The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1845-01-10

the stigma that rests upon her name,
stamped there as it now is by the irresis-
,ible hand of fate =! At this time il will
do no good for our Legislators 10 talk abou,
The causes that led Ia this unfortunate
state of affairs. Some may attribute il to
one tllmg and some To another. The
ilc's arc 'llat our extravaganza and folly
had ihclr origin IN the unnatural growth
"f The wnsound paper currency which
Hooded our entire country, and engender-
cd spirit Of speculation which seemed
TO destroy the better senses Of men in
lheIr private and public capacities, and
hurry them on to destruction. Uufortu-
nate Illinois was Frustrated in the rage,
and fell victim To lie popular malady.
She could not avoid It. With an exten-
Sisc territory, productive soil, inexhaus-
tlbIe mines, nayigable rivers and other in
tcrndl sources of wealth, which by de.
ve!opmcn' promised ample reward for the
investment of rapIlal--under such crcum-
stances, when the ilooI-gates were thrown
open, II Is not strange that the tide rolled
upon Us here.
All acknowledge the extreme errors of
our past cOnduct--ail acknowledge our
present obligations to be binding and sa-
cred. and all must know that we can only
be relieved from them by their homes, H.
Gnidalion. The only question now is as
to the n,odus Oper0nH. 1t is mistaken
notion oil some men that our state never
viii pay her debt. She will yet pay
every dollar Of it. There is not one re-
pudalor in our lcgislaiure-lhere is not
man who has the honor of Il seat within
the walls Of our capitol, as a legislator, or
any other public officer, who would not
indignantly frown upon so base an mpu-
ta,lon. A tax will i've levied for the pay
ment Of a portion of our accommodating in
terest, which once done, we have every
assurance Of the consequent completion
of the canal, This will relieve US of the
canal dcbt--mcn of capital and wealth
viii come 10 our state, and thus increase
the basis oE cur taxation and the demand
for state lands, which will make it easy
To meet oar interest aud finally to pay our
debt.
1t is mistaken notion Of many that the
sonIh are opposed to the completion OF the
Illinois & Michigan canal. They are as
much in favor of it as the people of any
other portion Of our state. If there is any
difference, it is that they are actuatcd by
higher motives. They are impelIcd TO ac-
lion for the general good, while others
may be induced to act because it will sub
serve their mere private interest. This
fact has become notorious here, and | am
proud 10 say, that with few exceptions
our northern members are grateful in their
acknowledgements Of the generous treat
ment they receive at the hands of their
southern friends.
The best Of feelings seem to pervade
our legislative body, and by the united eff.
forts Of all, will, think, effect much good.
Deeply must every true friend of the
best interests of our state and the canal,
regret to see any attempt made by gentle
men TO create prejudice which must
work an injury and can produce no good.
Such a course should not be tolerated for
an instant in our public men nor find
place in our public journals.
The house have again discussed the
subject of their per diem pay. Mos, of
The members. believe, are in favor of
reduction to So per day -; but when bill
is introduced for an appropriation Of this
kind, members, either for political capital
or in consequence of pledges, load it down
with amendments and thus it is lost.
In all probability, SO will be the per diem
pay of the members. A bill regulating
divorces is now under discussion, " ich
provides FOR more efficient action in such
cases, by making it the duty Of state and
district attorneys to appear in defence.
Messrs. Logan, Boyakin, Manning,
Miller, Pickering. Scott, and others have
already participated in the debate. Mr.
Manning favored the house with one of
his clear, logical and able speeches in ia
vor Of the proposed bill. Mr.. Scott spoke
for nearly two hours. The bill was or.
dcrcd to third reading by the call of
ayes and noes by vote Of "a to So.
A.
Marriage Licences. bill was intro
duceG into the house on Friday last which
provides, tina. after its passage all appl-