind how
deplorable his situation might be, and his
wife and children may be starving for food,
yet rs the creditor knows he can have no re- 1
course upon the debtors property, why just |
refase to let him have the Groceries and 9TH |
or neccessaries heswas in need of. Il
But perhaps he intends this as an cxplana-
ton. "If the man is poor and needs the |
credit, then he has nothing more to do than
to surrender in writing by any words that
show his intention to do 80, his rights under
the Homestead Exemption, and all parties
are placed precisely on the same ground they
were before the passage of the Law"
This we believe (from what we have heard
from theAdvocates ofthis law is something
hey think the opponents of the measure
'annot get over. BY some legal deed of AS
'ignment, transfer your property, your Hons
'tead-worth Five Hundred Dollars for Ten
Dollars worth Of sngei and coffee But, for
BUR part, we cam see that this helps the
natter any, II is kind Of Pawnbroker's
business, which It seems to us adds to the
ascality ofit Butle us consider this por.
ion ofsti,s subject attentiyely: |,
II ths man is poor and needs the credit,
hen he has nothing more TO do than 20 sur.
ondef y writing his rights under the Home I
tead Exemptiopand all parties are placed
ight" No" we appeal to tho candor and /
Iood sense Of opr brother, If man is worih 4
he appeIation Of man " he possess no pride