Warsaw Message/January 28, 1843/Page 2

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THE WARSAW MESSAGE.


TH. GREGG··EDITOR.


'THE PAST—THE PRESENT—FOR THE FUTURE.'


Warsaw, Illinois:
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SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 1843


FOR PRESIDENT,
HENRY CLAY,
OF KENTUCKY.
———
FOR VICE PRESIDENT,
JOHN DAVIS,
OF MASSACHUSETTS.
Subject to the decision of a National Convention.
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This Paper will advocate with all the energy it may possess—
[In National Affairs]

  1. THE PROTECTION OF AMERICAN LABOR:
  2. A SOUND AND UNIFORM NATIONAL CURRENCY:
  3. THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE PROCEEDS OF THE PUBLIC LANDS:
  4. THE TOTAL ABOLITION OF THE VETO POWER:
  5. AN ABRIDGEMENT OF EXECUTIVE PATRONAGE:
  6. AN ECONOMICAL EXPENDITURE OF THE PUBLIC MONEY.
[In State Affairs]
  1. AN AMENDMENT OF THE CONSTITUTION—FOR REGULATING THE ELECTIVE FRANCHISE—FOR ESTABLISHING A SAFE JUDICIARY SYSTEM:
  2. A FULL LIQUIDATION OF THE STATE DEBT:
  3. A COMPLETE SYSTEM OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION.


☟ ☟ ☟ ☟ ☟
TO THE FRIENDS AND PATRONS OF THE 'MESSAGE,'
AND TO THE WHIG PARTY GENERALLY.

It is well known that much dissatisfaction with the Editor of the Warsaw Signal was manifested by the members of the Whig Party, when that paper ceased to be the organ of the Party, and the exponent of its principles. The opinion was likewise often expressed, that no paper could be sustained in Hancock county, which did not look mainly to that Party for support. Encouraged by this state of the case, and by the assurances of co-operation and support, that were made to us, we were induced to obtain the printing materials of the Signal, and commence a Whig paper.

The paper has now been in existence one month, and four Nos. have been issued; but justice to ourselves compels us to say, that it has not met with that encourment which circumstances warranted us in expecting. As yet, it has not over one half as many subscribers as the Signal, and unless the list be increased to many more than it had, its patronage will not be sufficient to ensure us even moderate pay for our labor. We have toiled, night and day, since its commencement, in order to get the paper out, and to render it acceptable to its readers; and we only ask a corresponding exertion on the part of those who are as much interested as we are, in keeping up a Whig paper in this county. We know that the continually increasing pressure of the times, and the great scarcity of money, has prevented some from subscribing, who would otherwise have done so; and many who had taken several copies of the Signal, are now only taking one of the Message. Many business and professional men have been induced to withdraw their advertising patronage from the same cause. But to all such we respectfully suggest, that a liberal system of advertising, more than compensates, in the worst of times, for the attendant expense; and that 'hard times,' instead of being a good reason for retrenching in that particular, is rather a strong one, for advertising the more liberally.

Another reason why our paper has not circulated more in the remote parts of the county, is the very great want of mail facilities. This is a serious evil; and so far as we can aid in removing it, we shall gladly do so. One of us will probably take a tour though the county, during next week or the week following; when a prosition for the establishment of a Private Mail, for the supply of such neighborhoods as are without a maii, will be presented. All who are friends to the paper and the Whig cause, are respectfully requested to assist him, in their respective neighborhoods, in extending its circulation.

To conclude, we make an appeal to the Whigs of Hancock and the adjoining counties, to say whether our efforts shall be sustained. We ask nothing by way of gratuitous support—being confident of our ability to render to each subscriber an equivalent for his money. But we do ask that the general and particular benefits—the public and private advantages—that may result from having a paper in our midst, should be well considered.—This done, with the result we shall be content.

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It is stated in the Madisonian that Blair and Rives, of the Globe, have received for public printing since 1832, the enormous sum of $613,000.

THE COUNTY QUESTION.

The question of a division of Hancock County, has for some weeks past, been the theme of much discussion. Petitions, and counter petitions, and remonstrances, have been circulated and signed, and considerable feeling manifested, as is usual, on questions of this nature. Envoys Extraordinary, and Ministers Plenipotentiary, have gone on to Springfield, laden with dispatches from the Sovereign people, to their servants in the Legislature; and if there is nothing done, it will not be for want of action and talk, on the part of the people.

