Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1819-07-31


we impair our claim to think for ourselves
and TO judge independently concerning the
characters and measures of public men, when
we lningle onr congratulations, as you pass
through the land, with those Of the millions,
whom orr affections lead us cordially to en-
brace as our fellow freemen in country of
freedom. Republican simplicity, and the
spirit OF just independence, are neither rude
nor jealous, nor are they most safe when ac-
companied by habitual suspicion and prompt
ness TO censure. The virtues Of the enighten
ed patriot easily blend with confidence,
courtesy, and taste.
You visit people every where conscious of
their rights, and who will not be slow to de-
fcnd them, but who are ardently devoted to
the common interests of the states, and to the
genuine principles of our federal constitution
The trials, to which time has subjected this
instrument, and which war has brought upon
its principles, have only rendered them more
dear. The just gradatons of the sovereignty,
delegated by the people to their rulers, when
traced from that OF the nation to that OF single
state, and thus through smaller communities,
till the power OF government comes home to
every individual for his own and the common
good, we recognize and admire in our system,
while we still continue to be yigilant observers
as we'll as Of their commencement and the
motives in which they originated If this be
a hard government to administer, it is no
small consolation to the patriot magistrate that
its influence is easy and salutary for the peo-
pie. Whatever difference of opinion may be
found among us, upon given points Of policy,
and however grateful we may be for the able
and faithful services Of the representatives. of
this community in the councils Of the nation,
your prudence and mildness, united to your
wisdom, hrmness, and perseverance, remind
us OF one, whom we are accustomed and de-
lighted TO call the father of his country, and
whose character and virtues will always be
the theme OF grateful eulogy and instructive
admonition. It cannot be expected from us,
at SO early period of our history, that we
should be able to boast of the progress which
we have made in letters and science in the
west; but we may be permitted to say, that
we arc not mortified to have intelligent travel
ere from the Atlantic shore compare the de-
gree OF cultivation and improvement among US
with Our age ant. opportunities. We arc hap
py to have their eyes cast over a territory,
which was but a few years since savage viii
derness, and find it now studded and adorned
with Furnishing towns and villages and fur
mshed with rising institutions, and thckening
Il
tain and eifcctual support for al the best in
terests OF our common country Believing
that you sympathize with lis in these senti-
ments and blessings, we again welcome yol1, in
the JOY of our hearts, TO the town we inhabit,
and the home of our affections.
James Morrison, Wfliiam Morton,
r.. Higgins, Horace HoNey,
j. T. Mason,jr. r. Hickl{fc,
John II. Morton, Charles 1Jfikins,
John ". Hunt, 7H0s. Bodiey,
~. T. Rarry, J. PoStlcth7vqit,
IT. ~ NF Cattle.
To which the President replied as
follows 49,
IF the satisfaction, which derive from the
kind reception of the citizens Of Lexington, in
entering their town, could be increased, the
generous review which you have taken of my
public life, and the just sentiments YOU have
expressed on the other interesting subjects.
on which you have treated, could not fail to
afford it. To merit the appreciation of nv
fellow citizens bya correct and useful conduct,
has been the object Of my unwearied efforts.
To obtain II, is the highest reward, which
can receive for my services.
In visiting our maritime and inland frontiers,
with the interior, have been prompted by a
strong sense Of duty to my country. The pow
ers vested in the chief magistrate, ere nume-
rous and important. His dnties are of equal
extent. They apply to the whole Union.
His mind, so faras itmay be practicable, should
embrace the whole, and his personal inspcc-
ton extend to every part. We happen to be
placed at an epoch, when the foundations of
our strength and security, of Our growth and
prosperity, so far as they do not depend, ex-
clusively, on the fertility Of our soil and the
number, virtue, and energy ofthe people, are
esse ntially to be laid. The ad,nonitions Of the
late war teach us, that numerous Notifications
are to be erected, and other measures taken,
to secure for ever, the peace of our interior,
and of the inland frontier, against savage war;
fare. The Indians themselves should be pre-
served, and for that purpose civilized, which
can only be done by wise, humane, and eff
cient policy. Our public lands, a fund of vast
resource to the nation, should be secured from
intrusion. For these great purposes. saIutary
laws have been made, which it is the duty of
the chiefmagistrste tohave faithfully executed
The better to perform these duties, have
been induced to make these iournies through
our country, though, as you justly infer, my
mind has naturally been directed to other OBJ
jects, and among them, to those relating to
manufactures and internal improvement
These latter subjects, have, as you well know,
repeatedly engaged the attention of congress,
to which they were eminently entitled by their
high importance, and have no doubt they
will again be dRly considered by that enlight-
ened body. To both objects am decidedly
friendly, believing as do, that success in
each, by well digested and .iudicous system,
in which a Just regard is paid to all the great
interests with which they are connected, will
essentially promote the national welfare. On
tho Lot a c Ia aLrnr..o ihn+ G