Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, W.T. [i.e. Wis.]) 1843-1844, 1843-03-18
Communications.
FOR THE HERALD.
Division of Grant County.

Having seen a disinteres,ed effort now making
through the community Of Giant county, on the
one hand 10 divide, and OH the other baud to pre-
vent division of the same, we propose to insesti-
gate that subject, by every law of necessity
pedency tina, can bear upon the case.
In the frs, place, is the Shirs-town of our own
county, inconveniently unsuitably located; and
llf 20, viii the proposed division remedy the evil!
In considering this division Of our suhect--a
point upon which every other consideration turns
we are struck with the vast difference that exists
between defining the limits of county in an old
or newly settled district. The former may be t.e-
cded upon the sure basis OF statistic: the latter
has no other test than rational conjecture. The
present ants and ability Of an iscipieni commu-
nifty, regardless of the extent of territory compris
ed, would be an injudicious criterion in step of
this importance. Our landmark is the pledge of
the past, and the promise of the future We should
take a community OF interest--no matter how va
rious, so they do not cash-indicated by the popu-
lation and resources of the-ds,r:ct, and one that
win be able to meet, with energy and vigor, every
exigency thar may arise. Then, where shall we
place the Seat of Justice OF such county! In
this answer, every pursuit, every different depart
msnt OF business, has It's voics. A glance at the
aphical position, boundaries, and immense
resources of this county, is sufficient to saew the
grandeur of its situation, well as the indivisibili
ty of its territory. Now, is the centre of such
county the proper point for the concentration Of the
business pertaining 10 its Jurisdiction Let the
universal distribution of agricultural and mining
interests-,he lumbemnn of the Wisconsin, and
the merchant of the Mississippi, answer the ques-
ton. Ii evil Of this nature exis,s--a SUPPOSE
ton never more fallacious-s it possible that the
Iconiemplated division can effec, the remedy? Yes,
by leaving the expansive county buildings Of Iowa
and Gran, upon tho extreme margin oil their res
In the second place, is the division to effec,
diminu,ion of taxation! Who, that has degrees
of intelligence sufficient 10 entiile him to the con-
sideration of ctizen win no. answer in the mega
tive! One-ihird Of the assessments of this county
struck at blow, in return, at most, for support
ing one week Of Court. But will the new county
profit by the loss of the old ones! Yes they will
have county seat of their own, independent Of
either Grant or Iowa; they viii have the sup teme
privilege of erecting q set of public buildings to
their taste, and the glory of-paying for it.
From every point that we can view the subject,
it appears equally unwarrantable and destitute OF
argument; unnatural and shapeless territories; in
e.s~., SOD burdenous taxes and serious, if not
fatal loss of political consideration.
The instant we depart from the rule of nature
and necessity, we establish precedent that has
limit to its folly. Where, then, shall we look for
the motive prompting this strenuous and headlong
effort towards division? Who has not Witnessed
the grasping struggles Of one whose proligacy and
iii-tinged speculations have outlived his means?-
Witness his efforts keep upon the surfaceefforts
founded in rash and empty speculatons, and end
ing in that sefshness which knows neither princi-
pie nor honor. How many of those signatures,
that have attached 10 the petition tho only shade
of FEASIBILITY it possibly wear, would have
been procured, had the matter been fairly and can
didy represented Go back to them now, and
tell every man, not absolutely interested in Platto-
vile property, that he must next year pay six dol
lars taxes to Platte county, instead of three to
Grant, and without enjoying one single assignable
advantage over his present situation-except, in
deed, to have aided in concentrating naagnit-
cent scheme Of county policy-and will he sign the
petition! No, he will tell you to away, al once
and forever, with project enrching one man al
the expense of hundreds.
Every one who glances al map Of Grant coun-
ty, is orcibly struck with its grand and advantage
Gus position. Traversed upon the south and west
by the largest river of North America, bounded on
the norlh by navigable tributary of the same
placing three iourths of lis entire outline in conti-
guilty with every market of the Mississippi valley
south of line forming the summit between the
Mississippi and the Lakes: her eastern boundary
defined by one well known and immutable line,
Offering the only pon, though which the Mlssis-
sippi can communicate with Lake Michigan.
While a, ono view we a county thus located
upon the most positive indications Of natures at the
next we behold an identity and reciprocity of in
terests, promising bright aud glorious destiny
Possessing .very richness of soil and scenery, in
calculably stored with mineral and agricultural
wealth. every claim OF society and trade fads an
encouraging and fostering hand, and promises TO
pacs Grant in position whore her united strength
win ever preserve her, the Empire County Of Wis
cousin. q.
~ FoR TIE HERALD.
THE COPPER MINES or LAKE SUPERIOR
l am informed, since the late treaty with the
Chippewas was ratified, by which large portion