The Illinois Free Trader And Lasalle County Commercial Advertiser

Politics---Candidates---Political Vanity.

The political cauldron has commenced to boil, and if all those who are engaged in 'stirring the pot' escape without being dipped in, they will have better luck than their forwardness and vanity deserve. Our own Ottawa---the home of the free and the brave---has entered the field, and almost every street, by-way, lane and alley, has some distinguished son who is willing to 'lead in the Senatorial robe, or serve the dear people in some other way---from Representative down to the humble functionary, who performs the last rites over the casually dead.

We have ever taken pride in the prosperity of our town. To cultivate friendship and social intercourse between our citizens and those of neighboring towns and the surrounding country, has ever been our desire. Instead of increasing, the prejudices usually entertained against the citizens of county seat, our object and aim has been to remove such prejudices, and we shall ever continue to labor in removing them.

Entertaining these views, and standing committed to carry them out, it is with much mortification that we witness the suicidal policy pursued by those who should feel a deep interest in cherishing good feelings among the citizens of this county. Political animosities are ever to be dreaded, and particularly when they exist between members of the same political party and citizens of the same county. Judging from appearances, this town has now a candidate in the field for every important office in the county, and each candidate being backed by his particular 'squad,' armed and equipped for the contest, is certain that the good people will not fail to appreciate his talents, and reward his patriotism and services. Why is this so? Is Ottawa the entire county of LaSalle? Are her politicians more meritorious than those who reside in other portions of the county? Are they more honest---more capable---more devoted to the true interests of the country, than men who do not lie within her precincts? If not, why this maneuvering---why this aspiring spirit---why this exhibition of political vanity, which subjects our town to distrust, and her citizens to the contempt and ridicule of the whole county? Are they fearful that their talents will remain concealed under a 'bushel,' and that true merit will go unrewarded?

'If there is any among us who would be great, let him humble himself, and he will not be neglected---for majesty sits enthroned upon a man's countenance, and superiority sparkles in his eye.'

Having said this much without reference to any particular individual or party, we now propose to say a few words to the party of which we are humble members.

The political elements are now in motion, and the waves roll thick and heavy. They lash our ship on every side. Petty strifes---plague---and an inveterate thirst for political distinction, seem to be the ruling passions and governing principles of many. Men forget that their private affairs have nothing to do with public measures. As individuals they are entitled to their prejudices---as partisans, they should be cast aside, and a united effort should be made to sustain democratic measures and Republican principles. Self-denial, concession, everything for the cause and nothing for men, should be the gathering cry of the Democracy. Dictation, as to expediency, men, and measures, should be spurned. The Democratic party want no dictator. They have no Charleys, either black or white, to play catspaw to the monkey for them. Everything must be discussed and understood by the people, before they will follow even the noblest Roman of the Senate. Everything like dictation on the part of the Democracy, should be frowned upon at once. We will have no dictator. Our rallying cry is---'Liberty and Equality---God and the people.'