The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1872-03-14
CONSOLIDATION"

EDITOR TELEGRAPH II am not polit-
ician or an office holder, and seldom engage
in newspaper controversies, or public dis
cussons of the issues of the day, but 1 do
read, and have read with interest, the dis
cussions, both pro and con, in regard to the
consolidation of the counties.
have been resident of Kenosha county
upwards of twenty five years-have been per-
sonally acquainted with the leading men of
the county, and had opportunity for observa-
ton. AT the time of the division, l was
farmer living in one of the towns adjoining
the city, and was opposed to the division.
1t was done, however, the county buildings
erected at the city expense, and I acquesced,
as l thought, becoming citizen, and long
since, considered the question dead issue.
My relations have been somewhat changed
since that time, but my hea7iest Interest is
still in the country,-I am a farmer at heart
and sympathize with farmers as such, but
regret the hostility which some of them seem
to exhibit towards the city, as a city. We
all are or should be interested in the general
welfare of the echOle county,-both city and
county, since one cannot materially prosper
or rctrograde without affecting the other.
My attention has been called to some of
the remarks of G. I. S. in last week'S ISSUE
He says among other things, "First, Kenosha
instigated division Of the county, without
the consent and vote of the people," 1 ad
NIT there was strong opposition in the
country, and l for one was opposed
but was not aware before, that the question
was ever voted upon.
"Second. The warehouse frauds" which
occurred more than 20 years ago, [ was @
farmer at the time, with grain in store, but
did not hold the citizens responsible for the
acts of few dishonest men. AS we'll might
the whole town in whicE Shearer lived, be
held responsible for the foul murder com
mitted by him few years since, which would
simply be absuld. Besides, 1 know the
citizens sympathized with the farmers in
their loss. Further, the individ uais concerned
in the frauds, have, without exception, long
since either left the city, or retired to OBJ
security, and it can be prejudice onlv, which
retains i'll feeling. from such remembrance.
Third. The strenuous effort to bond the
county, for railroad purposes was OPP
posed to the scheme, but at the same time,
did not doubt the sincerity of many who
favored it, in believing it for the general in
terest of the county. II have not forgotten
many prominent farmers favored 1T, although
1t was not popular in the country. Many
individuals mortgaged their farms to favor
the construction of the road, aud the city
showed her good faith in the proposition by
issuing her bonds for the same purpose. 1t
cannot be denied, that the result has not
proved 30 favorable as was hoped for.
''The late effort 70 hare the county assume
the city Indebtedness" I regret the nee
essity of using any language seemingly harsh,
bat must pronounce this assertion, either
willfully dishonest, or wlllfully ignorant,
am aware this subject has been unfairly har-
ped upon, for the purpose of array!ng the
country against the city, and too many who
give the subject little thought or investiga
tion, honestly adopt the opinion, that such
are the facts, but that does not make it SO. we
doubt whether there is candid intelligent
man in the county, who has given the subject
any consideration, that believes any such
absurdity. It could not be done If Kenosha
would do it, nor toould it be done if she could
do it. / speak the truth when I say that
have never heard u citizen express himsel (
in favor of any such scheme, but. on the con.
trary have always heard expressed quite the
contrary.
Il
4 Again, your correspondent alludes to oaa
assemblyman from your city, welded solely
to the city's interest, cannot call to mind
any instance, since the division OF the coun-
ties in which any assemblyman from the
city, has used his influence to legslatc, solela
for the citys interest, to the detriment of the
country. II my memory is treacherous, I
shall be happy to be corrected. Nor can ]
call to mind any special legislation for the
benefit of tho country, through the influence
of any member from the country. believe
our members generally to be actuated for the
public good, and whether from the city or