Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1842-07-06
IS G.. G.. Sholes, Southport.
STATE GOVERNMENT.

The population of the Territory is doubtless at
present between forty and forty five thousand,
MS the census which is now being taken under
authority of the Legislative Assembly, and which
is nearly completed, will notwithstanding an in
crease since 1910 of about fifteen thousand. The
immigration to Wisconsin thus far during the pre-
sent season has exceeded all former precedent, and
there be question that before the close of the
year we shall number fifty thousand souls.
Is not numerical force then sufficient to author
ize the taking of such preparatory steps as will Sc
cure to us early admission into the Union, one
of the sovereign and Independent States2 Has not
the proper time arrived for serious consideration,
we'll as action, upon this subject, and would it not
be advisable for the people, their approaching
preventative election, to select their members with
view to some Legislative movement at the next
session concerning the matter2 These interroga-
tories, we think, when proper consideration OF the
arguments pro and is had, will be answered IN
the affirmative. Our object is not at present to
dwell upon these arguments particularly, but mere
" to speak of the subject in general way, for the
purpose of attracting the public mind TO its consi-
deration and elictng, if possible, some expression
in relation thereto.
We do not look upon the question in the light in
which some have considered it, as one of mere dol
lars and cents; although in this point of view is by
no means certain we should not be the gamers by
Immediately entering the Union; but we look upon
it involving privileges and principles of very
important character, in comparison with which pc
cuniary considerations, in mind at least, ex-
ceedingly insignificant. The question is whether,
when able to support an economical State
Government, as is now the case, or would unques-
tionaby be by the time we could adopt the ncccs-
sary preparatory measures to enter the Union, we
are willing to remain dependent upon the bounty of
the General Government, and longer to torego the
enjoyment Of political privileges which citizens of
n State would be secured to us--whether, for the
sake of the paltry sum of twenty thirty thousand
dollars the amount which is annually appropriated
by Congress for the support of our territorial gov
eminent, we are disposed to continue in state Of
colonial serviude, deprived of a voice IN the seIec-
ton of our Executive and Judicial officers, without
the authority, although vested with the privilege OF
electng our own representatives, fully to leglslate
for ourselves, and with but one poor solitary dele
gate in the lower branch of Congress- whose voice,
because he has no vote is generally but slightly
garded, and whose presence, so far as the accom-
plishment of any thing for the benefit of his const-
,uens is concerned would be just about effective
at the Court of st. Jamosl
If the General Government, since the organza-
ton of our Territory, had exhibited any thing like
n liberal disposition towards us-it but small mol
otv of the immense sums which have been derived
for, tho sales of public lands in Wisconsin, had
been appropriated, as we had reason to expect and
n right to demand, for the making OF roads within
our limits for the Improvement of the navigation OF
our rivers and the construction of harbors upon our
hike. there might be ground for hesitation as to the
propriety of yet setting for ourseves but instead
Of acting towards us as a foster parent instead OF
contributing to our wants and protecting or adyan-