Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1842-03-01
BURLINGTON, Racine co. w. I. !
February Is, 1912.
Messrs. Editors of the Telegraph:

February IL, 1912
Messrs. Editors of the Telegraph:
Perhaps any expression of public opinion, at this
time, upon the recent bloody outrage the Council
chamber of this territory, would be premature and
ought not to be INDUCED. So far as the guilt or
innocence of the prisoner is concereed it doubtless
becomes us to be silent; and let facts and law, de-
eide upon the character of the transaction Butso
far as the honor of the territory, and other circum
stances are concerned, it seems to me that it be-
hoves us to speak and to speak emphatically-that
all the world may know what are the sentiments of
Wisconsin, in relation to such high crime, and in
relation too, to those vices which are ever connec-
ted with and lead to them. A somewhat similar
occurrence happened you will recollect few years
since, in the Legislature of Arkansas The spea-
ker descended from his seat, and butchered a men,
Der. 1t will also be recoected with what feelings
all looked upon Arkansas for this transaction.
The feeling was universal that Arkansas had been
shockingly disgraced. Are we not disgraced, as a
Territory in the view ofiall civilized governments?
What will be thought of us, and said of u.s. thro'-
out all that portion of the Union, where the taking
of human life with Pistols, Dirks, and Bowie knives
is regarded the most enormous violation of JUS
tce and the hi CHEST possible crime against society?
VIII the recent outrage at Madison add to the in
ducements which we shall hold out to orderly law.
abiding citizens at the East, to emigrate and settle
among us! Will capitalists be as likely to seek out
our Territory as afording facilities for safe in
vestments! Mo- gentlemen-not in community
where assassination is openly practiced in its halls
of justice and legislation. If life is unsafe, the
rights of property will certainly be insecure. This
will assuredly be the reasoning of all sober and in
telligent men-and one of the many effects of this
shameful and murderous transaction will be to de-
ter more than one temperate and industrious emf
grant from becoming citizen of Wisconsin. But
truth as well as justice to ourselves, should incte
us to tell to our Eastern friends the whole circum-
stances, out of which this foul tragedy grew. We
should tell the fact that the western counties of this
Territory, including the mining country, and Dor
dering on the Mississippi, are settled mostly by
Southerners-that there is a striking analogy be-
tween the habits of the eastern and western coun-
ties of this Territory, to those which distinguish
the northern and southern portions of the Federal
Union While the prevailing character ofthe lake
and middle counties is marked by temperance, in
counties are equally distinguished for their vices
such aslntemperance, gambling, dirlng and assas-
slnatlon. Their wants too, are totally dissmlar
The eastern counties are settled by emgrants from
the Northern and Eastern States and the diffusion
of general education, throu Oh the medium Of a we'll
regulated system of common schools, is with them
a favorite object. While the western counties are
in favor of few Academies, a few educated men,
(mtelectually-perhaps morally,) and think that
the greatestgood to the greatest mass consis is in
state of ''blessed ignorance" In the eastern coun-
ties the common articles of husbandry such as the
hoe, the axe, and the scythe, are in common use;
while In the west, the Bowie-knife the Pistol, the
Dirk, and the sword-cane are most Employed
We should also tell them that Mr.. Vineyard who
shot down his tellow-being In instant unex-
pected, and sent him to his last account, 'with all
his sins fresh blown upon him. was Southerner
Originally, | have understood, from Kentucky y
that he was trained up in Southern habits, and
with Southern customs and Southern insoence-
and possessed the disposition, temper, and charac-
ter OF a Southerner. We should also inform them
that, in the vicinity of Mr.. Vineyard reside many
others of like feelings, habits, and sympathies.-
Doubtless there are many honorable and virtuous
exceptions; but that the Heading influences favor
these habits, and these feelings,--or, they would
not be open, and general In short, we should
frankly, candidly, unequivocally tell them, that
Southern Slavery has made its foul impress upon
the western counties of this Territory-that its de-
moraGzing influences strongly felt there-and
that we of the East, utterly and totally repudiate
Southern customs, Southern chvalry, and South
morals. We may, without being vain, also
inform them that, in no portion of the country is
law better sustained morality regarded, or liberal
inquiry and general education, better encouraged
than through the eastern and central counties of
Wisconsin. But there is another and higher
motive for speaking out, than can be found in any
of the foregoing considerations. A high crime has
been committed at our Capitol One elevated high
in office is accused-a vital principle of our Gov
eminent, the right to life, has been rampled upon
and treated as Of nothing worth For the intrinsic
and unspeakable value then, Of that principle itself
let US speak. Z. G. ID.
Life ia p6jIoIoInb;o A lie