Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1822-07-06

| state OF things Or that they Will not In
crease the capacity of representative
to be useful either to the union, or to the
particular state he represents, just in
proportion to the extent in which he pos
sesses them? 1t is needless 10 pursue
the subject further. Our lorefaihers
have shown by their conduct how highly
they appreciated talents and experience
in their faithful public servants. And
the present generation is too wise to I'M
derrate those important requisites of a
statesman.
In thus noticing this new political
principle of my opponents, | have not
the vanity, fellow citizens, to suppose
that | possess very largely the attain
mepts of which | have been speaking.
That ! have had an opportunity of max
ing some progress in that way however,
will not be denied, and certainly have
endeavored to realize every advantage
from it, that has been practicable.
My object, however, in noticing the
singular principle contended for in rela-
ton to a legislative body, is TO show
what unsound and dangerous doctrines
will sometimes be seriously urged where
no better means present themselves Of
accomplishing an object highly desired.
There could, in my opinion, be nothing
more perions to the happiness, safety
and prosperity Of the country than for
the people deliberately to adopt and act
| upon The principle that, experience in
public affairs is of so little importance,
| that changes in the legislative depart
ment ought 10 be made, merely, for The
sake OF change, and without the slightest
exception to the conduct OF well tried
and faithful public servant. The advo-
Gates Of this doctrine however, cannot be
serious, and must have been driven to the
necessity OF pressing it FOR the want of
better ground, upon which, to oppose me,
or as an Objection which they must have
supposed would be most likely 10 take
with the people. But in this, as in all
other calculations founded upon the sup
posed ignorance and easy credulty of the
community, feel satisfied that they will
be disappointed.
The right of the people to change
their representatives, is a natural Inhe-
rent right in them, of vital importance,
and most sacrcdly guaranteed 10 Them
by the constitution. But it is rign,
which a prudent people will, for their
| own sakes, always exercise with the
soundest discretion. When their repre-
sentative has betrayed his rus, or mani-l
| Tested his incompetency to render useful
services, ii is not less their interest than
their duty to change him for better.
But the good OF The people being the
object of all just and legitimate egisla-
ton, if The services OF "a representative
have been marked with fidelity and use
lulness, common prudence would seem
10 indicate the proprlety OF not changing
aim, but, for The sake OF getting better
one.
Ii is for you, fellow citizens, to decide
whether | have served you with fidelity
whether my services have been accepta-
bic to you and whether in the selection
which you have it in your power to make,
you will best consult your interest by
exchanging me for another. Whatever
may be your decision, l shall cheerfuily
acquiesce in it, feeling at the same time,
the undiminished weight of obligation
imposed upon me, by the friendship aud
confidence with which you have hitherto
honured me.
must however, beg leave to say that,
in again rendering you my services, |
am influenced by laudable ambition 10
promote your interests, with which, |
consider my own perfectly ldentihcd.-
Having permanently settled among you,
as matter of voluntary selection, and
having no schemes of emigration, have
a common interest with you in the
growth and prosperity Of the state, and its
reputation and influence as member of
The federal union.
Influenced by no sectional favoritisn
or prejudice in relation TO different parts
of the state, it has uniformly been, and
will continue to be favorite object with
me to do equal justice to every part
Wishing to see the whole populate with
the utmost rapidity, have endeavored
to facilitate the means of acquiring pub
lie land, by having as much OF it brought
into market as possible, and by estabi ish-
ing land offices at points most suitable for
the sale of the land, and convenient to
those who might wish 10 purchase it.
And hence, l can conscientiousIy say,
that took as much pleasure in being
instrumental in the establishment OF a
land Office at Palestine, and another for
the Sangamo country, as if had been
an actual resident of either of those
places. And l sincerely regretted that
the bill for the establishment of the lat