Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1841-12-14

the proposed Milwaukee and Rock river canal
convened at public meeting at Prairieviile on the
4th inst, for the purpose Of giving an expression of
opinion, with regard to the contemplated canal
This expression of sentiment comes from the rioht
quarter, and doubtless will have a tendency 10 in
duce the great body of the people to refect-o re-
view the past, and calculate future consequences
Were this question of sectional character, or
one IN which none but the citizens in the vicinity
OF the proposed canal are Interested we should not
be disposed to interfere. But such is not the case
every citizen of Wisconsin has an interest at
stake IN the result of this matter-But to the
mcetng After being organized. committee an
pointed tor the purpose, reported a number of spir
tied resolutions, among which are the following:
Res0lred, This meeting is of the opinion that the
milwaukee, and Rock river canal was premature
ana uAcalled tor, that were induced to support
'le measure, from the many assurances we receiv-
ed rom time to time from its projectors that If
would bring capital into the country, which would
be distributed IN great measure among the labor
ing class OF community and assist materially in
disposng OF the products OF the c0untrv,-that we
cherished those sentiments until we found to our
modification and chagrn, the inability of the canal
company, to carry out in the least decree their
promises to the people.
And, further, that we find ourselves pIaced IN an
awkward situation, having our lands saddled upon
us at twice their ordinary value with interest to be
pald seml-annually without the most distant pros-
pect OF having a canal.
Resolted, That we believe the project of the ca
nal mad better be given up for the present if not
entirely, that the members of the Leoisature from
this county be requested to use their exertions in
dlscharglng the interest which has accrued. and
hereafter accrue, and to take such other course
III relation to SAID canal will relieve the people
heSotfcd, That the projectors of said canal be
requested to make the same exertions to get the
lands reduced to 81, 20 cents per acre, that they
lu III geling the price enhanced to So 80 per acre.
heSotre4, That we in favor of Hydraulic
powers, and Companies, when constructed by indi
Vlduals at their own expense, but are opposed to
paying interest on our lands, or an extra price for
lana, Tor the purpose Of building up any company.
ReSolred, That we do not believe it is in accord
ance with the spirit of the canal charter that GER
tam portions OF the valuable land along the canal
route, should be decided to John Doe. or Richard
toe, without any equivalent except to pay 20 shil-
ngs per acre on the balance, and the honor of iv-
ing on a canal route.
Resolred That we have seen the blessings ofthe
Milwaukee and Rock river canal and are satisfied,
ana II we can be relieved from its benefits will be
thankful tor past iavors, and never ask for new
ones of similar kind.
be published IN the newspapers in the county, and
that copies be forwarded to the Governor and
members of our Legislature"
Hitherto there has seemingly been much dclica-
cy manifested, especially among the press relative
to the true condition and prospects Of the canal pro-
iect. Although the ultimate completion of the work.
has been regarded during the past two years, by
every intelligent man, who has given the matter
any investigations, as visionary enterprise still,
there has been a strange hestancy in speaking out
on this subject. When the Canal Company made
their report to the legislature last winter we took
occasion to comment upon the report, for the pur-
pose of showing that the primary object of the
cOmpanys operations, was the construction of a
water power at Milwaukee, and that the construc-
ton OF the canal formed no part of their intentions
The evidence Of this was abundantly contained in
the report itself Much displeasure was manifest.
ed in certain quarter because of our remarks -
we were accused Of being premature, and of excit-
ing unnecessary suspicious and iealousics. Not
wlthstandlng this we ventured the prediction that
before another year, public sentiment would speak
out on this subject and the utter hopelessness of
constructing the canal, would be generally admit
ted And if we do not mistake the present feeling
of great majority of the people in this Territory,
their language is not how shall the work be further
prosecuted, but how shall the people extricate
themselves from the difficulties, which past lcgisla-
ton on this subject will be likely to entail upon
them? We apprehend that no legislator, who has
any respect for the will Of his constituents will fur
Their jeopardize the credit of the Territory, by ex-
tending any further legislative aid to this Quixotc
project.
The propriety of calling public meetings in the
several precincts, has been suggested for the pur-
pose of giving the representatives of the people.
unequiyocal instructions upon the canal question.
Now Is the time for the people to repudiate the
contraction of debts especially for objects which in
future years must remain an incubus upon the Ter
ritory Some suppose that public action upon this
subject will be regarded by the people of Milwau-
kee, hostile to their interests. Surely the citi-
zens OF Milwaukee VIII not regard it as unkind
they themselves have no confidence in the con-
sruction of the canal. Why then hesitate to speak
boldly! Let there be a general expression of SEN
timent--let it be now. Much is to be gained by
immediate action-by delay, our future credit as
State may be irretreveably lost.
For the benefit of those who have bestowed but
little attention upon the history and progress of the
Milwaukee and Rock River Canal, as well as those
who have recently come among us, we design as
soon as practicable to give an impartial statement,
of the principal facts connected with the charterng
of the Canal Company, and its subsequent opera
tons. Also consider prospectvely the loss and
gain, which the Territory would derive from the
work, provided it were ever completed.
Gov. Doty, has issued proclamation, appoint
ing Thursday the 10th inst, to be observed as dav
of public thanksgiving and praise by the people of
this Territory We o,r-o on aDOIocr,- 70 our rool