The true Democrat., 1854-10-18
Slave Labor in Illinois.
Charleston. Illinois. Sept. 16 1951


 MEssRs. EDITORS: In behalf of many of our best and most enterprising citizens, as we'll as Ill my own, 1 have thought prper to address, through you, a communication to our southern friends.
 It is now generally conceded by all parties that majority of the legal voters of any State of thls Union may, at any time, alter or amend thelr fundamental law, so as to admit slave la. DOT or to abolish 1t thought expedient Many of us, who have lived in Illinois long enough to test the comparative advantages that both systems present, are now prepared to pronounce openly our full and candid preference in favor ot slave labor in all agricultural business.
 Having been born and raised in slave States we are prepared to judge by experience, afte residing here and being actively engaged in th most important branch of industry for from fiji teen to twenty-five years. We have discover ed that the novelty of free labor is a mere emp ty hunbug. Practical business men have hop ed that 1t would get better as the country ad vanced, but the reverse is fact. It is now nor dlthcultt to obtain men and women than eve before, and they are of mnch less account whe, abtained
 We have been endeavoring to learn the sen tlments Of our people upon this subject, an, been astonlshed to see with what unanimit, they express themselves in favor of the intro ductlon of slave labor. have conversed witt many of our best farmers, who were raised il the eastern States, and they will give the hearty cooperation in etfecting this object The prospects of success is better than the mos sanguine friend could have anticipated. Whe the vote was taken before it was lost by smal majority against ls and I am satisfied nov that better and more favorable opportunit for bringing this question before the people tha the present cannot be expected. We must car ry this question at the ballot box, and we there fore call upon all southern men who desire t, locate in the richest and most productive Stat in the Union, to let Kansas and Nebraska Q, they are not worth an effort, and turn ever, emigrant to Illinois. Send your young me here who can remain here and vote. Buy ou those who are opposed to our institutions an, let them go to more congenial attitudes. Ifb our united efforts we shall be able to carry on points, the southern people will then posses the key of the western world, the riches portion of the American continent. Wit southern society, southern institutions an southern agricultural enterprise, Illinois woul become the most lovely portion of the earth surface.
 l regard it superauous to present the naturs advantages that Illinois possesses, and the art: icial facilities that have been completed and the course of construction. Your intelliger readers are fully aware of the facts connecte with her geographical character It is conced ed that she embraces a greater amount of rc, soil in proportion to her territory, than an State in the Union; with surface favoring in wonderful degree the construction of railroad. with rivers and lakes upon her borders of tn most superior character, all combining to mak her what she is destined to be-the b,1q1stest sta an tue American constellation. We want tn southern people, with their hospitality. the open, frank independent characters, their hig standard of honor and integrity; their extensiy and neat manner of beautifying country, make Illinois home for all who have feeling and sentiments congenial with those of "th true Virginia gentleman of'76."
 With the earnest hope that our souther friends will aid us, and enable us to effect ou object,
 am yours and theirs,
 DUMASJ. VAN BREHEN.