The Illinois free trader and LaSalle County commercial advertiser. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1841-1843, 1842-10-21
NO.2O.

What ought TO be done-or what can
be done to remedy the presen. evils exis.
ting among US, is a matter for the next
legislature. in its wisdom, to decide. It
is, however, sincerely to be hoped that
some plan may be adopted to lessen the
state debt, and that some provision NAV
be made to meet punciually the interest
accruing upon that portion Of it which
cannot be liquida,ed. The idea Of repu-
dia,ion, as connected with this subject, Of
course, can be entertained by no citizen of
northern Illinois. He has too much at
stake-too great regard for his pledged
honor, and his unstained credit, to harbor
for moment the debasing and dishonor-
ing thought.
Surely the idea of Illinois faith becom-
ing synonymous with dishonor, dishon-
esty. and all that is contemplate, is not
to be endured while the earth yields a
bushel of grain, or dollar can be had.
1t is to be hoped, for the honor Of hui
mainly, and the honor Of freedom and
freemen, tina, the snecring monafchist may
never have it in his power to say, as his
proud lip curls in mockery Of our institu-
TONS" Behold, the free America and
her sovereign states--so free, that they
can neither be held by moral, nor bound
by legal obligations ~
Let the presen, crisis be met in fair,
honorable, honest, and manly spirit. Let
all be done that can be done, and the
storm which lowers SO darkly on our
horizon, will gradually dispense, leaving
in its stead bright and cloudless sky.
The first great object to be attained, is
to preserve, as far as it is possible to pre-
serve it, the states honor and faith from
further violation. The second point, not
less importan: than the first, and on which
it mainly depends, is the speedy compile
ton of the Illinois and Michigan canal.
Upon this subject there is perfect unani-
nifty Of sentiment. Each succeeding
year demonstrates the importance of the
object, and urges the necessity Of its COM
pletion. Without it, the farmer may
struggle on, as he does at present, poverty
stricken in the midst Of an abundance.
With it, market is brought to his own
door, and wealth untold is placed within
his grasp.
10 the accomplishments of this object,
the whole energies of the north should be
directed, with singleness of purpose.
and a tirmness Of resolve, which can never
cease or laller until this vast land as it
should be nationally work is brought to a
triumphant completion. Every object
should be rendered subservient to it.
Nothing should turn us aside, or for
moment retard US in the pursuit Of this the
grand paramount leading interest Of the
state. Let the Legislature have no peace
Till they have done what they can do for
it; and when all has been done at home
that can be done, then let your voice be
raised in tones of thunder--let il Gloss the
mountains and be heard at Washington,
sounding above the din of party strife
awaken the sleepy-arouse the INDECENT
inform the ignorant. Let the two
houses of congress be besieged with pray
ers and petitions, setting forth the impor-
lance Of the work in a national point Of
view; and finally, let members of con-
gress from Illinois speak for hours, days,
and even weeks upon the subject, until
the means are furnished for the compile
ton of the Illinois and Michigan canal.
1t is well worth every exeriion, and
will richly repay every effort. With the
canal completed, you nigh. double, trib-
Bile, and even quadrupe your debt; and
to the millions who would then throng
the valley of the Illinois, it would be as
little felt, rs little regarded, and as easily
shaken off as are the dew drops from an
awakened lions name. Complete the
canal, and all that the most sanguine have
ever anticipated, will be infinitely surpass-
ed by the reality. Then, and not till
then, will the capabilities of the state de-
velope themselves-then will the agricul-
turist thrive, and his harvest will cheer
and gladden. millions, who will look to
them for their daily bread-,hen will ILL.,
nois fulfill her high destiny and become
the garden Of the world!
Paint me as I 0m.-"Paint me as |
am" said Oliver Cromwell TO Young Lily.