Vandalia Whig and Illinois intelligencer. [volume] (Vandalia, Ill.) 1832-183?, 1833-03-27

Icessity, the preservation of the authority O.
government, will exist for enforcing the law
fhcn, which exists for enforcing it nop. We
shall! be in worse condition, for government
will then be under no obligation to grant us the
: favorable terms which are now offered but
may exact punishment for past offences, penal
ties for past delinquencies, compensation fol
past damages, and reimbursement of the ex.
> penses of the war To these might add the
Imiseries attending the war, III either event
shall particularly alude to them, in the suppo-
lsition of our defeating the United States.
To me this event appears improbable to the
last degree A train Of unfortunate decisions
I(for such deem them) seem to occupy the
minds of many in This country. 1t is said that
no militia will come out against US, that if
they do we are so much superior in arms that
we shall easily defeat them; that we can inter
cept them ia the mountains and prevent their
passage; thal If they should come, they will
march peaceably along, and not disturb the
Icliizen engaged in the lawful occupations of
life; and that al the worst, we can throw our
SELVES under the protection Of the British.
On such notions, these are my remarks.
From all that have heard or seen, there is
resentment Of the people on the other side Of
the mountain against our conduct, on two
grounds, as being contradictory to the princi
pies OF democracy, which require obedience to
"a constitutional law; and as refusing to bear
any part of burden, to which they have sub
mitted. This resentment will not only carry
vast numbers of them to comply with the reg
liar calls Of the militia, but to step forward
as volunteers. Slpposing (Which may yet be
doubted) that they may be Inferior TO us, in the
art of fighting; the interests of the U. States
are so deeply involved in our Submission, no
expense will be spared to accomplish ii. And
should the draft of the militia be insufficient,
certainly the Legislature will enable the Exc
cuiye to raise and maintain standing body
Of forces, to accomplish the object Of govern
ment. They will come, at different times, 10
different directions, and accumulated numbers,
for the whole force of the United States will he
directed against US; s, has the President, who
never speaks till he has determined, declared
by his proclamation. If this country reject
the conditions offered, the whole country will
he considered as in a state Of rebellion; every
man must be considered either as a citizen orr
as an enemy. If he say he is citizen. he
may be called upon by the force under the au
thorty Of the government, TO unite in subdu-
ing its enemies. II he refuse, he becomes an
enemy, and as such may be treated. The army
oi government may live among US at free
quarters, and reduc, us 10 OBJ 1dieace BY plum !
der, fire and sword.
Will the British receive US? The government
of Canada dare not, without authority from
London. And it is not to be supposed that Bri-
tain miN risk the friendship and trade Of the
United States, for so poor an object as oar be-
coming her Subjects. II she did, might we
not expect that the United States would seize
her domlnions on the eastern part Of Canada
and Nova Scotia. and intercept our communi-
cation with her. Against the whole force of
the United States, exerted as we have reason
to fear, wha. have we to rest on? Where are
our arms? where are our magazines ofmlitarv
stores? Or where can we obtain a supply of
these things but from the United States with
whom we shalt be at war? All communication
between US and our fellow citizens on the east
side of the mountains will be cut off, Even
the supplies of the common articles of life,
which We receive from them, will be prevents
ed, and not single article of food or clothing,
much less Of arms and ammunition. will be
furnished to us from that quarter. Army after
army will be sent against us. la state of open
war we shall be considered as any ether enc
my, with the additional rancor attached to a
our fields laid waste, our houses burnt, and
while we are fighting our fellow citizens on one
side, the Indians. (and God knows how soon)
will attack us on the other. The consciences
Iofmany among ourselves will shrink back with
horror, at the idea of drawing sword against
our brethren. They will call for neutrality
They will enter into associations for mutual
defence. Many, who now through fear of dam
ger or Insult, put on the appearance of zeal
and violence, will, when it comes to decisive
Iexertion, draw back, but those who are for
war. will strive by force, TO draw in those who
are for peace. We shall attack and destroy
each other, and fall by our own hands. Our
cornlieds will be converted into fields of bat
tie. No man will SOW; for no man will be
sure that he shall reap. Poverty, distress,
and famine, will extingush U.S. All mutual
confidence will be at an end, and all the bands
Of socety will be dissolved. Every man will
lbe afraid to speak to his neighbor. There will
be no power Of government to control the VIC
lence of the wicked. No mans life, no mans
house, no mans goods, no mans wife, no
mans daughter, will be safe A scene of &C.
neral destruction will take place. And, should
government, weary of chastising US, at last
leave us to ourselves; we shall be miserable
remnant, without wealth, commerce, or virtue 4;