Edwardsville Spectator

FOR THE SPECTATOR.

To the Candidates for the next Legislature.

The People of Illinois have publicly requested of the various candidates for the office of governor, a public expression of their sentiments relative to the toleration of slavery and a new convention. That this is a REASONABLE request cannot be doubted. That it is an important one cannot be denied: and that he who refuses to give the public a satisfactory answer on this subject, will forfeit its confidence, is equally true. It is in vain for those candidates who are secretly favorable to slavery and the formation of a new convention, to try the effect of evasions or palliatives. It is in vain to represent the matter as settled, and express a hope that all past transactions may be buried in oblivion; nor can the private statements of any candidate respecting the impossibility of his accomplishing such objects, even if he desired them, have any effect on the mass of the people towards giving him the means of making a powerful effort. And the writing of flattering, but ambiguous letters, to honest influential individuals in every county in the state, is all in vain.

On this all important question, no electioneering tricks to stifle the truth will be admitted. No sophistry, no quibbling, no evasion, no subterfuge, will suffice. Some candidates for the office of governor are already before the people--more are expected. Of these, some are believed to be favorable to slavery and a new convention; and that any are unfavorable is uncertain. To do justice to himself, and to satisfy the people, it is imperiously required, that each candidate who is "opposed to the toleration of slavery and to a new convention," should speedily and publicly declare his sentiment. No candidate is allowed privately to excuse himself by alleging that the presses are shut against any communications from him; that the editors of our papers are his enemies, or so entirely devoted to the interests of another party, as to suppress any pieces written in his favor. Such allegations are by us believed to be unfounded. The publication of this production by Mr. Warren, is an evidence that their justification can be published, at least in the Spectator; and the affectation of private contempt, or the employment of public ridicule, will be equally ineffectual towards causing a majority of the people to be satisfied with their refusals.

But to you, gentlemen, candidates for the next legislature, is the above request by a majority of the people more particularly made, and the above arguments more particularly applied. If you are for freedom, we fear not the influence of any "great and good" governor for slavery, even if aided by those "prime ministers" whom he has the power of appointing. If you are for slavery and a new convention, although you should not be able to accomplish your objects, yet your endeavors to effect them, will be an abundant source of inquietude, trouble, discord, and expense. The matter is not at rest. Hopes on the one side, and fears on the other, are generally prevalent. To destroy those hopes and remove those fears, no train of reasoning, however just; no course of ridicule, however poignant, will have half the effect of an honest and bold avowal of your opposition to the objects by which those feelings have been excited. This course we have a right to expect, the privilege to demand; and he who refuses, will not receive the votes of a majority of the People.