The Illinois free trader and LaSalle County commercial advertiser. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1841-1843, 1842-02-04

We call the attention Of our readers to an ar-
ticlo on the ii,>t page Of to-day's paper in re-
gard to the State debt of Illinois, taken from the
State Register.
We have viewed with much regret the course
pursued by the Sangamo Journal and other pub
lie prints in regard to the liabilities Of this State.
They represented the State debt of Illinois TO be
nearly hceaty millions, and apparently were de-
lighted at its cnormty. Their statements, false
us they were, found their way into the columns
Of Eastern journals, and were there magui.igd in
glowing coors, to the view of European and
American capitalists, which resulted in the pros
tFation Of our credit and tho complete overthrow
of the remnant of hope left for its restoration.
Now that the credit Of our state is Frustrated,
VIC hope to see even those who dborcd to effect
it, pursue a different course and exert themsclyc,
in discussing the public mind on this subject
Every consideration ofpoIicy and justice demands
it. Our State is deeply involved, but not 50
much so as in the least to affect her present pros
rerty or future greatness, if the proper policy is
pursued in regard to her affairs, Let legislators
and the people, seriously reflect on the condition
of our State, and give her affairs that attention
which their importance deserve.
The view taken by the State Register in regard
to the disposition of the Canal Lands, has our
most hearty appreciation. We have ever alyoca-
ted this policy, aud believe it to be correct. We
could never see the propricty Of the State holding
on to those lands, and at the same time suffer
great losses in procuring means TO prosecute the
canal. True, if the resources Of our State were
sufficient to meet her demands, and those lands
could remain in her possession until the canal Is
finished, she might receive a much larger sum for
thcm--Jm ,ce eren doa5i The p9Lcy ,yerc his Ire
case. And, as this is not the case, we most GER
tainly are in favor Of djsposing of them, as well
as all the other available property Of the State, in
order that our large debt may be reduced to the
lowest possible amount
The canal has sufficient merit TO sustain itself
through any emergency that can possibly occur,
if our State debt is reduced to its proper level,
The most important objection urged by those who
UppOSCu W Cdi il - LllE 'lipEIltLE bl ONi
State debt--remove this objection, and you COM
pletely disarm its enemies Of their most powerful
weapon.
Other considerations demand that the Canal
Lands should be Sold not only to advance the in
terest Of the State at large hut also the canal aud
the country through which it runs The true IN
tcrest Of the State consists in the amount of the
taxable property within her limits as on this
source alone car she safely rely for future means
to meet her demands. As long as those lands
are in her possession, they are no, yielding ono
cent towards meeting the obligations Of the State
--emigrants searching homes in the west shur
them--capitalsts dread thcn--and the consc.
quence is, that they remain unmprovcd and arc
drawback on the country and the State treasury
If they were owned by individuals, they would
be improved, the country be benefited, and the
treasury receive lis annual returns in the shape Of
taxes. These considerations, in our opinion
arc sufficient to overba!anco the one that il the
State could retain these lands until the canal i.
finished she would receive much more for them.
The more densely populated tho country is,
the better il will be for the business on the canal
Every bushcl of grain tina, the canal conveys 10
market, contributes that much to the wealth OF