STATE OF MAINE. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Jan. 3, 1840. } Ordered, That the Governor's Message and accompanying Documents, be laid upon the table, and two thousand copies printed for the use of the House. [Extract from the Journal.] Attest: ELBRIDGE GERRY, Clerk. REPORT. 5. To the Honorable the Senate and House of Representatives in Legislature asssembled. PURSUANT to an order of the two branches of the Legislature, passed on the 18th day of March last," that the Board of Commissioners, appointed to Revise the Laws of this State, be directed to prepare a Bill for the relief of Insolvent Debtors, and for the more equal distribution of their effects, and report the same to the next Legislature, on the first week of its session," the board have had the subject under their careful consideration, and have agreed on the following REPORT. Experience seems to prove the necessity of some Legislation upon the subject in question, both as a protection against the success of fraudulent arrangements respecting property, having in view the concealment of it from the reach and knowledge of creditors, and also as a matter of importance to guard, as far as possible, the morals of the community against dangers to which they are exposed. An Insolvent Law is designed to befriend both the creditor and the debtor; to secure the rights of the former as far as they can be secured, by a prudent and economical management of the property of the debtor, and, for |