Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1821-02-06
DOMESTXC.
By Request.
FROM NILES REGISTER.
MISSOURI.

So much has been said, written and
published on the Missouri, Question
that the people, in general, are dlspleased
with the mere sight of the words in
print, and few are willing to reae much
more on the subject. Articles, TOO, have
appeared on both sides Of the question,
which ought not to have appeared;-
hard words will never obtain victory in
matter like this; railing begets railing,
and opposition produces opposition
1t is human nature even to resist ust
claim, if indecently or improperly urged.
Under these circumstances we should
have passed over the ne7v crisis which
the matter has arrived at, but for the
consideration that our motives may be
misconstrued, as they were on another
highly interesting occasion. While we
hold ourselves irresponsible TO any man
or set of men for our own opinions, 8
decent respect" for those of others will
always induce us TO liberal exposition
OF them, if the case requires it. Truth
is Often times elected from the conflict
of opinion; and the hypothesis OF Er.
Jcgcrson. that its errors may be tole-
rated when reason IS left free to combat
IT." is as first principle in the 'siind Of
every genuine republican,, whether his
complexion is bleached by the northega
blast, or darkencd by southern sun.
Wnen the main matter in s.isputc was
under consideration, it was our mislor-
tune not to please either of the great par
ties to it; yet both of them united and
agreed to the principle which we advc-
Gated, as being both right and expedient.
1t is established SO far as large rnajori-
ties in both houses of Congress caa
establish it, that the hos,er to check tho
progress OF slave population WITHIN the
territories of the United States, exists by
the constitution but admitted, that it
was not expedient to exert that power in
regard to Missouri and Arkansaw. Tho
latter depenied on many considerations
of no ordinary importance: the safety
and feelings OF the white population in
several OF the states appeared to be in
volved in it, and the rights and feelings
OF others were as deeply concerned in
the subject at large. In this conflict Of
interests, among persons who possibly
desired the same ultimate issue, though
their views Of it were diametrically op-
posed, spirit Of Cancellation prevailed
and a compromise was effected. The
people of those sections of country in
which there are few or no slaves or per-
SONS OF color, very imperlectly aopre-
ciate the wants, necessities or general
principle Of others differently stu ated-
Collectively, the latter dcprccate slavery
as severely as the former, and dread its
increase-but individual cupidity and
rashness acts against the common senti-
ment, in the hope that an event which
every body believes must happen, may
not happen in their day. j 1t is thus thar
too many of US act about death; we are
sure it must come, yet we commit wrong
to acquire property, just as if we should
hold and enjoy it forever. That the
slave population will, at some certain
period, cause the most horrible catas-
trophe, cannot be doubted-those who
possess them act deiensively in behalf Of
all that is nearest and dearest TO them,
when they endeavor to acquire all the
strength and influence to meet that pe-
Rod which they can; and hence the po-
litical and civil opposition of these TO
the restriction which was proposed to be
laid on Missouri, &c. They have the
offensive population, and no feasible
plan has yet been contrived to rid them
of it, if they were disposed so to do. !,
Will the people Of any of The states, 60 y