Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1859-01-22

vi Liohey 20 loan, RUNS the borrowers,
ana superabundance Of credit leads
10 It's utter prostration. There is one
remedy only; stop borrowing money
to hive upon, and stop getting into
debt without the means to pay. The
amount paid i'll the way of interest in
W lsconsln is vastly beyond the amount
of all our State taxes. We must learn
to live upon what we honestly earn
1t IS time now to stop and pay up, as
fast as possible, without too great sac
ritices, and without borrowing money
at high rates of interest to pay it with.
Those who are now involved cannot
get out Of the hands of creditors by aid
OF legislation. But legislation can, to
some extent at least, in the future, pre-
vent SO great an accumulation of op-
pressiye burthens.
SLAVERY.
Ny views, as expressed in nv last
message, in regard to the relative DOW
ers and duties of the Federal and State
Governments, and in regard to the
powers and duty of Congress to pro-
hibit slavery in the Territories by posi-
tive enactment, and to prevent the ad-
mission OF any more slave States into
the Union, remain unchanged They,
must be settled upon and sustained, IS.
indicating the true policy of the Gov
eminent, and as the only means bv
which the objects for which the Gov
ernmcnt was formed, can be success
fully attained, and liberties of the peo-
pie be preserved.
GENERAL REMARKS.
Public economy advises a short and
busy session, and the people expect ii.
The curse Of local r. gisIation which
has heretofore been upon us can now
DE avoided. Errors may lave been
committed by the last Legislature. "a
errors have always been committed BY
Legislatures; but with all its faults, it
did much that is vastly useful to the
State. If 1t had faults, it had virtues.
1t had labor to perform and public du-
ties. II it was not always wise, it was,
always honest and bold. Genenaf
laws, to meet the wants and necessities
LOT associated enterprise and capital,
were passed, and the people approve
them. There is little in amount, in the
way Of legislation, required at your
hands, let it be done quickly aud
we'll
The credit of the State is unimpair-
Ell. 1t has been guilty Of no repudia-
ton. ltowes no large debt. It's bonds
would sell for premium in the market.
The constitutional limit to State indebt-
ednes3 has been great safeguard. 1t
| has prevented much waste and extrava-
gance, and the wild excuses which
point the way to financial disaster Its
bonds have not been lent in aid of
schemes Of internal Improvement, or
been made the sport Of " all street
| brokers. It can preserve its credit in
the future, as it has in the past, by
keeping cut Of debt. It's policy is, at
no time, under no circumstances, to
load itself with Obligations which it
would distress the people to meet. Its
bonds will always be worth a premium,
| + it neccr issues any. It's word is az
good as it's bond for all it ought to pay.
It is not chargable with the faults or
crimes Of it's citizens. committed out of
its jurisdiction. It has held out no,
temptation to spectators i'll public
debts, and cheated any man out of his
money.
There is no stain upon its honor, be-
cause Individuals or corporations have
been corrupt, or unfortunate and failed
i'll their promises. 1t has not encour-
aged frauds or false pretences. It is
not responsible for losses, where it has
been no party to contracts. Whatever
may be the temporary elnuarrassments
Of its citizens from unwise ventures, or
partial failure Of harvest season, yet
| it is rich in the material elements out
Of which great wealth grows. 1t has
wonderful agricultural and mineral re-
sources, and an untiring, energetic and
intelligent people to derelope them
It is the home of 5000 freemen, and
the smiles Of good Providence have
been upon all. Unlike other States, it
makes 10 concealment OF public crimes,
and has no hiding place for unfaithful
servants. The mission of its civil, po-
litical, educational and religious insti-
tutions, is to make all men honest, con-
sistent, wise and good. A faithful ex-
ecntion Of the law, and an honest adj
ministration Of its affairs, will preserve
its integrity, and increase its power,
until the strength Of other States will
seem a weakness by its side, and its
star shine brightest in the armament of
the Union. .#
ALEXANDER w. RANDALL.