Go whither thou wilt, and thy foot-prints will be marked by blood, and reeking, gory degradation, will be there. Thou assertest thy independent aspirations, but it may be fatally too late, for thy powers may be paralyzed.

The first drop will be too much for the fatal contact, as contagion breathes in its cup, and infectious pestilence attends its outpourings.

Be wise at once, and stand firm in the richness of thy richest of all earthly gifts, an unsullied mind.

Beware, you that sell spirits, the evil is domesticated, and you or your family may experience the bitter draught. The habit of drinking will grow. Do not sell the poison, as there is retributive justice in every drop. Before you know the end yourself, prudent and temperate as you now are, you may become the drunkard, and your children may stealthily share in your custom. When you awake to the reality, you will be involved in moral ruin, from which there may be no escape.

CORRECT LEGISLATION.

CORRECT legislation of good and necessary laws with their appropriate execution, is eminently a vast element in mind's mighty duty to the world.

The elevation of every circle benefits the whole. Men in every age and nation have been actors for that one mighty result.

Mankind have an important mission. Humility and modesty must at once convince them that they are only acting instruments in the hands of Deity, for if any assume more at any age of the world, they become monomaniacs or impostors.

They are self-impeached at any time by strict language, even with liberal construction. As the principals are ruled out, so must be their advocates.

All rational religionists are necessarily the boldest advocates for wise and efficient laws having their sway, else the wild terrors of anarchy may arouse the great depth of iniquity, or the horrid cruelties of vindictive aggression of those who take law into their own hands.

Better have no legislation than an unwise and tyrannical one. Wisely have the freemen of 1776 acted for themselves, country, and future generations of the world.

Organic principles were then for the first time rightly established, and enlightened mind must govern the balance. The founders of modern constitutions have a magnificent triumph over past ages, and prove conclusively the advance of mind, and the dignity of man to rationality.

Wise legislation has to premise the proper rational education of all rational minds, in requiring all children capable of instruction to be sent at and for a proper age to suitable schools, and no excuse allowed for their absence, except in busy agricultural seasons of the year.

The morals of the people are the property of the State, to maintain which she has to nurture popular intelligence to the very best of her rational ability.

The district or county should be regularly taxed, and the court required to appropriate the necessary funds to pay for the tuition of all unable to pay.

Competent public teachers should be invariably provided, and no funds appropriated for public schools should be withdrawn by the citizens in pro rata proportions, and thereby break up such schools and inevitably defeat the object of affording public instruction to those who otherwise could not possibly get it. If any such arrangements have been made, they should be cancelled forthwith, and the whole public allowed a fair and proper opportunity of general education. No portion of the community nor section of the country should be independent of responsibility of such jewel trusts.

No rational youth should be permitted to reach the fifteenth year without an ability of reading and writing, if mental and physical endowments entitle to this privilege. All children of proper ages, unable to live otherwise, should be apprenticed as best for their capacity and wishes, faithfully taught some business for a future living, prepared for the world, and all this the court should take regular cognizance of at proper times during each year by regular official superintendents, to prevent poor children from an abuse of brief authority, as servants, cooks and waiters, or general menials, instead of apprentices.

What chance have the destitute minors, especially in some countries, otherwise, with an unprincipled circle?

Laws should invest a proper part of the estate, as the inalienable rights of the wife and children.

The protection of widows and orphans should be insured, that they be not despoiled of their effects by worthless administrators, who may keep the money for their use and

speculation at the most important time of need of body and mind, or that they should be subject to the tender mercies of countless costs, the imbecile protection of magistrates and the irresponsible official cliques.

It is tyranny and dishonesty to restrict the use of money in contracts, made by persons of sound and mature mind, voluntarily and in good faith.

Usury means oppression. Now surely it is not oppression to sell money for its commercial value, since money is commercial property.

The world will get at the justice of such obligations, when all the exploded systems of absolutism are discarded. If arbitrariness presume to borrow upon its own dictation, to pander to lust and power, then freemen must discard all this abuse too.

The dividends of earned premiums of mutual insurance companies have declared the value of such capital uncontrollable by law of legislation. The wise effects of honorable competition decide the value of money, better than all legislation. Legislation, that is wise, is to universally protect the helpless and minors, provide for all contracts not specifying particulars, whatever is due the industry of the people and enterprise of mind. There should be no precarious legislation in time, or mode-general acts or statutes should obviate all such contingencies.

