Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1823-07-19
SPECTATOR
EDWARDSVlLLE, JULY 10, 1928.

In our paper of the 18th July, 1920, we
gave an exposition of the designs of certain
men, in and out of this state, to introduce
slavery into Illinois. The most material facts
stated gus, were derived from persons friend
y to the measure. Among these, were, the
contemplation of establishing new paper in
this town. to oppose the principles advocated
| by the Spectator-and confident expectation,
that the editors of the Illinois Intelligencer,
upon finding it to comport with their interests
would espouse the convention side ofthe ques-
ton. That paper responded as follows
From the Illinois Lateiligencer of July IS, 1901
BY an article in the last Edwardsville Spec
tator, II will be seen that plan is believed to
have been in contemplation, by which TO re-
voutionize Ilinois-to break down the ram
parts of its free institutions-and revisit it
with the evils of slavery. In effecting this OBJ
Ject, it would seem that OUR PRESS was to have
been enlisted, if practicable. Whether this
scheme be true or not, we are not able to say.
but we have no evidence that there ever was
such plan in contempation-sn we are hap
Ply to say that no such INDUCEMENTS" have
been offered to us to espouse this UNHOLY
UNDERTAKING. The Spectator is right in
supposing that such proposition would be
met by us "with that contempt which the
baseness and moral turpitude ofthe indignity
would justify" And although we were dis
posed to be neutral in the approaching cleo
ton, because we believed the characters of
the two gentlemen we're sufficiently known
in the state, to enable the people to make a
proper choice--yet if satisfactory broof thai
this scheme has erer been agitated shall be Afford
cd us, soe shall not fac in amaigning the actors
at The bar Of the people, But until we are better
Informed on this subject, we shall still think
that the characters and pretensons of the OPP
posing candidates are sufficiently understood.
We know that the subject of calling conven-
ton after the next session of the legislature, is
freely spoken OF in some counties-and We
have heard that it was the object of some to
authorize the introduction of slaves. But
that snch an undertaking will succeed with
the free people of Illinois, we cannot even
yield to a fear. 1t cannot be. And whether
in anticipation of the exposure of this scheme,
to undo Illinois, or because there is real in.
nocence on the part of Mr.. Kane, we know
not which-but he has certainly explicitly dis
avowed all feelings in favor of slavery, and
the least disposition to see the constitution
changed IN order to let in slaves.
The Intelligencer was then, as now, edited
and published by Messrs. Blackwell s. Berry
All their efforts are now directed in favor of
the means for introducing slavery; and they
have lately, very modestly, ask ed US if We have
not been bribed to oppose it.
Before they ventured this inquiry, they
ought at least to have made an attempt to re.
concile their present, with their former pro-
LESSONS, and shew why they have thought pro-
per "to espouse this unholy undertaking."
instead of arraigning the actors at the bar of
the people,"
For our part, we entertain no fear, that an
impartial public will "Aag" in awarding to
us motives" as pure, for continuing to SUPPORT
a good cause. as to them for abandoning it, at
a time when it needed all the aid which its
friends could rally in its favor.