| 42 this state; have they transcended their power, been negligent in their duties, or violated the law? They have not. We ask then, would it be wise? would it be politic? would it be consonant with the feeling of enlightened republicans? and more especially of the intelligent citizens of Illinois, to trample under foot this mantle of protection: this shield of defence [defense]; and sacrifice at the shrine of religious bigotry, party spirit, and idle rumor, a band of patriots, who have voluntarily proffered their services to their country, at their country's call? rather let us imitate their example; then should we have a military force that would bid defiance to all aggressors: whose banners would float proudly, and triumphantly throughout the land; and whose prowess and military power, would become a proverb throughout the Union. Their voluntary action, take proficiency that they have made in military tactics, if found among other citizens, than the Mormons, would be lauded to the skies; they would be hailed as patriots; as highminded [high-minded] philanthropists, and as honorable men; but because they are found in Nauvoo, shall narrow bigotry, and religious persecution (without evidence) brand them as designing persons and traitors to their country? No! says our Constitution; No! says the Constitution of the United States; No! reiterates every patriot and republican! for at such conduct the Godess [Goddess] Liberty would weep; and of such proceedings even the monarchs of Europe would be ashamed.
Concerning our charters for a University and an Agricultural and Manufactoring [manufacturing] Society; we presume that there are not any of the intelligent inhabitants of the State of Illinois who would upon mature deliberation, wish for such a thing as their repeal. The first has a tendency to refine the mind, enlarge the intellect, and promote learning, literature and science; while the second has a tendency to increase our resources, improve our agriculture, encourage home manufacture, and be a source of wealth, not only to Nauvoo, but to the surrounding country and to the State. Is there any thing objectionable in this? or would it be consonant with the highminded [high-minded], the energetic, and the intelligent citizens of Illinois to proscribe learning, science, trade and agriculture?
But we are very gravely told that the people of the State have become aroused, and anxiously desire thut [that] those charters should be repealed, or modified; and one of the honorable members, Mr. Hicks, is so zealous to fulfill the wishes of his constituents, that he wishes them annulled, root and branch, immediately; without reference, without testimony, without examination, without evidence, and in the absence of any positive knowledge of whether they were right or wrong: as if we were on the eve of some fearful event, thought that 'the House could not be better employed now than in voting these charters all down.' And what is the reason assigned by honorable members for this unprecedented course of conduct? That the interests of the community require it, and that it is the wish of their constituents to have this business despatched immediately; that they may have ample evidence that they are doing their duty.
With all deference, however, to the opinions of his Excellency, and that of honorable members, who have spoken on this subject; we would beg leave to differ with them in relation to the views that are entertained by the citizens of this State generally, and particularly by the intelligent portion of them.
That a prejudice exists in certain sections of the country, where they have no means of attaining information concerning us and our proceeding;s but through the false statements, the vile abuse, and the published detraction and slander (principally of a religious nature,) that is found in the columns of the Sangamo Journal, the Quincy Whig, and other publications of a similar kind, we are free to admit; but that this feeling is general; that it arises from any extraordinary powers that we possess, or from an abuse of our chartered privileges, we think cannot be sustained; and we trust that there will be found a respectable majority of honorable members, within the walls of the Legislative hall that will sustain the liberal and enlightened views of the Hon Mr. McClernand, that 'he was in favor of giving the Mormons equal rights. He was satisfied that they had been persecuted; that great efforts had been made to get up an excitement against them; and that they had as much right to protect on as any other sect. He did not believe that the charter of Nauvoo contained any greater powers than had been granted to other cities.'
"The people of Illinois," feel highly exasperated at us, and desire a repeal of our charter!!! It cannot be possible; what have we done to them that they should desire it? At a time when the interests of the State have been declining;-when in consequence of foolish, and wild legislative enactments the State has been overwhelmed in debt, so that there seems to be no alternative left, but that of a dishonorable repudiation;-at a time when many of the citizens have left the State in consequence of a burthensome [burdensome] taxation;-at a time when our banks have become insolvent, and our credit
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