The

Principle is the power that keeps the social circles in their right orbits, that looks higher than laws, far above them in the wise cognizance of efficient legislation. laws should be reduced to general comprehensive principles in a code so simple, that the intellectual part of the people who are considered responsible about all law by a legal fiction, can readily appreciate them, their rights defined and their best duty easily obtained.

The people should have the legitimate result of the great first principles of their rights. Some people plead for legislation-for socialism.

Is this right and just to the whole, who already prove their proportionate aid in the cause of suffering humanity? Legislation has not to embrace Utopian schemes, till they prove themselves consistent with the refined condition of man's independence, universal principles.

Remodel legislation, not at the hazard of speculations of visionary intentions, nor revolutionize the fabric of man's happiness, superseding mind and genius in their appro· priate theatres. Wise legislation should never permit either to be trammelled, much less usurped. Effective and uniform laws are needed by the whole world, to protect all mankind. The highest obligation rests by supreme and paramount laws, through their penalties on mind or conscience and body. What observer can miss seeing the legitimate consequences under the penalties of violated law? Though man may be above the laws of the land by temporary power, craft, subterfuge, still he rarely escapes the penalties of violated nature. Providence may have some use for the apparent exception.

Law reform is absolutely needed in the whole circle. There is absolute necessity for law reform, and it should be secured in our country speedily and effectually. Then a straightforward way, principle, and moral justice would prevail for the social, civil and individual rights and benefits of man, and citizens would not be liable to be misled by so many lawyers into greater difficulties than they remedy.

The general principles of civil and common law should be codified by master minds, to reconcile the Roman and Anglo-Norman laws; or rather, enlightened freemen of the world ought to seek the full establishment of the great principles of law consistent with the best code of refined civilization.

Would the profits of the legal practice fly away too much? What does that weigh with the value of universal good, consequent on the improvement, intellectual, moral, and religious, of the people?

When all laws are consistent with the constitution, no constructive views but what are straightforward can be conscientiously maintained.

It will be most dishonorable to enact any but which are strictly constitutional laws. Laws are too often made for the benefit of the debtors, the largest class in some circles.

All are presumed to know the laws! Why not then, in justice to this fiction, have a simple code prepared for all citizens? Why is this injury perpetrated, to the reflection on the morals and mind of honest citizens? Why do not citizens see and demand this right?

Citizens lose by not knowing all the points that even lawyers mislead on. Very recently one of many such events has come directly to my notice, that a hard-working man has lost hundreds of dollars, of great consequence to himself and family, by not being informed of the statute of limitations, that prevented his rightful recovery.

Plain citizens go through life without very humble testimonials being yielded them in in any common course of rational education, except the very unpleasant one of law and

its experience, or of consequent loss. It is a shame that common justice cannot be done the world in all essential particulars of their best rights.

There remains but little more now to do, than for some intelligent scholar or lawyer meeting this question in a liberal manner. But what prevents the state authorities from having the general principles of the law presented in a small volume, for the good of its citizens? Surely their improvement, intellectual and moral, on such position, will amply repay the elevated design.

The time has arrived that mind of freemen can never be satisfied with any but the correct position, in all the fields of professional science and wise knowledge, however it curtails the profit of a scowling monopoly.

See how the ends of justice are defeated, and a consequent demoralization results in regard to the law's delay.

It is horrible injustice, that a free people will not reach the necessary demands that their glorious governmental benefits entitle them to.

With the errors of a passing age, it is to be hoped that a withering apathy and indifference to our best interests will also depart, and give means to record the progress of the approaching light that gives triumph to its lustre. The people owe it to themselves and their superior governmental institutions, to have all suitable laws, plain and practical, on general principles, and then all public benefit will be promoted well and truly. The world must seek to put all laws on principles that vindicate themselves, and do not need men to explode diseased gas. The object of all law should be to insure ċertain responsibility.

When benefits have been conferred upon any property of the rich, though held by the poor, the due liberality of justice should be awarded.

Law revolution demands a proper reform that reduces the practice to plain, honest principles.

Thus the costs of the suit are diminished, justice is expedited, and morals promoted. Simplify law codes, and improve on the basis of a good government. Reform in law is called for most imperatively by the state of free institutions, that require a commensurate advancement in all the blessings that mind can procure.

All laws ought to be predicated on appropriate principles, and all reduced to a practicable circle, whether the interest of judges and lawyers is decisively affected for the good of all, even beyond much of the professional incomes.

