"Haven't you got any _selectmen_, or anybody, to interfere and look after such matters ?" "It's commonly supposed that the _property_ interest is a sufficient guard in these cases.

If people choose to ruin their own possessions, I don't know what's to be done.

It seems the poor creature was a thief and a drunkard; and so there won't be much hope to get up sympathy for her." "It is perfectly outrageous,--it is horrid, Augustine! It will certainly bring down vengeance upon you." "My dear cousin, I didn't do it, and I can't help it; I would, if I could.

If low-minded, brutal people will act like themselves, what am I to do?
they have absolute control; they are irresponsible despots.

There would be no use in interfering; there is no law that amounts to anything practically, for such a case.