In another column will be found a communication on the subject, over the signature of 'Hancock.' In opening our columns to the discussion of the question, we wish it distinctly understood, that the Message will take no side in the matter—but on the contrarry, will be open to all sides. It is a question on which there is a great variety of opinions, among those interested; and it would be rank injustice in us, as public journalists, to make place for one side, to the exclusion of the other. To both, therefore, we say—'Lay on Macduff!' reserving, however, the privilege, at any time we may think the subject exhausted, of crying—'Hold! enough!'

'Hancock' is averse to the division, and discusses the matter with much earnestness and point. The views he presents are certainly entitled to consideration.—Who he is, or from what part of the county he hails, we know not—nor do we care; but injustice to himself, we must take occasion to commend the temper and spirit of his article. Such articles—whether they accord with our views or not, of any question under discussion—will always receive a hearty welcome.

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THE DISCHARGE OF SMITH.

We have before noticed the fact of the discharge of Smith, the Mormon Prophet by his Honor, Judge Pope, of the United States District Court, then sitting at Springfield.

It appears that Smith, naturally anxious to have the question of the validity of the writ finally settled, repaired to Springfield for that purpose; where the writ issued by Governor Carlin, not being forthcoming, a new one was issued by Gov. Ford, and served by an officer in Springfield. A writ of Habeas Corpus was then brought before Judge Pope—Justin Butterfield, Esq., of Chicago, appearing for, and Attorney General Lamborn against, the prisoner. After a full hearing of able arguments on both sides, the Judge decided to discharge the prisoner, and he was accordingly set at liberty.

We have heard no one doubt the correctness of this decision. For our own part, we do not see how he could have done otherwise. We long ago expressed our conviction that this must be the result. That a citizen of one State cannot be given up to the authorities of another for trial, on a charge of crime committed in the State in which he resides, is so self-evident, that we wonder any doubt could have been entertained on the subject. That Rockwell could have properly have been given up, (had he been caught—or held after he was caught,) is not denied; but it was certainly the duty of Governor Carlin, to have met the demand for Smith, upon such a charge, with a prompt refusal.

In the above, we express no opinion as to the guilt or innocence of either of the individuals charged with the perpetration of crime. The public mind is already made up on that point; and any opinion of ours, would neither weaken or confirm the impression. But we do hope, for the honor of the State, and for her character abroad, that this matter is now put to rest forever.

P. S. We perceive, by the Springfield correspondence of the Missouri Republican, that General Benett was at Springfield, on his way to St. Louis, where he intends to deliver a course of Lectures on Mormonism. He also expects to procure a renewal of the indictments against the Prophet. If we are to believe this man's own statements of himself, he must be one of the most consummate knaves in the universe.

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The story about the Western Armory having been located at Fort Maqssoc, on the Ohio, turns out to be a humbug. In the first place, the commissioners had not power to locate; and in the second, they had not then reported in favor of any point.

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Massachusetts.—The Massachusetts House of Delegates, on the 6th inst., succeeded in electing Mr. Daniel P. King, Whig of Danvers, Speaker of the House.

The Legislature of Missouri, has passed a law abolishing the imprisonment for debt.

PHRENOLOGY VS. HUMBUG.

On Thursday evening last, we had the pleasure of listening to an excellent lecture on the science of Phrenology, by Geo. Coube, Esq., of Edinburgh, spoken by an itinerant Phrenologist, who was green enough to attempt to pass it off for his own. These pretended Phrenologists, who go about the country feeling heads and giving charts, for a picayuno a bump, ought to be scouted from society, by all honest seekers after truth. One half of them know only enough of the science, to 'hook' the lectures of its advocates; and the other half can give the character of an individual by feeling his head, about as well as a Dutchman can tell the flavor of a tub of 'Krout,' by fingering a cabbage!

Phrenology has had many manly and sensible opposers—but that which most tends to retard its progress, is the quackery and tom-foolery of its miscalled friends—and we protest against so noble and exalted a science being made the theme of every mountebank, who choses to make a living by his wits, instead of honest labor.

If the young man in question, has any serious intention of becoming a travelling Phrenologist, we advise him to give it up at once, and commence in right good earnest, the study of its great truths—and our word for it, he will one day be ashamed of his present folly.

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OREGON TERRITORY.

