Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1845-01-13

The subject of education is one of the
most important which can be brought TO your
notice. | mean the education of the great
mass of the people. 1t is a subject most
worthy of the attention of the Statesman OF
any country, but re-eminently so in one
like ours, where every adult male is expect
ed 10 become voter. The proper exer-
else of the elective franchise is the surest
guaranty of the purity and permanency OF
our republican Institutions. Of course in
new country, where population is sparse,
and pecuniaiy ability small, very effective
system, like that of some of the older states
cannot be immediately expected. Time
and means will be necessary to perfect it..
Still, the subject is one Of such para
mount Importance, as TO require that it
should be constantly kept before the people.
| There is no fear, in 4 matter Of such vital
interest, that too much will be done; but on
the contrary, great reason TO aPpreheno.
that with OUT utmost eXertlons 10 impress
the public mind with the urgent necessity of
giving great attention to the matter, but lit
tie, OF the very much required, will be &C
complished. Whether any and what far
trer measures are necessary to this object,
is respectfully submitted to your considera-
ton.
Theirs is another subject we'll worthy Of
your profoundest attention. 1t is Agricul
ture-,he nobcst pursuit Of man. This, in
Wisconsin, as in other parts Of our glorious
Union, is TO be the great business TO which,
he industry and enterprise Of four ifihs Of
our citizens are 10 be devoted. This single
view Of The matter is enough Of itself TO
show lis importance. The tendency, with
portion of the American people, is 10 I'M
dervalue farming--to regard it as a mere
mechanical art, requiring neither skill sci
ence, or knowledge for its successful prose-
cuton-nothing in short, but strong arms
AMI willing minds, content TO work, without
thought, without research, without science,
and without the light which experience sup
plies The result of all this is, that with
some, farming, the most enrolling of all
pursuits, has come to be regarded as a
mere drudgery-a fitting employment for
the i!literate, the s:olid, and the ignorant,
but quite beneath the attention Of any one
Of talent or requirement. And as a neces
say consequence, it has bten deemed in
Indispensable by many who would rise to
any degree Of importance in the communi
ty, that they should devote themselves TO
some Of the learned professions. Hence the
professions Of Law and Medicine have been
overs'ocked, the business Of the Merchant
over done, but tho cultivation of the soil
sadly neglected.
To my mind, Wisconsin is 10 be, Of all
countries the most desirable for farmers.
Here, eminently, small amount Of
capita. with care, industry and good man.
agement secures that priceless boon Of
mans destiny. Independence. Here, if
farmers respect themselves, may be built
up an Agricultural interest, in!elisent,i up-
right, ana independent, which shall sur
pass even the Country Gentlemen Of Eng
lam, because here, they will not be subor-
dna,e 10 the powerful influence of the
Crown, & the all-prevad;ng sway Of an
arrogant Aristocracy. Here, THEY may
make the laws and give tone to public
opinion. But to fit them for that high des-
tiny, farming must be regarded as an her
orabIe pursuit. The pubic must look
upon it rs it is liberal calling inferior to
TO no profession in dignity and importance.
And here arises the great enquiry. How
can the people be bro'l to place higher
estimate npon Agriculture? This is top
ic we'll worthy the gravest consideration OF
Statesmen and Phllanthropists. Agricultu
raj Schools, Pattern Farms, and various
other suggestions have been made for the
fur,herance Of this object, but as yet no
successful expedent has been adopted. -
Agricultural Societies, properly organized
and well conducted, have undoubtedly ac-
complished much in New York, Massachu
sets, and some other portions OF the Union.
But, very much yet remains 10 be per-
formed Less has been done in the way
Of legislation to advance this highest oil all
interests, than for any other of the great
pursuits of our people. With these obser-
va,ions, submit the whole subject to the
wisdom Of the Representatives of the peo-
pie themselves.
Possessing as we do, a country Of am
pie dinensions-witht the greatest fertility
oil the IFS soil-unequaIed in the salu5rlty
of its climate-with population ntelligent,
en,e rprising, industrious and moral-it is
our own fault if we are not a prosperous
and a happy people. With all these ad-
van,ages, our bosoms should swell with
emotions Of gratitude to the a|l-wise Dis
penser Of human events, that He has here,
graciously cast our lot, and our action.
public and private, should be such, as to
ensure continuance of His blessings.
N. P. TALLMADGE.
MspIsoN, January 7ih l945.
CONGRESSIONAL SYNOPSIS.
Or dntnr of lnrt ,unel, rnached 10 Safnr-