Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1820-07-25

q part Ol Tic instrument 1tS6H. II was
wrong that part of the constitution was
based in error. No man who knows me
apprehends disposition in me friendly
to slavery: all my habits Of thought and
education are opposed to it. Can those
who are instrumental in procuring this
charge to be urged against me, say as
much :? Is it principle or policy that in
duces them to whine upon the subject
from the rising to the sitting of the sun
What valuable purpose is to be answer
ed by it i? Does any sensible man serious
ly believe that we are in danger of intro
ducing slavery ourselves, or that a MEM
Der of Congress by any possibility could
force it upon US! BY constantly agitating
the question, the hopes Of those who
would wish a change, are kept alive.
Let every friend to the constitution speak
of the subject as eternally and irrevoca-
bly, settled, and of a change as ridiculous
and impossible. If the people of the
state have been heretofore divided in
opinion, when division of sentiment
might have availed something, let it be
remembered that freedom of opinion is
the natural right Of man, and the propa-
cation of sentiment the peculiar and high
privilege of republicans and when the
cause of difference is removed, let them
again unite for the common benefit of
the whole. The man whose only merit
consists in having once expressed a
popular opinion, and whose pretensions
are grounded alone upon it, cannot be
pleased with himself, or agreeable or
useful TO the public. Enough of good
remains to be done, which requires our
united exertions, without looking back
for topics of Improbable disputation.
Whilst we serve the purposes ofselfish
and designing men by such course, the
great and commanding interests of the
country, arc too apt to be overlooked.
Is the present distressed condition ofour
country matter of moon. shine Is the
immense debt of the northwestern states
a matter unworthy of consideration +? Is
the encouragement of agriculture and
commerce, with just support Of domes-
tic manufactures, not entitled to our Sc
rious reflections? Or are the people of
this state ready to surrender these high &
all-important measures, for the merepur-
pose ofserving the views ofthis or that par
y,ths or that man This man-worship-
ping policy has been long enough pursued
It's time 10 think ofour country, and our
more substantial interests, and the free
dom and happiness of our posterity.
For myself, shall take no pride in an
election, unless upon grounds indepen-
dent OF particular questions, men or par
ties-with this single ercehtion, that l
am attached to the great republican par
ty of the union. detest the attempt to
detach Illinois from the republican fami-
ly, to serve the purposes of aspiring un-
principled men, under whatever name
they may choose to assume. The in
fuence of the west would, in such an
event, be diminished, ndIllinois be point
ed at as the "black sheep of the flock"
If any thing is to be effected for the re-
liefofou citizens, particularly those who
are indebted to the government for their
lands, it is to be brought about by the
united energies and influence of the wes-
tern country. If we present an united
front, laying our grievances and claims
to redress before the government of the
nation, our consistency, responsibility,
and strength will insure the attainment
of all just objects. But if we excite and
keep alive quarrels and dissentions with
our sister states of the west, and particu-
larly amongst ourselves, we must fall
into insignificance and contempt. Did
| know of any other subjects upon which
the people would require publicity of
my opinions, should be glad to publish
them. That great efforts will be made
by my opponents, (who seem to have
superior means of promulgating what
they choose to lay before the public) to
shew that l am unworthy ofsupport, can
not be doubted. That charges will be
conjured up and published at the very
heel of the election, when it will be i'm
possible to answer them for want CT time,
is in character with some of the leading
men opposed to me. All have to re-
ly upon is the character l have acquired
and supported during seven years re-
sidence amongst you; a great many of
you know that it has been attained against
the strongest efforts of a wealthy and in
fluential set of men. If ! have acted in
dependently, the public know tiff no.
nestly the public know it.
ELIAS K. KANE.
P. S. Since writing the above, have
seen the Edwardsville Spectator Of the
18th inst. wherein l am said to be con-