When principles are universally applicable, honesty sought, and justice easily secured to all, then what is called law rightfully fulfils its rightful functions. This change should be wisely made, but no less than the conservative wants of the people require. The world needs justice and equity universally, speedily and fully, administered without fear,

favor or affection.

The rights of the sovereign people need this. Let rational mind furnish the requisite amendments.

Talk about law-let all be fixed up right at first by mind, on eternal principles; then all will be right, and no difficulty about it. Let the legislators be wise and honorable, upright, talented men; none but those properly nominated in fair conventions, not by cancus. The world should seek to get rid of the sophistry of lawyers. Let master minds simplify and codify the principles of law. All can be done, and this is the government that can enable man to do it.

The great object with wise legislators is to institute better morals of the people, to avoid law-suits, have the costs of collection saved. Debts of honor would accomplish this.

Popular legislation is to prevent crimes, as gambling, seduction, &c., and should concentrate the world's wisdom. One of the worst states of laws that can exist is their feeble execution. How many culprits are pardoned or exonerated by the judiciary and the pardoning powers. If the judge or ruler were willing to take the place of the culprits, then the objection would not be so great.

Suits based on the proper facts may be answered or satisfied by the defendants, properly and promptly. All such suits can go up from courts of conciliation.

Much litigation can be as good as abolished, if the people would, in the main, reform legal proceedings, attend more to the abuses of legislation, have justice better administered, and less vitiated.

What a shame that laws, that are especially essential, should not be faithfully executed.

Many important measures are dependent on them: they have provisions, but the penalties are not enforced. The law for the inspection of steamers yields to none in usefulness, yet is recklessly omitted. There is much local useless and fruitless legis lation, when universal principles will best apply. All legislation should be comprehen

sive and wise, to be effectual. It should guard against pauperizing the laboring classes, or permitting licentious evil passions, as jealousy, envy, and ambition, being predominant. No legislation should ever involve bankruptcy of states, and future embarrassment of posterity, any more than dictation of mind what is religion by peculiar faith.

Wise legislation is the wisest exertion of mind, illustrated in the best practical results.

Among the blessings is the progress of mind's benefits, by modern legislation, that rears its loftiest triumph for refined civilization. Rising from the only safe basis, constitutional organic law, the protection of the people, it dispenses light, life, and liberty to mind's energies, and invokes the holiest interests in its welfare. Now the poor are protected, and the weak are upheld. The homestead exemption places the helpless under mind's noble protection. Wise legislation must be permanent: each bill must be put on its relative and intrinsic merits. No sectional, factionist, fanatical, partisan views can be tolerated before the tribunal of principles. The wise exercise of legislation, and its execution in good faith, should be such, that the land of law should hardly be one of lynching or popular fury. Is the police powerless? Is law inefficient to procure protection to life, reputation, and property? Where, then, is an enlightened public opinion? The world should get rid of fruitless legislation, on matters having no equity before that body. Mankind owe allegiance to all the laws of nature and principles, that are paramount; none else in any other than municipal light. Nothing radical, but all conservative, can be permanent.

Any law to be forever, must be consistent with nature, and conservative. Let the conservative principles of society be carried out right, for uniform protection for life, reputation and property. All laws wisely made, consistently with the immutable decrees of God as evinced in nature, are the ones for the world finally to secure, as only legitiLaw must go with equity. When it meets lamely, as it now does, the great ends of conservative principles, exalt it to that, the proper standard. The world must have all just constitutional laws obeyed.

mate.

THE COURT OF CONCILIATION.

SUCH Court is to be protected by appropriate judges, properly selected.

Do whatever is right by this institution; act by principles, that vindicate themselves.

Courts of conciliation may become in good faith the best of all means of justice. Who does not wish to escape all the difficulties of lawsuit? Some persons will go to the brink of the precipice in morals, disregarding anything like the spirit, while they have the mere form of law. But as to lawyers, can you expect others, mere agents, to take that interest in your welfare as you would yourself? The wisest action is the prevention of lawsuits.

Advise and reflect; do not give into the hands of others what you can do better yourself. Some people cannot take care of themselves by legal precaution, nor their property; how can they do that for others? Avoid all litigation practicable.

Business may do itself, if the principles be rightly developed. Lawsuits may be generally profitably prevented, by a proper representation and amicable arrangements. Have as little interference by lawsuits as practicable. Seek to avoid litigation, as one party is worsted always, both injured, and society assailed.

