Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1842-09-28
TO THE PUBLIC.

MR. FRANK: | should generally be inclined to
regard but little any statement, so far as directed
against myself, made during the heat of political
excitement, being disposed to attribute all to an
over-zea on the part of political opponent, rather
than to any particular righteousness of motive; but
there is limit endurance and feeling that have
been unus;ly and naliciously assailed and abused,
and nay motives much misrepresented in various
ways, beg the privilege of defending myself thro'
the medium of your paper.
In two or three handbills issued during the late
canvass, have been accused, in publishing ad-
dress to the democratic electors of Racine, and in
giving it circulation as having emanated from the
County Corresponding Committee, of having COM
mitted a forgery.
This grave charge, in substance at least, is made
over the names of two individuals whom have
heretofore considered infinitely above such unprin-
cpled resorts.
| regret to find myself mistaken in the estimate |
had formed Of their characters, and to be compelled
in self-deence to hold them up III such light as
think their conduct deserves.
A plain statement Of facts connected with the adj
dress alluded to will show how far its publication
was authorized by the COMMITTEE, and how far
am obnoxious to the serious charge preferred
against
few days prior to the election, the propriety of
publishing an app cal to the democratic electors of
the county, urging upon them the necessity of ad-
herring to the regularly nominated ticket, suggested
itself to my mind; and as member of the Cores
pending Committee, believing it to be a part of my
legitimate official duty, / determined upon preparing
an Address.
After it had been written, called upon Mr. Hale
whose name stood first upon the committee, and
exhibited to him the MS. requesting him to peruse
it, and if it met his concurrence to give me the lib
efty of apPending his 10 it as Chairman of the
Committee. After reading it, he said there were
parts of the Address to which he had the sl CHIT
est objection-there were other portions, however,
to which he could not exactly subscribe,-" but,
continued he, ~ will think of the matter and in
two or three hours will let you know what my de-
termination is-whether you may use my name or
metz After the lapse of the specified period of
time, having doubtless consulted with the members
of the unprincipled clique of which he composed
part, who had determined to array themselves
against the democratic ticket, he called at the
printing ofhce ana lett word Tor me that he could
not conscientioustg subscribe every part of the
Address, and therefore he would rather his name
should not be used.
In the meantime | saw Capt Sprague of Racine,
and having informed him of my intention get out
an Address, requested him consult the members
of the committee residing his place. and inform
me at as early moment as possible, whether such
step would meet with their concurrence. He
assured me he would attend to the matter. and if,
after waiting reasonable length of time, Ireceived
no word from him mi glt conclude that the required
assent had been obtained, and forthwith publish the
address.
! waited day, and receiving no intelligence
upon The subject from Mr.. s., concluded that
Messrs. James and knight had given their assent;
and they, in connection with myself, forming the
majority, concluded TO issue the address under the
sanction of the committee and headed In general
terms can address of the Democratic Correspond
ing Committee to the Democratic Electors of the
County of Racine.
| have yet to learn that this address did not NEE
with the sanction of majority of the committee
believe it did; and if so, will it for moment be
contended that had full authority issue it