Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1845-10-21
COMMUNICATED.
STATE COVER MEME.

| ject Of forming a state government IN WIS.,
consin, has been repeatedly discussed 10
the columns of the Telegraph, and that but
little diversity Of opinion exists in the dis
.rict of country in which your paper mostly
circula,es, as TO what should lie the action
ofthe people in relation TO change OF our
condition from a territory 10 that OF state
With the view, however, of eci'ing a more
general in,crcs, on this subject, propose to
furnish series of articles for your paper,
which you will dispose of in such manner as
you may deem proper ], will be my pur-
pose not only TO exhibit the political, pecu-
mary, and cducat;o a ;d.an a ,cs, which
will be gained by g,ins into state 90
eminent, Lut also to review the move
ments which have hitherto been made by
the legislature and the people in reference
to this questions; also with the view Of elci
ting enquiry, make some suggestions as to
what should constitute some of the essential
features in our future state Constitution.
That the public mind il this Territory,
has undergone great changes during the last
year on the subject Of state governme Mt, is
abundantly indicated from the tone of the
p,csS and expressions of the people in If
lercnt quarters. 1t is gratifying TO observe
that in some portions of the Terrtory,where
until recently the subject of forming state
government, has been regarded almost unan-
imously with disfavor, there is now mani
fest disposition TO throw off our territorial
dependency. Particularly in the western
counties, has there until lately been deter
mined opposition TO going into the Union;
in the counties oflowa and Grant the voice
of the electors has heretofore been nearly u
unanimous against state government; but
now the tone of the people and the press in
the western counties is strongly indicative
Of change. In the no them portion Of
the Territory also, the leading pc lnicians
have heretofore exhibited strong opposition;
now, the majority Of tie people in the north
ern counties are believed to be in favor Of
going into a state government. Petitions
it is said have already been put in crcula-
ton in some portions of Territory with the
view of being presented 10 the legislature
at its ensuing session, calling for the pas
sage Of an act authorizing vote of the pee
pie on the ques ion Of state government, and
providing for the holding ola Convention TO
form a state Constitution.
An admission into the Union at as early a
period as possible, | believe to be a matter
of the highest importance to the people Of
this Territory. The soonest practicable pc
rod for our admission, giving all the ncces-
sary time for preliminary arrangement and
deliberation,it is believed will be at the scs-
sion of Congress,next ensuing the one which
his TO assemble the coming winter. In or
der to be in readiness 10 demand admission
at the time above mentioned, it will be ne
ccssary for the Legislature TO authorize an
expression Of the people 10 be taken at the
ensuing splng election in April 1916; if a
majority are for state government, let an c.
: lection for Delegates TO form a state consti-
tuition, be ordered in the month Of July fol-
lowing; LET the Convention to form a state
Constitution meet in October following; LET
the Constitution be submitted TO the people
for their approval in the following January,
IS47. II the Constitution formed be APP
proved by the people, there will be ample
time for is transmission to Congress, and
the requisite action being had by that body
before the close of the session in the year
1S47. This arrangement | think does not
contemplate too great haste, and although
the time for choosing Delegate, and for ap.
proving tie Constitution, would come at sea-
sons Of Tie year, when it is unusual to hold
elections in the TcrriioEy.yet it is important
TO keep the several preliminary actions of
the pcoplc,as much as possible disconnected
from the partzan Influences attendant OH
our general and town elections. 1t doubt
less would be more convenient for the pco-
pie 10 vote for delegates, and also on the ac-
ceptance ofthe constitution at our spring and
fall elections, but there woull be less sin
gleness of purpose on the part of vo:ers,and
The issue would be more likely TO be em5ar-
rasscd by political questions, than if some
other time was fixed upon.
Events which transpircd during the last
session of Congress show pretty conclusive
ly that the general government is determjn-
ed TO withhold from us The usual appropra-
lion allowed for our Legislative expenses.
Wisconsin is evidently regarded as having
arrived at a period when she is capable of
taking care Of herself, and when a sense
Of self respect should induce her TO throw
off her condition of Territorial dependence.
A young man who has fully arrived at bis
maturity in years possessed Of health,
s'rongth,and the ability TO take care of him
self; yet determined not 10 provide for him.