Mr. Linn's bill for the occupation of Oregon Territory is an important one; and if passed, as it probably will be, will cause a tide of emigration to set in for Columbia River.

The bill provides for the erection of a line of Military posts, from our frontier settlements, to the valley of the Oregon, and also at or near the mouth of said river.

It also requires the appointment of two Indian Agents to attend to the interests of the United States, with the Indian tribes in that quarter. It also provides for the extension of civil and Military jurisdiction over the territory; and appropriates $100,000, for carrying the provisions of the bill into effect.

The bill does not appear to meet with much opposition in the Senate.

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REPORT ON THE REDUCTION OF POSTAGE.

Hon. Chas. A. Wickliffe, Postmaster General, in answer to a resolution of enquiry from the Senate, has made a report to that body, recommending a reduction in the rates of letter postage, so as to introduce the Federal Coinage.

By the law of 1825, and now in force, the following rates of postage were established:

Upon single letters sent not over thirty miles, 6 cents.
Over 30 to 80 10,
Over 80 to 150 12½,
Over 150 to 400 18¾,
Over 400 25

In lieu of these distances and rates, the P. M. General proposes the following:

Upon all single letters sent not over thirty miles. 5 cents.
Over 30 to 100 10,
Over 100 to 200, 15,
Over 220 to 400 20,
Over 400 25,

To guard against a probably small reduction of revenue, arising from this change, he recommends that postage to the amount of the lowest of the above rates, be charged upon all letters known as 'drop letters,' or such as are transmitted by private conveyance, and placed in the post office for delivery. In this way, some $50,000 may be realized.

The Post Master General also proposes, that if Congress will release the Department from the heavy burdens imposed by the transportation of the mails by Rail Road Companies, &c. he is then prepared to recommend the reduction of postage to ten cents upon all letters over 80 miles. This he seems to regard as being demanded by public opinion; but in the present state of the Post Office Revenue, would not be expedient.

He also asks that the franking privilege be entirely taken away, or much modified.

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On Mr. Adams' resolution in the House of Representatives to rescind the 21st Role, the vote stood as follows:

Ayes—Whigs, 86; Locos, 5; total 91. Nays—Whigs, 14; Locos and Tyler men, 79; total, 93.

In the free states, who voted Nay, Locofocos, 45; Whigs, none. In the slave states, Ayes, Locos, none; Whigs, 13.

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The Loco-foco Anti-Bank Party in New Hampshire have passed a bill erecting a new bank, and adjourned.

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A Mosque is about to be erected in Paris, for the accommodation of the Mahommetans in that city.

THE STATES.
———

Arkansas.—A bill has passed the Legislature of the State of Arkansas, reducing the salaries of the various state officers; that of the Governor to 1800 dollars, Secretary of State to $600, Treasurer to $800, Auditor to $800, Supreme Judge to $1500, Circuit Judges to $1000, and Members of the Legislature to $3,00 per day.

Rhode Island.—In this state the Dorr party are engaged in registering their voters under the new Constitution, intending, if possible, to carry the state to their wishes by the legal means.

The printing and bleaching establishment of Mr. Isaac Saunders, in Providence, was burnt on the 27th ultimo, and 25,000 pieces of cloth damaged or destroyed, $71,000 insured.

Indiana.—The question of repealing the relief law of the last session, was under discussion in the Legislature, at the latest dates.

By the Cincinnati Gazette we learn that the State Bank of Indiana has made a report to the Legislature, showing that her circulation has been reduced, in a period of eight months, more than one million of dollars; while her specie in the same time was only reduced a little more then $300,000.

Missouri.—A bill to remove the bank from St. Louis to Boonville, has passed the Senate. Also a memorial to Congress calling attention to the dangerous navigation of the Western rivers.

A Legislative Temperance Society has been formed at Jefferson City, of which Ex-Gov. Boggs is President.

Georgia.—A bill has been introduced into the Georgia Legislature 'to abolish security-ship,' by making the promise to pay the debt of another unavailing.

The Whig Legislative committee have recommended that a State convention be held at Milledgeville, on the third Monday in June next.

Kentucky.—The trial of Godfrey Pope for killing young Bliss, at Louisville, has been postponed to the February Term of Court.

Virginia.—The Hon. Alexander H.H. Stuart, member of congress from the 17th district, has written a letter to his constituents, declining a re-election.

The Governor has made a requisition upon Governor Davis, of Massachusetts, for the person of the slave Latimer, as a fugitive from justice. Governor Davis has refused to comply with the demand.

