Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1825-05-24
SPAypApO,Ao
EDWARDsVILLE, MAY "a, 1925.

EDWARDSNlLLE. MAY "a, 1925.
The following IS the address of the Cover.
nor OF Illinois to General Lafaye cite, at Kaskas.
/ kia on the Goth ult.-
GENERAL LAFAYETTE,
In the name of the Citizens OF Illinois
tender you their aflectionate greeting
and cordial welcome. Entertaining ioi
you the mos, sincere affection, venera .
ton and gratitude, they have largely
participated ID the JOY diffused through
GU, our extensive Republic by your ar
rival in II; and are particularly gra.ifed
that you have extended your visit to their
interior and infant state. For this dis
tingulshed mark of respect, tender YOU
the thanks OF Illinois. Yes, General, BIZ,
assured speak the feelings of every ci-
lizen OF the State, when tell you tina.
we experience no common gralihca tior,
on seeing you among US. We are not
insensible to the honor done US by this
visit, and only regret that we are not able
to give you reception more consonan,
with our feelings and wishes. But you
will find our excuse in the recent settle
ment OF the state, and the infancy OF our
condition as people. You will doubt
less bear in mind tina, Illinois was not
even conceived at the period of the re-
volu'ion, that she has come into exist
ence but lew years since, and of course
has not yet procured those conveniences
and comforts which her elder sisters
| have had time to provide. But Gene
raj, though her citizens cannot accom-
modate you as they would wish, believe
me they receive you with all those emo
tons which swell the bosom OF the affec-
'ionate child, when receiving its kind
parent for the first time, a, its new and
unfinished dwelling.
Your presence brings most lorcibly
to our recollections an era OF all others
the most glorious and honorable to the
character OF man, and most propitious
to his highest interests; when our Fa.
theirs aroused to sense of their depra.
dation, and becoming sensible OF their
rights, took the resolution to declare,
and call into action the valor to main
! tain, and The wisdom to secure, the In
dependence OF their country, aud liberty
OF themselves and their posterty. In
the Performance Of this noble, bu, ardu-
Gus service, you acted a distinguished
part; the more so as your conduct was
prompted by no motive OF self-intcrest.
You were Influenced by all enlarged phi
laibropy, which looked on mankind as
your kindred, and fell that their happi-
ness was near and dear 10 yours. You
saw lar distant and alien poo lie, Young
aud feeble, s'ruge ling fnr their RICH and
'bertlts, and your gen roua and bcpevo-
lent bosom prompted yon to surmouni
The many restrictions and obstacles by
which you were encompassed, and with a
disnteresed zeal, chivalrpus heroiom,
andpurc and generous philanthropy, sur
passing all praise, Acw 10 the assistance
OF The American Pasrlols, and aided by
your influence, counsel, services, and
treasure, cause you had SO magnani-
mousiy espoused.
Inc love OF liberty, which is The most
prominent trait 10 The American charac-
ter, Is not mere strongly implanted in
every bosom than is an enthusiastic de-
vouon and yeneration for the palro, c
heroes and sages of the Revolution. We
glory IN their deeds, we consecrate their
| memories, we venerate their names, we
are devoted 70 their princip les, and re-
solved never TO abandon the rights and
liberties acquired by their virtue, wis
dom and valor. With these feelings,
and locking upon you as one OF the most
| vrtuous and efficient, and the most dis
interested and heroic champion of our
rights and liberties, Father in the Re.
public, an apostle Of liberty, and bene-
| factor oil the human race, our emotions
can be more readily conceived than ex.
pressed. Language cannot describe our
love Tor the individual, our gratitude for
his services, our admiration Of his cha.
racter character which has under the
most adverse and trying circumstances,
throughout long and eventful life, re.
NAMED pure, consistent and unsullied,
by any act Of injustice, cruelty, or op-
preston. Whether aiding the cause of
liberty in foreign and distant country,
or in your own dear native France; whe-
Their at the zenith OF power, command
ing millions OF men, and welding the
des'inies OF a Great Nation. or imprison.