Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1854-07-28
THE RICHMOND ENQUIRER.
THURSDAY MORNING, july -, 1s5
THE ulNTER LAND BILL.
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BY RICHES & PRYOR.

In an article whiG we transfer TO our own columns,
the aShinston Satne presents an irresistible arsu
ment in support of Senator Hunters scheme for the
final disposition of he public lands.
We can make allowance for the scruplcs OF those
wlo object to the homestead provision of this bill
and we appreciate the reluctance with which they
consent support measure in apparent conhlctwhh
IN important prinaple But we cannot believe that
any intelligent mind, not incorrgihly bisoted to al
impracticahle theory, will reject the bill WIN all it'
great and ucontestible advantages, simply because
is defective in q single particular.
This bill 10 the result Of necessity. Senator Hun
tcr than whom no more nti.' ai'a 'id la Ills
construction of tbe powers Of the Federal govern
meut over the public domain, docs not pretend that
his bill realizes an ideal perfection. But he claims
and justly claims for the measure, that it embodes no
pernicous principle that it achieves results of the
greatest advantage to the country and that 1t saves
the South from imminent and overwhelming ca
lnmity. There is not an intelligent person in wash
;ngton who did not oresee that the ultimate triumph
of the Homestead Bill, with all lis odious provisions
was among the inevitable events of not remote fiI-
ture. Rather than suffer the measure pass in all its
hideous deformity, ii the plain and imperative
possible to purge it of its obnoxious provisions. Mr.
Hunter has done than this lie has defeated the
obnoxious measure, and i'll its stead has substituted
bill OF essentially different character and orcat and
indisputabe advantage, though possibly not perfect in
all its minute details
II may argue some independence of Judgment to
pronounce summary and hippan; condemnation on II
measure which originated with Hunter, and which has
the sanction uf the unanimous Democratic vote If
the Sc,!ate; but for our part we choose rather
10 follow their lead than be found i'll motley nnor:-
" OF Whigs and Abollt!onisia. If this bill conflict
with the principles of the State Rights School aud
impair the Interests of the South, it is singular cir
cuu,s:ance that its champions should be Mason and
Butler, and i,s opponents Badger audSewnrd.
The mos, intelligent person should betray some diff
hdence in opposing measure which is recommended
10 the country with such an array of authority rs
sanctions Mr.. Hunters Bill The presumption In le-
gitimate that either the measure s not such as an inn
perfect examination represents il, else that lis pas
sage is urged and warranted by circumstances OF
which not cognizant The presumption IS
legitimate that men who have been selected for ee-
waited and responsible position by Of their in
teecual superiority and their fidelity to tho interests of
the State-who bring all their sagacy TO It's service,
and who from constant study, perfectly familiar
with the political condition Of the corn,rywe say
the Inference is legitimate that these mcn have not
rasly committed themselves 10 q uf peru-
cious principle aud mischevous consequence.
The New York Courier and Enquirer, ardent
advocate Of the original Homestead Bill, opposes this
vehemeu,ly, and for the reason that 's sue
cess would effectualy dcfent the homestead prtncpe
IL our legislation" Perhaps may derive arSu-
ircu; il favor Of the well from the OPP
position Of its enemies Us from the support OF its
friends.
The more reflect upon lhis important measure,
and the better undcr.tand ito nature ."a "Yv'a-
,ion tie higher is appreciation of It's advantages"
and the greater admiration Of the satesmaushlp
which conceived it. Mr.. Hunter renders great ser
vice TO the South in evertng an evil which we had
ull come To regard Inevitable, and to the union by
forever closing controversy which was exnspcra-
ting the politics OF the country, curru;iRG s legisa.
ton, and ,uiuting the public morals.