New York.—A great fire occurred lately in New York City, by which five stores were consumed. Loss estimated at 250,000 dollars.

The Milerites are about erecting in the city a large building in which to hold forth upon the destruction of the world.—The lot of ground is leased for 15 months, at the end of which time they expect to be compelled to close doors!

Some Roman Catholic Priests lately burned a lot of Protestant Bibles, at a meeting in the town of Champlain, Clinton co. New York. This disgraceful act of religious zeal, will almost do to set against the destruction of the Ursuline convent at Charlestown, by Protestants.

Ohio.—A most destructive fire occurred at Cleveland on the 2d inst. Several warehouses and the Custom House were entirely consumed, together with all the papers and records belonging to Government. Supposed to be the work of an incendiary.

The Gazette mentions a lot of hogs sold in Cincinnati by the Shakers on Union Village, Warren county, 158 of which averaged 336 lbs. each; 88 averaged 370 lbs. and 12 averaged 402 lbs. each.

Iowa.—Kish-ke.kosh, says the Burlington Hawkeye, one of the chiefs of the Sacs and Poxes, has gone to England to lionize.

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PRICE FOR SHEEP.

We understand that at a public sale which lately took place, at the premises of the late Mr. Lambert, about eight miles south of this, sheep sold for $3 a head, on a credit of nine months. This was a high price; but we mention it, to show the increasing demand for sheep, in this region. The raising of sheep, we have long considered the most profitable business in which a farmer on our prairies can engage. If people would wear more of the production and manufacture of their own farms, and less of the costly products of foreigners, there would be less necessity for stay-laws, and valuation laws, and such like measures of relief.

We have been informed by a gentleman of our acquaintance, in Lee county, Iowa, that he intends bringing a flock of 1000 sheep to that county, next season. We hope some of our citizens will go and do likewise.

Stockbriege Indians.—It is proposed to admit a portion of the Stockbridge Indians, residing in Wisconsin, to the privileges of American citizens. They have petitioned Congress for the purpose. It appears that there are in all, one hundred and ninety-three souls. They have fifty houses, many good and valuable farms, stock &c., and became civilized, and Christianized, and have residing among them a minister of the gospel.—Detroit Advertiser,



COMMUNICATIONS.


For the Warsaw Message.
SUGGESTIONS OF 'AN EMIGRANT' CONSIDERED.
——
NO. 1.
——

Mr. Editor:—My attention has lately been directed to a communication published in the second number of your paper, addressed to 'the Capitalists of Bieton and vicinity,' and signed by 'An Emigrant.' The subjects treated of in that communication,so shortly glanced at, are sufficient when thoroughly canvassed, to make a book; and 'Emigrant' has displayed great thought and foresight, in placing so prominently and condeusely, so many important facts in his comprehensive article.

The great errors which capitalists have committed, are some of the following, to wit:

Investing large sums of money in uncultivated lands, without proper regard to location or quality, at prices often largely above the Government rate. The consequences are plain: Emigrants find plenty of land at Government price, settlements are retarded, tresspasses committed, taxes assessed, and property diminished in value; the capitalist complains, becomes soured against the country, and instead of wisely considering wherein he has erred, in vexation at his loss, turns in disgust from the real and striking advantages of the country, which require capital at the proper period, for their improvement and development, and which experience, in other countries less favored than this, clearly demonstrates, will yield a fair and permanent income.

Now, in consequence of these extensive and most unfortunate land investments in this beautiful and fertile country, many of the best and richest tracts in the state of Illinois, and the territories adjacent, remain unimproved, or but thinly settled, and the capital thus invested, lies dormant and useless. Had capitalists kept their money, Illinois would not embrace a thick population all over its surface,surprisingly larger in amount, instead of here and there a settlement, divided by large tracts, having few or no inhabitants: Illinois, too, in that case, would not now present the lamentable spectacle of an enormous public debt, first fostered and encouraged by those very capitalists, but which would never have been contracted by the hardy and enterprising settler. The time was that if a Representative voted to create a public debt, he could not again be elected—and that time, fortunately for Illinois, has come again.

