The Illinois free trader. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1840-1841, 1840-06-12

1
Convention; Il frife IL ,cM be said IN
these HARD TINES, when the play is for so
great a stake. We have been informed,
from what we deem good wing authority,
aud which we are not disposed to dispute.
that at the public free barbecue, given on
Yesterday, by this universal wing party.
six thousand pounds of fresh beef. eighty
head of sheep, and hogs, bacon hams by
hundreds, with numerous other articles of
refreshment. were furnished at an inn
mense cost.
How, and by whom the means have
been furnished. 10 liqudate this great ex-
pcnditurc. as we have minated already,
yctremains mystery, ard probably will
SO ever continue! we feel no anxiety TO
unravel the mystery Itself, and are per-
iectly content it shall remain shrouded in
the bosom of night itself, and whatever
pleasure, eXhieraiion and JOY, these eXhi-
billions may have produced, we have no
disposition, at this time, to abstract
from their authors, the full effects they
may have produced. We may however,
add one just remark, as peculiarly appli-
cable to this party. at this time, and that
is, that their rejoicing, from some strange
fatality, has always been the precursor of
a coming storm, and terrible defeat.
The moral degradation of the human
character is not among the least of the
evils to be dreaded, from the extraordinary
scenes now passing before us, more in the
character of dream than a substantial re-
atty. We cannot, however, shut our
eyes to what, for the honor of the Ameri-
can character, we had hoped had been
otherwise.
The degradation of the intellect of man
is, and always has been, one Of the most
efficient means of destroying free and re-
preventative governments: and if ever the
Liberties Of the people of this Republic are
to be lost, and forever destroyed, it can,
alone, be accomplished by such means as
those now in progress, where reason and
intellect are utterly disregarded, and no.
thing but the baser passions of our nature
appealed to.
For three days has the capital of the
State of Illinois exhibited scenes of eX-
cesses, unparalleled in the history of its
Government. Decentralization has stallied
abroad, at noon-day, with nothing to ar
rest, or stay, for even moment, its fatal
course.
Allured by the scenes and glitter of the
.'pomp and circumstance of glorious war;"
in feeble imitation, many were attempted
to be deluded, amid the sounds of trump
cts and the noise of drums, and sought TO
be made the victims of the artiiice of dem
agogues, with the vain hope that they
would bind themselves 10 the support of a
cause and party, who dare avow no polit-
zeal principles or rule of action, for its
guidance: and whose Chief is prohibited
the expression Of any opinion whatever on
questions of public interest, and even de-
barred an intercourse with many of his
fellow-citizens, except under the strict
surveillance of committee of inspection
and safety. There is among the many
circumstances which have transpired, one
which marks, with characters not to be
misunderstood, the singular and daring
efforts which these men have rcsortcd to
fol the accomplishment of their objects.
The invitation of, and attendance Of,
numerous delegates from the city of St.
Louis, in Missouri, and the State of In
diana, forms no small portion of the scenes
of this Convention. The introduction in
to our State of influence foreign to it, TO
operate on and control, if not to actually
overcome, the opinions and deliberations
of our people, is spectacle so novel, I'M
precedented, and repugnant to political
and personal proprety, that when first
observed its truth was doubted but the
reality was conclusively established; and
the efforts of these individuals in their
conduct and remarks, were marked by no
peculiar delicacy of language or manner.
We trust the people of this State will duly
appreciate this effort to influence our cleo
| tons, and scorn with disdain and unmiti-
gated contempt, the peculiar efforts of this
foreign band of intermeddling politicians.
We learn that it is attempted to be JUS
tilted on the ground of returning work for
'cork; and that it is but to repay the wings
of this State the political debt due by their
brethren of st. Louis, for similar politl-
cal interference, at meeting in st. Louis,
by the Wings of this State. If we are
indebted to the Wings of this State for this