The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1872-04-11
THE CODE MESSAGE.

EDITORS CLARIoN:-It was my purpose
long since to present some remarks upon
the message of Gov. Powers, vetOing tile
act of the Legislature, reducing the price
of the Code of 1S71-but l have been so
engrossed in other matters that have not
had the time until now to do so.
1t is certainly the most foolish, puerile
and unmanly State paper l ever saw-and
while its author may not blush at it. the
station he occupies but does not Jill, certainly
must or should-although the amount OF
brass that has for sometime coated it, is
immense.
The Code at any price would be high and
extortiOnate, if ''value received" for the
money paid, could be the test; for Il more
miserable botch, Astounding in errors, con-
fusion, omissions and pretermissions has
not appeared in ''legal calf, within the
memory of mainland for this abortion,
three prices must be paid, in order to save
the State and reach the pockets of lawyers.
If Gov. Z. would veto every act that is a
losing of money to the State, he would veto
the whole body of laws, the Code, the Leg
islature, his own salary, and go home L:
is very right to give himself and all his staff,
and every official from constable up, one of
these most costly books, and levy high
tariff on about three hundred lawyers to
pay for it and who had already been taxed
and had paid their quote for the mud-ma-
chine. so as TO inform his Learned judges"
what the law is.
The Governor assumes that none but
lawyers would buy the book-and in this
ne is perhaps correct, as none but those who
are compelled TO have il. would likely buy
such a miscarriage at such rates-but if it
was what it should be, the laws of this State
in entirety, and accurately presented. at a
fair price, his assumption would be false
as it is Unworthy. There are many plan
tiers and men of all pursuits who have been
accustomed to buy and read the Statute
Book of this State, and would do so now, il
the book was what it should be. and at a
reasonable price. Many have applied to
one TO buy this book for them. but learning
its defects and price, have generally de-
clined, as they should do.
What right the Governor had in paper
of that sort to talk about lawyers and their
practice and consciences. no one but "A
pewter-eyed creature can soc, and it lily
becomes one who prices such a book at his
price, to talk about the conscience. of any
one, mueh less about that of lawyers, the
dignity. integrity and honor OF whom. are
far above the comprehension of his thimble
and toady brain-and wound never think OF
charging ten or one cent for such meagre
advice and trash as his beloved Ten Dollar
Code. | expect some fearless lawyer who
is master OF bis profession and has the pow
er to show up meh others see them, has
truly photographed this Governor on some
occasion, to his hearts discomfort, and hence
his sore-headed and sour-aeid attack
/ think when this Legislature adjourns.
Judging from the number of bills before it
and laws already passed, repeating, amend
ing and To repeal and amend this great
Code, there will be but little of the poor
thing LETT or what il left, will be as little
as the Governor himself and his Jasmine
message"
Yours, &C.,