Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1854-03-16

ing ii imperative, is of extremely doubtful
constitutional propriety. lfthe Legislature
cannot transfer its functions 10 the mass of
the people, how can i. delegate i, to an in
dividual assent, and as such for this occa-
sion the Executive must be considered
The repeal or suspension of law would
seem to be as purely legislative function q
its enactment; the one declaring lha, ii
shall, the other that it shall no, be.
The right to invade the ssnclty of private
dwellings under the mandate of a search
warrant, heretofore marking crimes Of high
degree, is dangerously applied to the sup
preston of al worst statutory sin.
The distinction between citizens in the
Requirement of oalhs from a small class of
licensed traders, branding themselves and
their vocation as suspicious, is unnecessari-
ly invidious, and simply wonton outrage.
There are defects and omissions in the
bill to which the committee do not deem il
necessary to advert, as they could readily be
amended if j! were otherwise acceptable ;
but condemning as we do the fundamental
principle, which canno, be eradca ted, and
leave any trace Of vitality in the measure,
and having endeavored to develope this,
however imperfect yet sufficiently TO in
dicale their views, and awaken the attention
of the Senate to the true character of the
proposition they forbear any more, elabo-
rate examination, which the limited time a,
their disposal, and the pressure Of impor-
tant subjects entrusted 10 them necessarily
forbid.
Willis, frankly expressing the conclusion
at which we have arrived, we fully appreci-
ate the sincerity and philanlhropic intention
of the advocates of this bill. Endeavoring
to Danish form our midst an evil, whose
baneful influence all lament, and looking
earnestly and only to the benign reform
they would accomplish, they may have
overlooked, as we think they have, rather
than disregarded the ill-consequences of the
means adopted, and in the anxiety to do a
good work, have attributed to inefficient in
struments more wholesome operation than
can practically result from their applica-
ton.
We are firmly convinced that the tenden-
cy Of all such laws is really demoralzing,
leading 10 an unhappy exercise of individu-
al discretion as to what legislative prescrip-
ton, it is morally right to observe or disre-
gard, however formally displayed oa-,hs
salute book. Such can only be enforced
by the organized espionage Of despotic
Government, or, as the old blue laws ol
Connecticut in an infant and narrow socie-
ty. They are powerless to coerce in re-
public like our own, and mus! disappear be-
fore the expanding intelligence, and 'uncon-
lrolable increase of trade, or sink into an
Insignificant and desPicable obscurity and
desueilude.
We do not believe that an exotic morali-
ty or civilization can be rooted in commu-
nifty by law. Experience repudiates the al
tempt. To be of vigorous growth and en-
durance they must be indigenous to the soil
emanating from the sound sense, nourished
by the innate virtue, and stimulated by the
christian principles of The people.
The commillee asked to be discharged
from The further consideration Of the bill.
H. D. FARNANDIs, Chairman.