Portland Gazette, And Maine Advertiser

Communications.

FOR THE GAZETTE.

The situation of the people in some parts of the county of Lincoln is such as to call for the serious consultation of the friends of order & peace in the District. The minds of many are much agitated, and in some degree, perhaps, under the influence of prejudice & error. We have reference to the disputes between the proprietors & settlers. It is very important the people be correctly informed on the subject; that they should attend less to passion and more to reason; and shown the great evil which will accrue to themselves and others by violent opposition to the due course of law.

That the people settled on lands claimed by two or three different proprietors, and who are called upon to answer to suits of several opposing claimants, are unfortunately situated, we admit. Their condition requires attention; and every thing consistent with the Constitution and the rights of others ought to be attempted for their relief. Already several laws have been made with a view to relieve them of existing difficulties. Even those, who call themselves the greatest friends of the settlers have publicly declared, that all has been done in their favor that could be required; referring to the betterment law, so called. But it appears, the settlers still think themselves oppressed. They think the demands of proprietors operate upon them with great severity.

Now, suppose this is the fact, what is the proper course for redress or for protection? Surely, not to oppose the laws. If the laws are violated in some cases, they may be in others--where then is the right, where the safety or protection of the citizen? If we will suffer ourselves to reflect & reason for a moment, we must perceive it absolutely necessary that Government be supported, and the laws be respected and obeyed. But if any laws are formed to operate to the distress of the people of any description, the plain course to be pursued for redress is, to make known their grievances and to ask for an alteration, for some amendment, which will afford relief. Opposition will serve only to increase the expenses of the State and oblige Government to stretch out its strong arm to maintain its authority.

Tho' it is allowed, that in some places, where the settlers are on lands claimed by several different proprietors, the condition of the people calls for legislative aid; and tho' it is proper for them to apply for further relief in cases of this sort, we cannot but express an opinion that much of the uneasiness and opposition in the people are owing to suggestions and misstatements from influential individuals, who wished to answer party purposes by exciting the people to prevent the regular processes of law. It is well known that some men among us have done this. They have also basely attempted to circulate an opinion, that the dispute about lands was of a political nature. Last spring a hand-bill was sent about the county of Lincoln, full of misrepresentations to this effect. The statement, therein made was palpably false. The dispute about lands is in no respect of a political kind. There are as many of the proprietors, who belong to the democratic, as to the federal party. This is well known to those at all acquainted with the proprietors. And it certainly is a great crime to attempt to disturb the public mind for the sake of any party triumph. Every good citizen and every friend of peace must condemn such conduct; and be anxious, by his influence and advice to restore harmony and tranquility to the state.

An Inhabitant of Lincoln County.