, 1859-12-23
Olympia, Dec, 2lst, 1859,
TO the legislative Assembly

EdHOT LlOleeT ana DtWOCFdt-
SR:-As a>Democrat, am husband
and father, and as such | desire to present
some suggestions in regard to Homestead
Law, which seems to be contemplated by
our present Legislature. | shall not assume
that possess the capacity to designate the
particular form which statute law on this
subject should take. l urge that the law
for homesteads may be secured to the heads
of families, and that the public may ascer-
tain from the records what estates are ded-
icated to homestead purposes, and thereby
Withdrawn from the reach OF creditors, as
| am the poor man's friend, whist lie is
stemm'ng the tides Of uncertainty upon the
wings o. expectation.
Every well informed man understands
that that people are most Independent and
loyal, among which the facilities Of acquir-
ing real property extend alike 10 all, and
where the form Of its voluntary transfer is
most simple. The history of the feudal
system, as contras,ed with modern theory
and practice, most abundantly establishes
this proposition. Formerly the fcudal pro
prietor took up arms in defence of his SOW
ereign, and his vassals followed him to the
field because they were bidden. The his
toric page Of later times glows with ac-
counts Of deeds of dlring and valor of those
who have entered the lists in defence of
their homes, their iresdes, and those prin.
ciples which Independence and selfreliancv
beget and nourish.
The strongest element Of tho English
Crown, to-day, is tracelble to national in
debtedness. Millions are shareholders in
that debt, aud interest makes every creditor
a vigiant supporter Of the debtor. Con,
vert English bonds into English homesteads
for Englishmeu, aud the Crown would resi-
upon a basis as much more secure as there
is difference between reality and chattes.
Mankind is selfish, and the defence Of
person and propcry is prompted Jy nat
ural instinct The motive for defence is
graduated by the stake involved = the
greater the number identified, the greater
will be the boldness of conception and Ger.
tainty Of execution.
To say that real estate is pre-eminently
thl most secure Of any class Of properly, is
but to repeat what every child understands.
1t is equally true that there is no class Of
property to which men, in general, become
so much attached. Real estate is conser-
valive; SO is an Independent agricultural
community; so are the woodmen, the peo-
pie of small towns and Villages. Not SO
much SO, by far, are overgrown Cities
They are subject to quasi revolutions,
which ever aud nnou burst forth to disturb,
distract, and degrade civilization and civ
ilized life. The reasons should be inquired
for by law-givers.
Besides, there are considerations, alone
understood by the heads of families, bearing
upon this subject. To the toilng father,
to the frugal mother there is no property
motive in life so strong TO guide as that
which is directed to the requirement of a
little spot which shall serve as the abiding
place Of the family. It is the omnipresent
incentive to indusiry-it is the mother Of
intelligence, TO those who devote the whole
of their time to other peoples business,
temperance and good conduct.
Home What is it to the parent? 1t is
the spot where every reflection and associa
tion is pleasant and delightful 1t is the
place lor repose from toll and trouble. 1t
is the sanctuary for sweet and holy com
munon with the bone of our bone, and
aesh of our flesh The spot where friends
meet with a joyous welcome In fine, it is
the place where every grace that adorns
life, buds, blossoms, and ripens.
But why all these aud yet pay tribute to
a land ? The hand of industry, except for
mere mercenary purposes, is seldom exer-
cised upon the soil Of Others The most
pleasing recolleetions ofh home are associated
with the vines, shrubs, and flowers, that
speak eloquently to the heart, that were
planted and nurtured by a prattling sister.
The mother taught the language of flowers,
and inculcated morality by the aid of plants
aud trees that surround the home. That
is happy home. A father owned it, as
the fruit Of years of toll. What would you
not give to-day to see the old home, en-