Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1843-01-24
Communications.

Mr. EDITOR Il believe have visited almost
every village west of Lake Mchigan-at least all
within the limits of Wisconsin-and think it a tri-
hute justly due the citizens of Southport, say,
that for intelligence and enterprize-or aten-
ton to objects of real and general utility they are
not exceled, If equaled, by the inhabitants of any
sister town.
speak not merely OF the pecuniary interests of
the village, for the furthcrance of which, without
the least governmental aid the citizens have made
their roads into the interior; erected their
lighthouse, built their own pier for the accommo-
daton of the lake commercials well as consum-
mated other improvements of an important charac-
ter-but | speak also of the general disposition
inced to sustain and promote the interests OF rell-
gIon and morality, education and science, by the
erection of houses of public worship, by the liberal
support of mInlsters--from their well supported
schools their lyceum, temperance society, and last
though not least, their societies for the cultivation
of vocal and instrumental music.
To partcularize, there are now in Southport,
five organized and hourishing religious denomna
tions-Episcopal, Methodist Baptist, Presbyterian
and Catholic-the first two having already erected
commodious houses of public worship, and the re-
naming three taking the preparatory steps therefor
The number of select schools is three headed by
competent teachers, and Que public or common
school.
The Lyceum is efficiently COMMUNICATIVE de-
bates and lectures generally of such character,
to be highly useful in inducing habits of thought
and Investigation, in ecitlng truth, and in promo
ting the spread of intelligence.
In the cause Of temperance much zeal is nantes
ted-thc Washington Society in the village num-
bers $50 members-and from observation, / am in
clined to believe there is less of incompetence, in
the way ofindulgence and strong drinks, in South
port than IN any town Of equal size In the whole
west.
Music, as a science, is much cultivated; the pia-
no, tue flute, or the violin, touched by unsku!
hands, may occasionally be heard at almost every
of the embellishments OF vocal and insru-
mental music, such as would do no dseredlt to any
region of our country, are not of rare occurrence
here. The churches mostly provided with fine
choirs of singers; and in additions brass band COM
posed of young men ofthe town, whose performances
are highly creditable has lately been formed. AS
other among the many evidences of the praise
thy enter rize of our citizens, the Village Hail.
a commodious room lately finished and fitted up,
for purposes OF public lectures, debates, and meet
ings, may be referred to. The ceremony of lis ded-
cation, which took place the other evening, and to
notice which must be permitted to dgress, was
highly entertaining. The several speakers acquit-
ted themselves with much credit
VI. Frank Esq, the first speaker, alluded to the
circumstances under which, and the objects for
which, through the Nberaity of citizens of the
place, the Hall provided; and then spoke of
the proprety OF its dedication. To quote his lam
guAge-" temples, public halls, and forums, from
time mmcmmorial, in civilized countries, have
been specially dedicated to the purposes for which
erected, and we are but practising small scale
what hes heretofore been practIced on larger
L. p. Harvey, Esq, followed and spoke very
eioquentIy of the westward progress of immigration
the advancement of civilization-the cities, villa
ges, and fourishng gricutural settlements, where
but few years since wild beasts and still wilder
men had undsturbed pOssession-where, but few
years since, nought the step of the antelope,
the savage whoop and the shrl crack of the red
man rifle, disturbed the silence of nature sreposc.
The present situation of Wisconsin, and its pros
pectve importance and welfare, connected with
the proper religious, moral and intellectual nstruc
ton OF the rising generation in whose hands were
Its destlnes were happily alluded to; and the par
tlculdr object had in view in providing the Village
Hall, viz: the advancement of general int igence
religion, morality, and science, appropriately spo
ken of.
]. B. Jlllson, Esq was not less happy in his re-
marks, but shall not attempt to recgpituate them,
nor more than slightly allude to the closing lecture
on music, by Mr.. K. w. Iiadey, the interesting
Oh rscter of which fully atteste by the alton
Non and applause with which it was received
@ C.