The Illinois free trader. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1840-1841, 1840-09-25
Declarations. for the Public Eyer
Presidents Van Bureaus Letter 10 the Dan.
VILE Com uniltcc,

On the ed of last May number of the citl-
zcns Of Danvillc, in this state, sent letter to Mr..
Van Buren,, propounding certain intcrrogatorics
TO hun respecting his former course OF conduct in
the New York Convention of Amendments to the
constitution of tina. state, and his views in regard
TO presumption rights, &c. During the interval
between the month of May and the present time,
the Wings have been unccasing in their efforts to
establish the belief that Mr. Van Buren, dared not
avow his sentiments on the questions asked him,
notwithstanding he has, on all occasions, when
requested, given his views at length, and in a
satisfactory manner.
The letter published on our first page this day,
TO which VIC call particular attention. gives full
and satisfactory answer to the intcrogatorics
OF the committee. II should be read by every
man, and IN particular by the citizens Of the West
The view the President takes of the prc-cmption
system must prove satisfactory to all. II embraces
the sentiments Of the the western community, and
ALL regardless Of political considerations, cannot
fail to accord praise and merit.
II must afford qualification to the real nhab-
tants Of clog cabins" to know that the Chief
Magistrate Of this nation is the avowcd advocate
and protector Of their homes and iiresdcs.
Whilst the rule-shir and sik-stocking log
cabin" Webster, Clay * Go. are denuuncng the
settlers Oh ihc public domain aJrobbers and plum
dtreys, and at the same time 'stoop" from their
marble palaces and condescend to enter political
log cabin" in order to conquer" the free and
honest occupants of the western lands, and If
possible, sejuce them fIom the paths Of virtue and
morality by their "wiiy smiles and the free use
Of ardent spirits in the shape of " hard cider"
President Van Buren, openly declares his senti-
nents, and gives them TO the world.
Who knows Gen. Harrison's opinions rcspcc-
ting the present presumption system Ask him,
and he will tell you that he has concluded 80
mahe no further declaration Of principles FIR he
puJhc eye." But, what say the leaders OF the
Harrison party Of the settlers on the public do
mimi Read the following extrac, from speech
made by Henry Clay III the U. $. Senate, Jan.
70, 1895.
Mr. CLAY said, in no shape in which The JiH
rosid be PLACED could be De brought to vote Tor it..
The WHOLE SYSTEM was VIOLATION os
ALL law, and an encouragement 10 persons To 60
on the public lands and take the choices. portions
OF them as suited their interests their incna-
tions. The system is full OF abominablc irand,
alike scandalous TO the Government that connte-
nsnces II end Infamous to the perprtrator oft.
Pages might be filed with similar denunciations
by this distinguished champion Of Whiggcry, but
his notoricsy in this particular readers Il unncces
sars All bis public acts show him to be the
ent ny ofthe poor man, notwithstanding he now
conceaIy his sentiments, and attempts to cover
past acts with the hypocrticaI cloak composed Of
coon skins, dog hides, &c-
The course pursucd " M Van Barqn, in
openly expressing his scaliments in favor q pre-
crnpiion righb. ra4ees him \ ) statesman AMI
worldly pobaie el1csr, ~ hqySbd the seaeA "
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