Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1823-07-12

~ uSSiuC vi tlt ABSTRACT WoTdt FtSHE Ok
holding men in bondage. We have not
necessity 10 plead in excuse; for we have
thus far progressed without them; and
it follows that if we engage in extending
the trathc, we engage voluntarily. 1t il
was wrong in the first instance to buy
slaves in Africa, where hey we're already
in bondage, then it must be equally
wrong i'll US to purchase them FROM those
who now hold them. We can perceive
no difference between the original pur-
chase and that which would he conse-
quent on their introduction here. We
believe 1t is now universally admitted
that these who originally brought them
IRON Africa were not justified by the Cir
cumstance, that the negroes ensiaved
and held each other in bondage ard for
sale. And if they could plead no such
justification, it would seem strange logic
that could place us in better situation.
Crime may be rendered familiar, by the
frequency OF its preparation, but can me-
yer IN that way be Invested oil its turpi-
tu!e. W. r he evil has been establish
Cd IN other states, we are aware OF the
difficulties they must encounter in effect
| ing its extirpa,ion, and ready TO view with
| liberality and indulgence their conduct
towards the unfortunate beings whose
destlnies are SO hard, but apparently SO
| inevitable. But to the state that is free
from The evil, and ye, willing 10 encoun-
ter II, we cannot extend either.
Before We close this address, fellow
ciizeus, We would call your attention 10
remark which we have occasionally
heard iron, the advocates of a convention.
This" say they, is 10, the time 10 dis
cuss the question Of slavery. Ii, The
| decision be first given on the proprety
OF calling convention, and then, Il The
decision be affirmative, let the cues
ton OF slavery be examined" There
is SO much seeming propriety IN this, that
we think Il deserves examination.
| You will remember that the decision
for or against convention will be made
by general vote OF the people. A ma
Jorlty OF all the voters taen, Is required
to pronounce in favor Of the call. Bns
if a convention be called, It's members
will be chosen by counties IN the same
manner, and IN the same ratio as the re-
presen! aiives Of the se,era, counties in
both branches of the legislature. By The
allotment made by the general assembly
IN ls2o-2l, ii SO happens that the conn
| ties composing collectively majority of
the inhabitants Of the STATE, are by their
quota OF representation npineritg l. tho
legislature. Most oItbose counties which
nave an excess In their representation
have shewn by the votes of their repre-
sentatives, that they are in favor of slave
ry. We believe all the counties which
are deficient in the number of their MEM
bers are strongly opposed 10 it.
Thus we see that a large majority of
the people of the state may be opposed
to the Introduction OF slavery, and yet if
they suffer a convention, may put it in
the power of minority to establish it.
Now therefore, while the people have
the means OF prevention in their hands,
is the proper time to use it--.and conse-
quentiy now is the only tins when dis
cussion OF the question can tend TO any
good effect. Let the power pass into the
hands Of minority, and vain will be the
objections Of the MA ority 70 its exercise.
Fellow cltizens, We attempt not 20 en-.
list your passions. We only desire .he
exercise Of your cool and cain Judgment
CD question OF the highest moment to
the people OF Illinois. Whatever may
be he effect of he decision on our inai-
vidual feelings and interests, if nqjo1sty
Of the people Shall pronounce in favor
of measure which will open door for
the introduction of slavery--and put il
on, OF their power again 10 close it, we
shall as peaceable citizens submit. But
until we are convinced tina, such is Ia:
will of a majority, we shall use all no.
norab!c means to present the question in
what We conceive to be its true ight ana
character, For this we have associated
together, and with this intent have now
addressed you. Permit Us to hope, thar
you will give our arguments fair and
candid examination, as emanating from
men who have a community of interests
with you, and (from selfish motives even)
are bound to wish you real and perrna-
nent happiness.
On motion of Mr.. Prickett,
Rescued, That committee of three
be appointed to draft bylaws for the So
ciety, and that they report at the next
meeting of the society.
Thomas Lippincou, Hail Mason, and
George Churchill, were appointed that
committee.