Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1823-07-12
OPINION ABROAD.
From the Essex Mass Register.
EXTENSION OF SLAVERY.

1t is with pain and regret we have TO
some time perceived, by the papers from
the stale of Illinois, the constitution 0
which prohibits Slavery, that strong
and active party exists there, who arr
determined if possible, to extend this
curse of our country into that State. Fol
this purpose, they are clamorous fol
calling Convention, to expunge ths
prohibition from their constitution. The
proceedings of the Slave party are ex
tremely violent, and even outrageous
and they appear resolved to effect theil
object, at all hazards. The Legislature
during the discussion Of the question Of
calling Convention, resorted TO the
most extraordinary means to secure the
requisite majority.-A Mr.. Hansen, a
young lawyer who emigrated from New
York, had been returned member,
and his election being contested, the
House decided that he 4cas entitled to
his seat. But ten weeks afterwards
when Mr.. Hansen dared to vote agains,
The resolution for calling Convention,
the House rc-considered its former de-
cision, and admitted Mr.. Shaw, his op-
ponent, to the seat, who voted for the re-
solution, and it was accordingly passed
by constitutional majority! A dis
graceful scene took place during the pen
dency of the resolution for expelling Mr.
Hansen. A mob assembled in the eve
ming, a, the State House, and after nu-
mcrous speeches had been delivered,
inf1aming the minds Of the people against
Mr.. Hansen, they proceeded through
the town with his effigy in blaze, &C
companied BY drums and bugles, and
crying" Convention or Death !" They
then proceeded to the lodgings Of Mr..
Churchill, another prescribed member,
and insulted him by groans, sc. They
then dispersed, after giving three cheers
for a Convention. The next night, after
j. was found Hansen had been expelled,
and the question decided in favor of a
Convention, the town was illuminated,
and the mob again proceeded through
the streets, with drums, fddles, bugles,
tin horns, cow-bells, sc. rejoicing in the
most boisterous manner. They were &C.
panied by several members of the Lee
gislature, and numerous strangers from
the adjoining Slave States.
Great excitement prevails on this sub
jsct throughout the State; the papers
are filled with discussions on the qucs-
ton, and we are glad to perceive that
come Of them oppose with great ability
and boldness the projects Of the friends
Of Slavery. The Governor is opposed
TO a Convention, and it is asserted that a
ma ority ofthe people are unfriendly to
the scheme, and it will be happy cir
cumstance for that state, as we'll as for
the Union, should they check the nefa-
rious designs of the friends of Slavery.
Several public Dinners have been
given by the iatter in honor of Con-
Yention, and we select few of their
toasts, to show the spirit by which they
arc actuated.
By the President oFthe day-The Con-
venlion-The means of introducing and
spreading the African family-3 cheers.
The enemies Of the Conventions
May they ride porcupine saddle, on
hard trolting horse, long journey, with
out money or friends"
"May those individuals who are OPP
posed to our cause, before the next
election abandon the State Of Illinois,
and then we will have free silver cir
culation, combined with q numerous
BLACK population.
The State Of Nlinois-The ground is
good-prairies in abundance-give US
plenty Of negroes, little industry, and
She will distribute her treasures.
Slavery-A political hobby horse,
which some ofour great men have loved
to saddle. 6. cheers-Go to the D.
and shake yourself