Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1844-12-03
THE TELEGRAPH.
SOUTHPORT, TUESDAY, DECEMBER ., 1874.

afflicts to most oppressive degree the peo-
pie of Wisconsin. As in Ireland, the lords
| Of the land lavish the money of the country
upon another soil, and leave the masses at
home at the mercy of irresponsible agents,
so in Cur own territory, do those who are
appointed TO take charge Of our interess,
spend their time and money (and not Mlre-
quently the peoples money! in distant Sec
ton Of the country, leaving those interests
| in charge. of irresponsible and frequently
reckless agents. We express boldly our
belief that TO this cause may in a great de.
gree be attributed the accumulation Of the
debt resting upon VS., which the people OF
the territory must eventually pay. Gu: Sc
crearies have been shamcfuly remss in
their duties. We have no means at hand TO
enable us to assert with strict accuracy, but
those acquainted with the history of the ter
riory, will sustain us in the opinion that OF
all our Secretaries thus far, not one third OF
their time has been spent in the territory.
Y his with a sort Of reckless carelessness,
which has in the main characterized these
officers, originated in the early existence of
the territory, confusion in our accounts with
the general government, which progressed
year after year from bad to worse, and which
year after year had its influence in add ng
to the territorial debt. In this we speak on
y of that part of the disastrous results which
must fall upon the whole people. Besides
this, the cases of individual loss, from the
same cause with the addition of palpable dis
hon ,sty are numerous and heavy, amounting
in the aggregate 10 thousands. Those who
have in their pockets the scrip of the terri
tory, made worthless, not from any want Of
generosity on the part of the general govern
ment, but from the causes we have mention
ed, will feel the full force of what we say,
aud the people OF the whole territory will
feel i, too, when the legislature provides by
law, rs it soon must, by tax, for the liquida.
ton of Tho debt incurred.
But the question is not so much what has
been as what will be. The people have deci-
ded TO live under territorial form Of govern
ment, and it behoves thems if they do not
wish to add to the evils .hey have already in
cured, TO look after that government With
regard to the capacity, honesty, and efficien-
cy Of the present incumbent of the Secrcta-
rvs Office, we know nothing; but we do
know that the plague spot of absentecism is
manfcsting itself Oil his official person, to
considerable extent. Like most of his pre-
decessors, it would seem that he considers
the office pretty little convenience, created
for the especial purpose Of securing to the
incumbent the means Of ministering to his
pleasures in such section of the Union as he
plcases 10 establish himself 1t may be tina,
the business of this office is now conducted
just as it should be, and that the incumbent
is honest, efficient, and prompt, but when
we see prominent the same causes which
have heretofore entailed evil on US, we shall
not be accused of a needless disposition for
fauli'fndng, if we express our fears. The
remedy and the only remedy. is TO have the
cffice filled with one of our own trusty citi-
zens. We shall then be rid Of the curse of
abseuteeism. With an officer prompt and
always at his post, much may, in all probabi-
lily be done towards restoring to the terrific
ry through the government, monies which
now appear to be entirely lost, as well as
insurins us agains, danger or loss hereafter.
We have such men; can we secure the ap-
po;ntmont of one? We can. The ViIgnin
dynasty expires on the fourth of March next.
when the government of the people common
ces; LET our people then express their wish
es; let them give their Legislature TO under
stand that they wish their affairs entrusted to
their own citizens whom they know and have
confidence in, and let the legislature convey
tho request TO the administration at Wash
ngton, and we arc confident it will be hoe.
ded.