Formerly, the length of time required to effect the seizure curbed the usurer's avidity, gave the borrower an opportunity to recover himself, and gave rise to a transaction between him and his creditor which might result finally in a complete release.

Now, the debtor's sentence is irrevocable: he has but a few days of grace.
And what advantages are promised by this law as an offset to this sword of Damocles, suspended by a single hair over the head of the unfortunate husbandman?
The expenses of seizure will be much less, it is said; but will the interest on the borrowed capital be less exorbitant?
For, after all, it is interest which impoverishes the peasant and leads to his expropriation.

That the law may be in harmony with its principle, that it may be truly inspired by that spirit of justice for which it is commended, it must--while facilitating expropriation--lower the legal price of money.

Otherwise, the reform concerning mortgages is but a trap set for small proprietors,--a legislative trick.
Lower interest on money! But, as we have just seen, that is to limit property.

Here, sir, you shall make your own defence.