Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1842-03-08


make his resignation as he had done it. could not
| be questioned. If | (said Mr.. S. were to send
my resignation to you Mr.. President, the Coun-
ell would haze right to reject 1t refuse TO con-
| slider it, We should consider this subject calmly
| and not permit feeling excitement to lead us to
pursue course which the law propriety will not
sanction For myself, | must vote against the mo-
ton of the gentleman from Dane, In consideration
of the light of Mr. Vineyard. 1t is due to ourselves
that decided expression of our adherence of this
deed should be presented to the world land vii.
ling that this expression should be couched In the
strongest language which can be used but further
than this not willing go, for the reason that
| believe we have no rlght-and for no other rea-
son.
Mr. Upham confessed that he was little acquant-
ed with the course of proceeding in such matters
but it struck him that the Council could not well
reject the communication until they knew what II
was-untll 1t had been opened and read. So far
as Mr. Vineyards right to retain seat here
concerned, there could be difference of opinion
and on a simple question OF eXpeng him, he
should have no hesitation in voting for expulsion
The Council should preserve the same course IN
relation to this communication as with re.erence to
others. Before refusing to receive 1t or rejecting
1t, they should know what 1t is, and he could not
with his understanding of the rules OF this body
vote for the motion of the gentleman from Dane
until the sealed paper upon the Presidents desk
was opened and read.
Mr. Iweedy said he had hoped that his feelings
would have permitted HIM to remain silent. He
had waited for older members urge upon the
Council the true course TO be pursued.
He differed most widely from the two gentlemen
who had just spoken, in his views of the rights of
Mr.. Vineyard and of this body, and in his notions
of the feelings which should govern us on this
caslon
If hundred technical objections could be thrown
in the way of the action of the Council he for one,
would earlessy sweep them all away, if necessary,
to vndcate the character OF this body.
This is an extraordinary occasion, of which the
like he hoped would never again occur.
We have most solemn duty to discharge-a
duty vastly more momentous than any which has
or will devolye upon at this time. This duty
we owe to ourselves, to our common country, to
the cause of good order, OF religion aud humanity.
A most fla grant outrage has been committed by
member of this body-the dignity of the Council
has been insulted and indeble stigma has been
cast upon the character of this territory.
1t is our first and solemn duty to wipe out this
foul stain, as far possible, by proclamng to the
world, in just and fitting terms our adherence
and detestation of the course, and by renouncing
at all connection with the perpetraor of this
offence.
The technical right claimed for Mr.. ", if there
can be any, to have his resi- gnatlon read and re-
celved, should be lost sight of in view of the gifts
of this Council of our constituents, of law and JUS
o
be indicated.
This Council, if it has any regard to decency
and its dignity, will not consider hear or
receire any communication, of any character, from
the author of the letter before u.s. until his connec-
ton with this body is dissolved.
That connection she will sever in her O,cn acav
not by permission to retire, but by gnominious
expnlsion--and all or other business will be laid
aside until after that work is done.
But Mr.. Y. has even technical privilege
which stands III the way
He may resi- On to the Executive, to the Clerk of
the Commissioners of the county, as well as to this
body
That letter is but notice, formal cere-
mony, at the best, which may be dispensed with
dlsregarded at pleasure.
But were it constitutional duty which he had
sworn to perform to receive, hear, and consider
any letter of this character, still the Council would
have full power to do itself Justice in any such case
Were this body tied down to the strictest rules
which govern the daily business, it could by those
same rules, suspend all rules and postpone all bust
ness OF every nature, and the reading reception
and presentation of this letter. until it had acquitted
! itself of its first duty-to purify its own body. In
this matter personal relations and feelings
whatever they may be to the individual most afec-
ted should not be forgotten our hi resolve should
be true to country and its institutions.
He desired to be understood that he cherished
no unklnd feelings towards the member whose
duct he reprObated.
He would do him no injury or prejudice he
hoped and trusted that he would find in our courts
fair and unprecedented trial; and justice tempered
with mercy-and not the less mercy at the awful
tribunal of his God
The question then taken on the motion of
Mr.. Brigham and decided in the affirmative, Mr..
Strong alone voting in the negative.