In that case, too, Illinois, unfettered, unincumbered, densely populated by thrifty, hardy and enterprising cultivators, every where presenting the bountiful results of economy, prudence and industry, would unfold and present to view, such superior and striking facilities for the safe, permanent and profitable investment of capital, as would be unparalleled in America; she has an area of about 62,000 square miles, being the third state in size; she has the least waste land in proportion to her size of any state in the Union; every ten acres on an average, is capable of supporting an average family; she has on every side and in every part, almost unlimited water power; cultivation and labor would transform every unhealthy place, into a delightful garden, with much less expense, than it takes to make improvements in the Atlantic States; she has every where, various mines of the richest quality, and, in spite of every embarrassment, every obstacle, and all her difficulties and perplexities combined, I believe that it can clearly be shown, that capital can now be invested and improvements made in this State, more especially at the Des Moines or Lower Rapids, the Rock River or Upper Raids in the Mississippi river, and at the mouth of Rock river, with less expense, subject to less taxation, capable of yielding a surer and larger profit, than any similar investment in the most favored portion of the older states.

Time and opportunity being favorable, I may present you with more of my views hereafter. Here let me say, that the Legislature, the people, non-resident land owners, and foreign capitalists cannot too often, or too thoroughly investigate this important subject.

Respectfully &c.

ANOTHER EMIGRANT.
For the Warsaw Message.
DIVISION OF THE COUNTY.

Various attempts have heretofore been made, and a number of petitions got up, to procure a division of this county. To all such divisions, a majority of the inhabitants of the county, it is believed, have ever been opposed.

Without calling in question the motives of those who have mostly interested themselves in such attempts, it is not deemed adverse to truth to state, that a desire to advance local and individual interests, rather than those of the community at large, has had a large influence—probably a controlling one—in all previous action on this subject. A desire simply to locate a county seat, in a particular town or neighborhood—thus enhancing four-fold the property of a few individuals, while it imposes greatly increased burdens on the balance of an over-taxed community--is surely no good reason for the division of an old county. Yet who will deny that many of the efforts to accomplish this object, have owed their origin to such a cause as this?

Reasons there may be—and good ones too—which require a fair and just division of the county at this time; reasons which apply not more to Warsaw than to Augusta, or St. Marys, or Chili, or Carthage, or even to Nauvoo itself. The question of a division, is one altogether distinct and apart from the one of a county seat. If any of her friends would pursue such a course, God save her from such friendship! Warsaw needs no adventitious aids. Situated where she is; on the Great Father of Waters; at the head of New Orleans navigation during a great portion of the year; at the foot of the Des Moines Rapids, the most splendid water power in the West; opposite the mouth of the Des Moines River, which will, ere long, convey to her wharves, for shipment to a Southern market, the rich harvests of Iowa; while on her own side of the Mississippi, she is the natural depository of the varied products of a country, sufficient in its extent and the fertility of its soil, to supply the market of an empire;(?)—Warsaw, with such advantages, needs not the influence to be derived from the possession of a Court House, a dozen paltry offices, or half a score of hungry lawyers, to ensure her future growth and prosperity.

One of the reasons urged in support of the measure, is, that 'we thus escape Mormon dictation.' Plausible, indeed!—But, is it true? Is there a man in the community who does not know, that the Mormons already comprise a fourth of the population within the lines of the contemplated division?—that they will hold the balance of power between the two political parties?—that they are constantly on the increase, and that in the course of two or three years, they will probably outnumber all others?

Believing, then, that the political and pecuniary interests of individuals, will be the only ones advanced by the proposed measure—that it will, in no degree, lessen the influence of Mormonism in the control of our elections—and that it will impose a heavy debt, without conferring any corresponding benefits on the public, I sincerely hope that it will not succeed.

HANCOCK.
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Scalds and Burns.—The following composition is said by a Cincinnati paper, to be an excellent remedy for scalds and burns. Mix lime-water and sweet oil together intimately; the relative proportions should be such as to produce a compound about as near a perfect liquid as cream. This substance is then to be applied to the scald or burn, with a feather or soft rag. Under the application, the pain of the severest burn instantly subsides, and if only renewed is an effectual cure. This application is not generally known, and as we have seen its efficacy frequently tested, can recommend it is the spediest and safest that can be used.

———

St. Louis City Scrip, 18 to 20 cts. discount—County Scrip 20 to 25. Illinois State paper, 58 to 60 cts. discount—Shawneetown, 60 to 62 discount. Exchange on New York, Philadelphia and Boston, 1 per ct. premium.—On New Orleans 1 to 3 per cent discount.