The Illinois free trader and LaSalle County commercial advertiser. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1841-1843, 1842-04-22
Aba.iIiOuisni.
ClnlraL ClmMiWle.

Within the last few months we have received
several communications relative to the Abolition
movements in this county, and as we have reTu-
scd to publish them, we deem it our duty to give
our reasons for So doing.
That we are opposed to the operations of Abo-
lltonists is well known. We have ever rcpudi-
ated their doctrine, and regarded their movements
asa species of finatacism calculated to work much
injury to the country, if by any means they were
rendered numerous enough to command the at
ten,ion of the demagosue, or the sympathy Of the
people. To eliactullly check their movements
other means must he used than a lawcss spirit Of
persecution, or riotous conduct towards thcml
Their present importance is more to he attributed
TO the persecution they have met with than 10 the
virtues Of their cause or the reciilulc OF their mo-
tives. PERsEcUrioN ever bcgcts followers, aud
no doctrine however absurd, is without advocates.
What gave the imposter Matthias importance and
gained him followers PerSccu,i0Gi What
first brought to notice 10 Smith and the Norman
Biblel Persecution! Matthias iloun.hed during
his persecution, and death only relieved him from
it, and now his doctrines are known to be erro-
ncous. Smith still iourishcs and every day
adds strength to his followers, and whether his
doctrine be true or false, time can only demon
s,rate Certain it is, however, that the treatment
he and his people received in Missouri, did more
to win him followers than the eloquence Of his
disciples, or tho inviting doctrines of the Golden
Bible.
The advocates of the immediate abolition o.
Slavery owe their prominence entirely to pcrsc-
need only be understood to be dcspiscI. Calm
sober reflection, is better anlotc for lanalicism
than the batterng-ram or the sword. Every el.
fort made to suppress " free discussion adds
that much to the capital of the Abolilionists.
Excitement, "wind and fury swhat they want
The real object of their labrrs they wish to con-
ceal until persecution has rpencd the harvest for
the sickle and the knife. Artificial brcast-works
have been erected by them, to which they invite
attack, which are 1.-The Right OF Petition -
Gree Discussion =" Liberty T." Equality
and other devices, adopted TO captivatc the ear
and lead astray the American heart. Remove
those breast-works, or cease 10 afiack them, and
Abolitionism will soon fall into mcritcd contempt
Let them speak, agatc and discuss as much as
they please among themselves. and if their cause
has real merit it will trlumph-il not, it will spec
Oily sink to the depths of inflmy. " Error may
safely be tolerated as long as reason is left free t,
combat it," is the language of the immortal lei
terson, and should be the sentiment of ever,
American.
The Aboiionists number many worthy mcr
IN their ranks. They arc entitled to their view,
and opinions in common with the mass Of tn,
people,, They can meet, discuss, aud aiyocat,
such measures as they deem advisable, aud NJ
person has right to "molcst or make then
afraid if they adopt measures calculated t
wrong and steal the property Of a ic!low-mau, tn
laws of our country should punish them, and pub
lie OPINION will soon place them on a level will
highwayman and the outlaw.