Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1823-08-09

We have been invited by resolution
OF the third general assembly of this
state, to call convention, for the pur-
pose of amending or changing the con-
stitution. And it is not denied, but tina,
it has for its object, the introduction OF
Slavery among US. The question is
fairly Before the people, whether they
will aid OF assist in the introduction OF
unlimited and unqualified slavery into
this state, or not.
Let US here pause, and inquire by
what authority the people of Illinois
would make this great and essential
change in her internal policy. AS early
as 1887, the Congress of the United
States declared, in a compact between
the people of the United States and the
people Of the north western territory (of
which Illinois formed part,) that" there
shall be neither slavery nor involuntary
servitude in the said territory otherwise
than in the punishment of crimes where
OF the party shall have been duly con-
victed." This pledge was offered to all
RSiSObo WIZ ououfh SiAlHi atC
that this state should ever remain free,
aud that it should be an asylum to all
those who should withdraw from the
slavery of Europe, or from the slave
states of the south. This public pledge
was continued in good faith up to 1918,
and was at that date again renewed by
congress, in the act enabling the people
ofthis territory TO form constitution of
state government, and for the admission
of such state into the Union. In which
act it is expressly provided, that the con-
stitulion when formed shall be republi-
can, and not repugnant to the ordinance
of July 18th, 1887. The convention
which assembled under the authority OF
this act of congress, in August follow
ing; in obedience to the acquisitions
therein contained, declared in the sixth
article of the constitution that neither
slavery nor involuntary servitude shall
hereafter be introduced into this state,
otherwise than for the punishment OF
crimes whereof the party shall have been
duly convicted. Can the powers of the
earth give stronger Pledges to secure the
freedom of this stale, than those here re-
ferred to! Pledges that have become
venerable by time, and sacred by their
solemnity. Pledges, that must be obi
gatory upon both parties, as long as ho-
nor and honesty dwell among men, and
until the virtues of our citizens shall
have become corrupted. Shall the emf
grants into this state, find no security i'll
the pledges ofth public faith. Do these
pledges form no barrier against the
pseudo patriots of Illinois? Are you
about to lend your aid and assistance in
the overthrow Of superstructure,w which
has cost rivers of blood to erect, and
years of watchfulness, toll, and suffer.
3ngs to mature! Where will you find
work shall have been accomplished and
slauery planted on the ruins of freedom
Iappeal from him who wantonly Sports
with principle, to the sober head and re-
publican ofthe patriot, and ask, whether
he is prepared to witness this Notifying
and disgraceful spectacle? l appeal to
the fathers, who are training up their
children in the paths Of virtue. to instil
principles of freedom into their minds,
which will be an honor to them while
living, and remembered with pride by
their friends when dead. Principles
that shall resist the temptations of vice,
and check the march of corruption. l
call upon you who have this day assem-
bled, 10 reflect we'll upon the great and
momentous question that hovers over the
political destinies of Illinois, Brace
your nerves against the wiles and in
trigues ofdesigning men. Rally around
the poles in 1924, and there declare in
bold and energetic language, that you
Mill suhhors the free institution under
which you live.