Smyrna times., 1855-01-03

DOM for synopsis:
1t commences by reverently acknowledging
he continued protection OF Providence, exn,b-
ted in the general prosperity aud happiness of =
1ur common country. In looking upon the past
two years, seeming evils have heen commingled
with the general blessings which have been ;.
showered upon the nation. The evils which :;
have befallen the nation, are adverted to-the de-
solatng pestence-disasters upon the great
deep, unexampled in frequency-the droughts
which have frustrated the husbandman in the
internal portions of our Republic, while the J
citizens of Delaware are enabled to rejoice in t
their peculiar exemption from the affective dis |
pensations of Heaven.
While we are forced to recognize the exist {
ence of partial and local evils the general pros
perity of the country has been unparalleled in
the advancement in wealth and power, while
Europe is laboring under the curse of desola-
ting war-the treasures being exhausted, and
the blood of the bravest is flowing in rich pro-
fusion upon foreign soil.
We have much ground for doubt and appre-
hension in portion of our sOciety-everything
seems to be in transition state--novel and wild
theories in science, morality, politics and rel-
gion, are obtruding themselves upon US, it is |
feared, to the exclusion of sober views sane
ton by reason and experience. -;
Luxury, that "Republic destroyer" is rapidly
extending its baneful influence throughout all
classes, particularly among the wealthy circles of
our larger towns. The experience ofall timd de-
monstrates that there is more danger to free in
stitutions by adeparture from the youthful vigor
and simplicity of nation than from external
danger or combination. Foreign subjugation
is much less to be dreaded than internal cor
rrption.
From these disorganizing tendencies the peo-
pie of Delaware are happily utmost entirely
free. This fortunate exemption is to be attri-
buted to the nature of the employment and
the hereditary habits of our people. The mys-
tery of Transcendentialism, the dsorganizing
tendency of Socialism, and the reasonable
fanatcism of Aboltionism, have found no foot
hold within our limits.
The Revised Code of Laws was then advert
I u
but there are defects and mad dvertencies which
require further legislation. One of the most ma
teral changes, comprehended in the Revised
Code. occurs in reference to the disposition et-
fected, through proceedings in the Orphans
Court, of the real estate of persons dying ntes-
n tate. Under the old system, lands and tene-
n ments of the decedent were liable to division
:, into as many parts as there were heirs. If no
s division could, in their estimation, be made
n without prejudice. valuation was made giving
a priority to the oldest male heir and TO males
n over females.
l. BY the Revised Code, where partition cannot
e be made into the number of primary shares, the
Is whole shall be appraised and sold. return
g to the old system is recommended. as in case
n- where land brings less than the valuation, tn,
re loss falls upon the parties entitled, while
d, stranger reaps the neutrality-suspicious. resul
as is, the land being more apt to go out of tn
he family.
ce An amendment is proposed in the Attachment
Id Law.
or Under the existing statutes, slaves are incom
ng petent to give evidence. A case has actual
e. occurred, when a murderer has been acqutte
m, in consequence of such a law. change
pe- suggested.
ss, Attention is asked to an act passed at the las
d. session, concerning sales of land by sheriff
under execution process, and repeal recon
oil mended,
= The case Of an individual upon whom a fo
~ gerry has been committed, or whose name ha
:. in anywise, been used in the commission Of thu
offence, being incompetent asa witness,is brougI
No, forward for the consideration of the Legisl,
: of ture.
,rv The enactment of a law is suggested, to ha,
,,d judgments, as is the case with mortgages, r
corded at the hour and minute of their beiu
-, g entered. .t u... -.si
.r The participation of Delaware with the thi
~. teen original States, in raising monument
,;es Independence Square, is dwelt upon at son
w. length, and with warmth of fexpresaion--enoup
"A we hope, to excite the patriotism of the Ho
ia orable Body. --.,. raH j. ma
:. The amount of revenue for 1852 and $50 W
- $40, 0,963.46, while that of tke two precedi
my years was $72, ,267 776-leaving an accession
r." SIS, ,095.70. ""t
The aggregate annual increase of reyen
&, sr' over expenditures is about $4,000, which,
~, may be safely calculated, will extinguish I
'IA' debt of the State in four years. The Sta
O"' debt, in the present year, will be reduced to
"oe or twelve Thousand dollars.
es; The Delaware Railroad, on account Of /
eo- advantage it will be to the State, is commend
Two TO the favorable consideration and care of d
and Legislature.
nd The Governor, after noticing this as bis Ia
a. public dnty, BY constitutional limitation, a
the responsibility which accompanies such
soy station, closes by recommending them TO tollt
the strictly the Constitution, and 10 invoke the q,
nd, dance md Influence Of tie Great Ruler of d
fUniVerse over their detiheratons