Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1823-03-08
TO the People Illinoia.
TELLow CITIZENS,

the Legislature OF your state, which has
this day terminated its session. We can
not close our deliberations, and leave this
place, without briefly expressing 10 you
some OF our views and sentiments upon
most important subject.
The relation OF representative to his
constituents is always iateresting, and by
him who duly appreciates it, the ac-
coonlablity Of the former to the latter,
will never be questioned.
O. the general result OF our labors,
yoa have heen, and will be, informed
through the medium OF the public pa
pers, and the laws and journals which
vii be published. In their imperfec-
tions, we hesitate not 10 say that We may
have largely participated; and as they
will be submltted to the inspection and
criticism Of the public, comment on our
par IS unnecessary.
Bui there is one subject to which We
WISH 10 Invite your particular attention.
A resolution has been adopted in bo'h
branches of the legislature, 10 take your
votes, on the first Monday OF August,
1924, upon the propriety of calling a
convention to alter and amend the con-
seitution OF this state. In the decision of
this question we are in the minority; and
as such minority we make you this So
Tenn address.
The right of people to alter, amend
ana abolish the form of their constitution
Of sey eminent, and organize another,
more suitable to their wishes, We readily
acknowledge. 1t is an undertaking, how
ever, which a prudent people will al
ways approach with great caution. But
che exercise OF this right by the peopls
OF Illinois, al the present time, we deem
unnecessary and inexpeiient; nor do we
believe it is called for BY their wishes.
We pretend not to say tina, our constitu-
non is perfect, but that il is as perfect as
any we shall probably obtain, we do be-
Iievs.
II ii were the obiec, of the supporters
Of this measure, not materially iochange
the character of our constructor, we
might have been Indifferent as TO i've re-
suit, or, have given a silent vote against
it. B Il when we perceive thst the su-
prone object propose ID be accomplish
cd by con- enlion, - the eXtlngnishment
of most essential feature of that consti-'
tunnn. and the establishment Of slavery,
as par, al our civil poli,y, we cannot be-
ieve that the people of Illinois are wish
ing to have such question referred to
fltm again for decision. They have
long since pronounced their judgment,
tina, "there shall be neither slavery nor
Involuntary servi,ude" in this state and
We are not sensible that any sufficient
causes have occurred to change deter
nination so solemnly made. L is for this
Reason, fellow citizens, we have voted
against the call of convention, and it is
IN this view of the sublec, we look to you
for support.
II the questions growing out of this
measure had not unusual claims TO i'm
portsncc and grave conslderstion--ifthey
were not of uncommon m snitude, and
alarmingly portentous--we should be
silent. But when we see a formidable
effprt making 10 tear down the most pro-
niaen, pillar in the fabric of our con-
silution, AID to erect in its place perpe-
tual barrier to universal freedom, We can
not stand by, indifferent spectators OF its
destruction. Selected by our fellow CT
tizens 10 sand Tor while upon the po-
li,loal wa,ch-tower, as sentinels for the
public safe y, We feel i, our incumbent
dow 10 sound the note of alarm, and to
sppr.ze you, that portion OF your rulers
have formed the systematic design, TO
sxpunge from your constitution its flares,
feature, and entail upon yourselves and
your posteri,y the evils of slavery -
Others nave been brought, to labor in
this nnholy voc alton with zeal and an
Industry worthy OF better cause. 4
Think not, fellow citizens, that oar
danger is imaginary. Be not, we enreat
you, on this subject, deceived. Thssong
Of the syren may be sung, but lis~n MOI
to the notes Of her melody. You will
be told, and the tale will probbly be re-
peaied until The ear shall be,~earied by
the repetition, that it is NJ intended -
alter our constitution yth regard 60
slavery. Bur .ve know fHer. We have
been eye Witnesses 10 Il development of
this project, and marry d. no. WITHOUT sur