Kentucky Gazette

To the Editors, dated
FRANKFORT, JAN. 28, 1820.

The property law was postponed indefinitely yesterday, by a majority of a few votes. There are three parties in the house of representatives of nearly equal numbers. The one opposed to all manner of relief—another in favor of relief, in feeling and principle, but too timid to do what they know to be right—the third in favor of relief, and bold in their measures. The first party are led and influenced by artful and influential men. When a measure of relief is proposed, this party unites with the third, for the strongest measures—when matured, and the vote is about to be taken, they excite the alarm of the half way timid men, and by a union with them, defeat it. It is thus by the address of the wily aristocracy, that the republican friends of the people are embarrassed in their attempts at relief. The people will have to watch and scrutinize the conduct of their representatives closer this winter than ever they did. Some of the timid friends of relief are really doing more harm than its open and avowed enemies. Like all go-betweens, they are alternately made instruments of, by opposing parties. Some of the enemies of relief take high grounds, and have denounced the property law and its advocates, in strong terms. These same gentry, while they are willing to see the lands, and negroes, and valuable estates of the country sacrificed; compel the creditors to take bank notes that do not command specie. It would seem as if they had resolved to expose the property of the country to sale, in order that it may be purchased up, by the banks and their favorites.

I fear the people are to expect nothing from the present legislature. It is proper that they should be prepared for the result, and be awakened from the security in which they have been thrown by the co days act.