Rhode Island American And Providence Gazette

KENTUCKY.

It is but a few years since Kentucky, rich in the bounties of Providence, and foremost in the activity and enterprize of her citizens, claimed, and was allowed an elevated rank in the scale of comparison with her sister states. But her present condition is the very reverse of that high destiny to which she has hitherto aspired with every hope of success. A paralysis seems to have seized upon all her energies—her population are deserting her by thousands—her publick councils are filled with feuds and animosities, and her citizens with distrust and apprehension: and until recently, poverty, bankruptcy and ruin, impressed their sombre tints upon the frightful picture of her future anticipations.

The true origin of her afflictions may be traced back to the no very distant period, when, from certain causes, Kentucky was greatly embarrassed with debts for the discharge of which, her means appeared for the moment, totally inadequate. But what she wanted for disbursement in solid wealth, schemers undertook suddenly to supply with fictitious capital; and a brood of banks was hastily hatched into existence. These as might be expected of all monied institutions which are founded by those who wish to borrow, rather than those who have money to lend, gave way to the very first pressure. Some of their charters were repealed their bills burnt at the stake, and the people left to deplore this instance of their folly in a still deeper abyss of wretchedness and embarrassment.

In this situation nothing was wanting to mock their hopes and aggravate their distress, but the relief system as it was styled; the commencement of which was the suspension of execution for sixty days, and its conclusion, the enactment of the famous replevin laws as they were styled by which the creditor on refusal to receive depreciated commonwealth-money, was compelled to receive real estate at two thirds its nominal value, or wait two years for the consummation of legal judgment. These laws, which every honourable man must have regarded with detestation; as utterly hostile to every principle of justice and morality, were decided by the Court of the United States, as in contravention of that part of the constitution which guards the inviolability of contracts. Sustained by so high and respectable authority, the state courts made similar decisions.

This treachery however of the Court of Appeals was regarded as insufferable by the high-minded Kentuckians, They were filled with rage, and panted for the immolation of their victims. But unfortunately for the phreneticks, a vote of two thirds of the legislature necessary for the removal of the judges could not be obtained. Their fury however was too vigorous to be recalled from the pursuit of its object by any ordinary impediments; and although the judges could not be removed, the court itself was abolished.

The old court however—no way daunted by this manoeuvre of their enemies, insisted upon the unconstitutionality of this measure, and have continued to convene as usual at the capitol in the exercise of their judicial functions. The new court have done the same. Thus there at present exist in Kentucky two courts, both claiming and attempting to exercise the judicial authority of the state; while the people are divided into furious factions, deriving their appellations from their favourite tribunals.

The projectors of the knavish and preposterous system of relief which was adopted, at the head of whom is Gov. Desha, direct their hostilities, not merely against their internal foes, but indiscriminately against the Bank, the Court and the Government of the United States. The Bank after having been located in the state by the pressing solicitations of the Kentuckians themselves, and lending a helping hand for their accommodation, has been charged with the horrid enormity of attempting to collect their dues by legal process, and taxed by the legislature sixty thousand dollars, with a view of expelling it from the state. The U. S. Court by pronouncing this law, as well as the relief system unconstitutional, have become equally the objects of censure and execration. While these various departments of the general government were thus reproached and insulted, it is not at all astonishing that prejudices should be excited against the government itself, and that Gov. Desha and his satellites should accuse it of injustice, usurpation, and ambitious projects of consolidation and aggrandizement.

Northern Sentinel.