Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1853-12-29
REMARKS OF Mr.. BOwLEs

IN f10or of repeating the 9th section OF the Homestead
Ldi0, passed February 81 1852 delivered in The
Senate NoU. TO- 1853.
Mr.. SPEAKER:-The object of the Homestead
should be to protect the poor and unfortunate but
the law as it now stands, has contrary effect or
may say, no bearing whatever. 1t is known to
every Senator this floor that the 9th section Of
the act provides that all persons to be benefited,
must signify Their Intentions by making public
record TO that effect Sir, point if you please, TO
individual that has placed upon record such de-
termination. Sir, it would be better that he should
proclaim his insolvency to the world; the one being
a noble and manly act while the other would be-
tray want Of that self-respect which belongs to
all honorable men. l ask, is there man in Ten
nessee that viii be benefited by the present law?
No, sir: Tennesseans are too proud; they would
rather be free though penness But let us repeal
the 9th section, and take from it its only Objecuona
BILE feature and those of our citizens who and
may be unfortunate, will be benefited and protec-
ted in the peaceable enjoyment of home; home,
upon which they may raise and educate their chill
dren, that they may become useful members Of So
| ciety.
Mr. Speaker, how many families are there in Ten
nessee, who are destitute of homes, and driven
about at the will of the andhoder? Enquire, if
you please into their earlier history, and you will
learn the sad story of their misiortunes which have
! driven them from a home that was dear. | ask
nothing but the repeal of the 9th section of the
| Homestead Law, and | ask it in the name of the
poor and unfortunate of our country. The tears of
| the mother in behalf of her uneducated children
| demand it. Sir who can be injured? Reflect, If
| you please and think how many families there are
! in Tennessee that are destitute of homes. l ask
! Senators why it is so? Sir, the lands are daily
passing into the hands of the rich and ere long the
poor man will be unable TO find home in our midst.
1t was this that caused foreathers to leave the
graves of their slres in the old world, and endure
the perils of the briny deep to seek home IN this
free and happy land. Senators, will you visit, in
your Imagination, the widow and her orphans? Ask
| for the husband and father. You will be answered
in tears that he went in defence OF his country, and
has not returned. He lies buried where he offered
himself willing sacrifice for his countrys honor.
Then who will protect his family? Where can they
look but to this body? They have nothing but a
small home Will you protect it, that they may
be sheltered from the chilling blasts of winter? Me-
thinks hear the voice of discontinued poverty, as
it is waited on every breeze, proclaming something
must be dOnel
We are told by Senator's that the homestead
will destroy the credit of the poor. Sirs, give us
the homestead untrammeled, and we ask no credit
1t was our credit that deprived US Of our homes.
But let me point you to the States that have adop-
ted the homestead, and you find no such results
but peace and plenty abound. Here hopes spring
up to iume the dreary pathway through life Sirs
can you reconcile yourselves TO vote against IhlS
bill? or will you say to your countrymen: Srs, il
you would be benefited by the Homestead Law, you
must 90 to the records of your country, and make
a record of your intentions, that the world may
learn that your energies are gone, and you nc
longer wish to occupy place in society as an hon
orable man. But let repeal the 9th section, anC
it remains no longer blot on our statutes; bu
when msfortunes surround US, we can reconcile oul
wives and children with the sweet consolation Of
home
Sirs, stand here to-day, as the Representative
of noble and patriotic people; people who ar
ever ready to unfurl the time -honored banner 0
their country, and pledge life. liberty and fortune
to defend it. until the last bright star shall fade frOn
its beautfulfods And pledge myselfto stand By
their interest to the last and when return to thos
who commissioned me, hope to be able to bear
record of my acts, unstained by party prejudice
that they may see that have not proved unworth..
the charge committed to my care.
In conclusion, l ask nothing for the hardy, fire.
born sons of the mountain but protection for thei
homes They can work for living, court the girl;
marry their sweethearts, kill wild cats, drink bran
dy, and fight the battles of the country. l hag
done