Nothing short of notes written "under hand and seal," should be affected in annual settlements, that will save very great difficulties. All evils ought to be obviated on principles.

The proper avoidance of litigation premises general good to society, in escaping many of its evils, as the sophistry and tricks of small lawyers, and various inroads on good morals, in generating the highest tone to an honorable social condition. Well may the prudent and good citizen avoid lawsuits, unless on principles that are pushed necessarily on him, in defence of his own dearest rights. He may see lawyers foiled in recovery of the most common notes by non-suit, the cost of which falls on the client, unless the lawyer is honest enough to pay it himself, which is not always done if left to the conscience of the lawyer; and he may have to get other lawyers to help the first; of course, at his own cost.

Lawyers have been known, to my certain knowledge, to receive payment for common professional business, required to do it legally right, yet have done it for the benefit of the second party instead of the first, and gave their evidence against the very party employing them, thus perjuring themselves without being exempt from the suspicion

of bribery on so glaring an outrage. Where are the responsibility and redress? In this world? In what court? Yet such lawyers pass, especially as belonging to a church. Does the world know its felony? Are the laws always equable and correct, for speedy justice? Are they made to help benefit the community, or for the profession? Do they lead to the creditor's oppression of the debtor, or do they tend to defeat the creditor class, till the debtors escape, making their property over or away, defeating the ends of justice? One of the best attainments of justice, is a speedy promptness in rendering it unto others.

No government is just, that does not secure justice to its citizens in the most expedient legal manner.

What can we say of any system of jurisprudence chancery, or any other, that brings the law's delay for even the best part of a life-time, ere justice is rendered. Is this freedom?

The court of conscience is the best that promptly settles when due, and in the settlement of amounts corrects all errors, and whenever discovered, rectifies them.

In a large majority of cases, the court of conciliation is the court of justice, prompt and comprehensive.

Here are advantages that cannot be overlooked, in the proper maintenance of best feelings in society, and of avoiding evils of greater magnitude.

The party solicits the very means that will free the community from more than half of all vexations, and promote at the same time, a better and higher tone of public sentiment and morals.

Then we shall see or hear more rarely, of many contentions that terminate unpleasantly, not only to the parties immediately interested, but to the chagrin of the public to whom are unnecessarily presented all the foibles of families, with their feuds and defects.

The dignity and sagacity of mind should be competent to parry all the corruptions of lawyers, put all our noble institutions far above their miserable apologies, and law above the pettifogger on its noble principles.

Court of reference or conciliation ought to be instituted with proper appellate functions, otherwise a tyranny and oppression are felt.

ARBITRATION.

CASES of arbitration necessarily occur in all nations, and should be conducted with reference invariably to strict equity and justice, by a right selection of parties well qualified for intellect and probity.

But in arbitration as commonly practiced, anything but an attempt at the right thing is sought by most. A low party whose conscience cannot reach the exact standard of justice, selects a partisan of low views, and imposes him on the other party who earnestly seeks correct principles. No arbitration should be definitely fixed until the arbitrators are at the same time, as well as the whole ground; any other is an unprincipled imposition. Unless all improper influences be redressed with prudence, and wisely and invariably counteracted by proper guarantees, mock justice and false pretences are imposed on the correct party.

There must be a fixed and full right of protest and appeal to the court, if we can be satisfied that wrong has been awarded, or that rights have been withheld.

Too many referees consider that compromise and not justice, are to be done the subject.

The most are decidedly unqualified for the business, and nothing short of a regular court of conciliation judge can do comprehensive justice.

In most instances, the necessity for all this business emanates from wrong positions, and some parties make assertion in arbitration not warranted by facts, nor the courtesy of such a position, hence the necessity of premising a proper precaution of taking nothing for granted with all suspicious characters, but of having testimony properly authenticated on the party's previous denial or refusal to admit the important facts, which are enough to condemn an arbitration of itself; as all arbitrations ought to be on admitted facts, and simply an inability of the parties contestant, deciding these of themselves. But low cunning that refuses acquiescence in principles will insinuate itself, if not counteracted by preliminaries or first steps, and obviated by full right of protest and appeal, and deferring for important testimony.

The refusal of yielding justice on plain facts, even by arbitration, necessarily compels resort to legal forms.

In reference to arbitration, the least one can do, is to have a gentleman known as