New-York daily tribune., 1858-08-17
gESTERN HLINOLS-POLITICS, SNAKES
CROPS, Sc.
o, The n. Y. Tdbu5s.

Correspondence o. The n. Y. Tabu-e.
KAsKAsKIA ILL.,, Aug, 12 1858.
The contest in this State between the Republican
party, the Administration Democrats and the
Douelss Democrats, promises to be one of unusual
spirt. From what have seen, heard aud read, 1t
is evident that tine Republican party alone entered
into this campaign with any degree OF confidence.
Douglas and his friends are frightened. Although
they wear a mask of bold assurance, their general
manner betrays the uneaslress and agitation which
hargs about them. They are aware of the despe.
rate state Of affairs and understand precisely what
they viii have to overcome; and i must be con-
fessed that they show themselves TO be expert tact
caps. The Administration Democrats 60 into the
fight in spirit of reckessness, determined if pos
sible to overthrow Douglas, although they have
little hope Of achieving success themselves. The
plan is talked of, and, l have no doubt, is enter
tanned by the National Democrats, to secure the
balance of power in the Legislature, and then force
the DOugastes to choose between ex-senator
Breese and Nr. Lincoln. There can be no doubt
that if they should hold the balance of poeer they
Will use it uncomprcmisiEely regards Douglas.
But il is extremely unlikely that tie Legislature
will present that appearance. The Douglas party
aud the Administration party are two dvi'ons OF
the same Democratic party which has already been
out-yoted by the Republicans in the last election OF
State Officers. Everything that can be said to have
indicated whatever changes may have taken place
in the relative strength of the different parties shows
plainly large Republican GAIN This is admitted
ON all hands One Of the strongest proofs of the
fact is that Mr. Douglas, whose political history
shows predominant disposition to strain his cen.
sstency to the uttermost for the purpose of keeping
on the popular side of all mcoted questions, has
seen the necessity Of modifying bis views, and iden-
tifyng them and bis actions, i'll some measure. with
tbcse of the Republicans. 1t is my impression
(Which, so far as am capable of Judging, is We'll
founded) that the Republicans will have con-
trol Of the next Legislature entirely above aud un-
influenced by the united strength OF both divisions
of the Democracy. although such union Is never
dreamed Of Mr. Douglas has al opponent who IS
fully his equal in native talent, aud whose bold,
cardid and straightforward manners, when plsced IN
contrast with the sophistry which is apparent IN all
of Judge Douglass campaign speeches, give the
people more confidence in hi. living up to his pro-
fessons and stronger faith in his honesty, than it
was ever the good fortune or the deserts of Judge
Douglas TO possess.
W,ise this let 'er from the Oldest town in the
Western country, and, believe, the only town that
betrays any signs OF great age. kaskaskla- at one
time the commercial depository for all the sur
rounding settlements, among which was ST. Louis,
and tie military depot upon which the eyes OF the
esry settlers were turned for succor in the hour Of
danger. and to which they always aocked when un-
able 10 withstand the attacks OF the Red Men, pre-
sents now most quiet, dull, and, aside from ne
historical ASSOCIATION, most unlnteresting appear
ance 1t is situated upon the western bank OF the
Kaskaska River (Which, 1 find, is known here BY
the more pronounceabe name Of Okaw), seven
miles above It's junction with the Mlsslsslppl. Al
thoufh, until the year 1c4i when its prospects
we're bighted by the disastrous flood which lnun-
dated al If the bottom lands along the course OF
the Mississippi, it continued to rank among the
more important places in Illinois and Missouri, yet
il is now among towns recuse, accessible only by
mears of county roads Steamboats, seldom visited
II Until q sncrt tine ago, when smsI vessel CON.
nepcec uskirg regular trip between the msu.h OF
.ne Ka.kaskia ard point eome distance Up that
s,rs,u. Tie iphshithants are mostly OF FreIeh de.
cert ard with few ptors fully Is FrsncEy a.
wee .heI arcsttois. could rot help noticing that,
s. A general rae, they seem TO have lest al
md Al irdivouSlty AID IL converslrg with
thsn you 6rt :; iicui: TO rdyidr.,ze them, With
ont sscSislirz then With the Old ysntr-ou. porss-s
f.tm vtez tsey as asscsaied hes--ng little s.,s