Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1843-02-21
NO. /.

| Nv attention was called to the subject OF
the repeal Of the law respecting mills and
mill-dams, by seeing an article in the last
number but one of your paper, in which
the writer expresses his belief that the law
will come up before the coming Legislature
for repeal The writer, in his exordium,
makes an attempt at sublimlty which is
quite laughab!e. Who ever heard of men
being mounted on war-dogs, going to bat
tie? The next paragraph contains simlie,
which is SO deep and mystic, that have
puzzled myself in vain to arrive at the
meaning of the author. Avarce is pas
sion in the human breast, which is very
much to be regretted, and moves and ope-
rates alike upon men, whether they be mill
owners or those who cultivate the earth.
That the present law can have any eff
feet, either one way or the other, upon the
lands flowed at the time Of the sale Of said
land by the government, | deny. Prevl-
Gus to the time Of said sale, they belonged
to the United States; and if any trespass
by diverting streams, the flowing OF lands
&c was committed previous TO said sale,
the U. S. alone had jurisdiction of said
wrong-the individual who made the pur-
chase took the land subject TO any DANA
ges previously done, a. well as improve
lnents made. No man in his senses would
argue that A, on receiving his duplicate,
could sustain an action against for cut
timber upon the land, previous to the tne
A made the claim. Then all those who
built previous to the spring of 1889, need
ed not a law Of this kind, as the writer in
Inmates, TO back them up. The govern
ment, by refusing to notice the trespass,
taci,Iy admitted the right in the miller to
make his dam and flow other lands be-
longing to government, which no person
need not enter unless he sees fit. AS 10
those who built after, what right have they
to special legislation in their behalf more
than any other class Of citizens! Is the
legislature of Wisconsin to take the lead in
such a usurpation of power us this, TO build
up the interests Of one class Of citizens at
the expense Of anotheri The act has been
passed, and the quicker it is wi PED from
statutes the better. lmprovident and hasty
legislation has ruined thousands. "The
World is governed too much " Emgrants
in settling in new country, leave their
friends and all the endearments and prlv-
lcges Of home, Cor the purpose of realising
some pccuniary benefit for their many de-
privations, hardshps and hazards in re-
moving to a new country. Is it matter
Of right then or justice, that after the har-
DIV pioneer has made him a location with
every prospect Of advantage and success,
that another can render that location
worthless by reason Of its being flowed for
the purpose Of creating for some capital
its water power with which they may
make a fortune. The beautiful prairie and
cultivated fields Of the settler, may become
the low wet swamp, reproductive and nox-
ous, with vapors Of decomposed vegcta-
tion-thc capitalist is protected by law,
while the former has 10 remedy but law
SO underlined and uncer tain, that it would
be folly for him TO attempt redress. The
writer states that in Illinois and othe +
States, similar statutes have been passed.
He is mistaken. No State bears any re-
cord SO unprecedented and anomalous. AS
the writer advanced no arguments, but
stated merely abstract principles, | deem =
further notice Of his communication unne-
| ccssayy. In future number shall en-
deavor 20 point out it, unconstitutionality,
| it's INJUSTICE and partially.
EQUAL RIGHTS.
Racine County, Feb. Is, 1913.