LAWS. 



143 



some real or supposed efficacy of the ordinance, or by some 

 other means, the principles of the forum have been sup- 

 planted by those of Westminster ; — and the common law, 

 with some statute modifications, is the only law. 



The character of the legislation is not so good as it might 

 be. The members of the legislature are mostly very young, 

 and uninstructed in the principles of legislation or the ope- 

 ration of law. The enactments are of course neither con- 

 ceived in wisdom nor drawn up with skill. In this particular, 

 however, some of the old states are not at all in advance. 

 The most objectionable enactments of the territories will 

 stand comparison with the laws of Maryland. 



Society here is yet in that stage when a man's only thought 

 is to gain a subsistence ; and he cannot give attention to the 

 improvement or refinement of his own mind, or of the public 

 mind or morals. 



By the constitution of Iowa, however, a most extensive 

 and solid foundation for a system of Public Schools in that 

 State has been laid, by the following provisions : 



" 2. The General Assembly shall encourage, by all suit- 

 able means, the promotion of intellectual, scientific, moral 

 and agricultural improvement. The proceeds of all lands 

 that have been or hereafter may be granted by the United 

 States to this State for the support of schools, w^hich shall 

 hereafter be sold or disposed of, and the five hundred thou- 

 sand acres of land granted to the new states under an act of 

 Congress distributing the proceeds of the public lands among 

 the several states of the Union, approved A.D. 1841, and all 

 estates of deceased persons, who may have died without 

 ' leaving a will or heir ; and also such per cent, as may be 

 granted by Congress on the sale of lands in this State, shall 

 be and remain a perpetual fund, the interest of which, together 

 with all the rents of the unsold lands, and such other means 



