The Kenosha telegraph and tribune. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1859-1860, 1860-01-26
What IL aDesnn1isn, 2

We illustrate our meaning of things by refer
ing TO examples, or cases. Austria is by general
consent denominAted Despotism. The alb
sence of written constitution is one Of the char
actersties Of despotism; but nation may be
without a written constitution, and yet its gov
eminent be administered with midness, and a
kind regard for the welfare of the people. The
form Of a government, lin name, at least) does
not necessarily indicate its true relation to pop
ular rights. Why is Austria styled a Despot-
SIN 1t is because Of certain governmental quail
ties, among the most prominent of which are
the following
A censorship of the press; restraints of the
freedom of speech a surveillance over the con-
tents Of the mails; a system Of e:poinage No.,
the opinions and conversation of ci.'. a..
prohibition of public assembsge,. for tbo d;scr,.
sion OF measures Of public ,,o,ov +bo +roo,,o,,.
arrest Of persons on p ava snsn;cio, of boldino,
to certain interests; restraining
to anott
Such are the prominent governmental features
which have gained for Austria the name of Des-
potism. Let us now see whether these several
characteristics, arc found in the Republic of the
United States Have we censorship Of the
press? The press is as essentially trammeled,
and its expression ofopinions nterdjcted. IN the
southern half Of this Union as in Austria. There
arc subjects upon which the press is required to
observe silence under the most severe penalties
The mails in Austria are under the surveillance
Of government officials so under the recent de-
cision of the q. s. Postmaster General, they are
in this country. The exercise Of this authority
OF the part Of FoStmasters has already commence
ed Republican newspapers and other mail mat
ter, have been interdicted and withheld from sub
scrber. In Austria, the free expression Of
opinion in the common and private walks of life,
is attended with extreme hazard, and often WIS.,
tied with coudign punishment. Such ia true Of
the United States; examples are every dav
transpiring Of the most rigorous treatment of
such as venture 20 indulge in the freedom Of
speech. Public assenblages for tile discussion Of
the principles of human liberty, are efectually
prescribed in large portion of this country as in
any OF northern Europe, If in Austria persons
are arrested and severely dealt with, on mere
suspicion of holding opinions adverse to the in
s.itutons Of the government; so are they in Re-
publican America. If,persons iii Austria are Ii
able to be molested for travelling without pass.
ports, 80 are they in this country liable 10 all
sorts Of indgnites in going from one section of
the Union to another where differences Of opin.
ion prevail on the subject of slavery. The great
number Of book and commercial agents teachers,
mechanics and professional men Of various kinds,
who have lately been expelled from the South,
simply because they are born and educated in the
North, is sufficient on this point. If in Austria
spies are employed to watch the movements, and
note the conversation of persons in places of pub
ic resort, so has the same been done in Virginia
and other States within a short time past
Now the only point is, are these correspond
ing characteristics of governmental rule, between
Austria and the United States correctly stated
If not, will some one point out the error We
are not responsible if the deduction proves our
country essentially despotic; we are only responG
ible for our statements ofmodern historical facts
Some of the most fearful strides of our country
towards despotism, have been made within p
comparatively short period. Although the idea
of centralized power, was entertained by few
during the early period of our government, it is
only recently that it has gained the ascendency
and been inaugurated 1t was forseen by JEFF
ferson that the great danger to our free insLitu-
tons, was to be sppreheuded from the central
cation Of power. So long As the States MAN,
tanned their respective independent sovereign
ties, Despotism could never gain an ascendency
We have now in this country despotic power
above the people and beyond their reach. The
Central Supreme Court is composed OF men who's
tenure Of Office is for life the mandates of the
Court are irreversible by the voice of the peo-
PIE, as the decrees of the Autocrat of Russia
This central uridical power, was once confined
within the limits designed ny the founders Of
the government; 1t now trampies on State rights
sets mp ii authority in the several States wholly
independent and regardless of the laws thereof
The people are everywhere counseled to submit
to its entertainments and allow it to gain uudis
puted sway over the affairs Of the nation. The
President of tine United States assumes in his
late message, that the decisions of this tribunal,
have already established slavery on every foot Of
free Territory belonging to the Union, beyond
the power ofCongress or Territorial Legislatures
or any human power to prevent it 81 borrower,
the President intiniates, the Supreme Court has
power TO maintain and protect slavery in the
Territories without further legislative aid. What
engine Of tyranny i" Austria, or any other Des,
potism of Europe, d'fe' the viii of ta peopl
and truples down liberty more eiivctually than
this
Shall this condition of affairs contir ne or sha.
the progress Of Despo.ism be arrested? II the
people desire a riddauce from The present mis-.
ruic Of the country, the dynasty which now COZ.
trolls must be overtbTown at The ballot box The
government Of the country can never be brought
back TO the principles which controlled its found
ers, without displacement OF the party hitherto
in power, and tbs Inauguration Of government
which shall recognize tie doctrines Of the Dee
lanaton ofAmerican independence as the basis
of the peoples rights.
ey-The Belville Ad0Ocate published in South