The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1847-02-05
From tho Jacksonville Pisi,is Argus.
GOVERNOR FRENCH.

From the Jacksonville P,si,ie Argus.
GOVERNOR FEENCn.
We have passed much time for
few days with Governor French,
and have studied his character with
IA view of ascertaining what lie real
ly is, and what his system of policy
is, and will be, in the various try
ing and momentous interests which
are Growing upon and around him.
We give our views to the people,
and believe that they will find that
our judgment of his character and
policy will prove true in the future
history of Illinois.
We believe that good Judge Of
lEen, on first meeting with Gov.
French, would instantly recognize
in him an honest man. OF middling
stature; with sandy complexion;
large, deep blue eyes; rounded,
broad chest; sturdy build, and
calm, modest, fixed attention, one is
impressed with his equal physiolog.
ical structure; his ardent yet steady
temperament; his unassuming get
fixed purpose; lis high patriotism;
his warm friendship; and his most
unquestionablc integrity. In con-
versaiion his manner is open and
frank. He talks most freely on the
great subjects of our State debt and
education. When aroused, he gen.
orally rises in warmth Of expression,
until his very purpose speaks in him:
I lie is Of course, constantly pressed
with applicants for Office, and must
now and then say "No," but we be-
lieve that no man could say "No,
Sir" to an applicant, and make the
applicant respect him more success;
fully than Governor French.
We are glad we went to Spring
field. We have the most intense
feeling respecting our State debt.
This the readers Of the Argus will
instantly accredit to us. We found
Gov. French was dcvoting his con-
slant and anxious attention to this
subject. His proposition to refund
our debt meets with universal favor.
and doubtless the Legislature will
trust this vital interest to his hands,
with full confidence in lis integrity
and ability to negotiate an accepta-
bic plan of funding for the creditors
and the State. Mr.. Davis, of Mas
sac, has introduced resolutions 10
that effect, and we hope TO see them
adopted by the Legislature. Edu-.
cation, too, in which the readers Of
the Argus take such profound inter-
est, receives Governor French's
earnest attention. His influence
will all be thrown into the common
school cause. What glorious des-
tiny awaits this man! If he can
Fund the State debt and complete
system of education for Illinois, his
name will be dear to us and to our.
children, by every association CT
pride and of patriotism.
Gov. French is a reliable man.
If we have more mobs and civil
wars, his is character around which
the public opinion will rally, and he
is the man whom public opinion will
sustain. He cannot be trihed with.
His moral character, his pure life,
his integrity and his frmness will
attach him to tie people ard wo to,
those men who insult the majesty Of
the laws, and sport with executive
indulgence. This view of his char
acter gives us unfeignod pleasure.
While we would natter no man, We
will praise Justly those whose posi-
tons make their characters public
property, and whose virtues should
endear them to the people. We
think western men generally think
too lightly Of the moral position
which character gives to public Of
fccrs. Let the public opinion be
prejudiccd, or ignorant, or uncer-
tain as to a mars courage, to his
honor, or to his abilities, and no is q
: dead weight in society. We would
avoid this. We would make our
public men known, say as much for
them as they cnn command from our
conscience and our discretion, and
set them out to prove to the world
that our opinion and praises ARE just.
Gov. French is net brilliant; but
lhc is sensible, sound. hearted, nrn-.I