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curtailed at both extremities, were yet regarded such as might still enable 

 us to command a respectable rank in the great republican family. 



Well, we regarded the question of boundary, which had given us so 

 much trouble and alarm, as finally put forever at rest; and we went on 

 in earnest, to settle up and improve our fair domain, with a view to future 

 greatness as well as immediate convenience. But in the short space of 

 four years, before we have fairly composed our minds and become quiet 

 of our apprehensions from without, a new project of dismemberment rises 

 up from within ; so strange and startling is the proposition, that but few 

 of our citizens can believe it real, but are disposed to regard it as some 

 poor hoax, got up by grave legislators in a leisure moment, during a 

 dearth of legitimate business, or while awaiting perhaps the action of the 

 Executive on Bills which their greater industry had presented for his con- 

 sideration. But I regret to say no such charitable excuse can be plead 

 for our Solons. Their proposition to violate the integrity of our boun- 

 daries stands on record, in the form of a grave legislative act, entitled, 

 "Joint Resolution in relation to the erection of the Territory of Superior." 

 Then follows the Resolve, that the assent of Wisconsin "is hereby given" 

 to the dismemberment of the State ! and that fully one half of it may be 

 set off into a distinct Territorial Government, to wit : all north of Town 

 30, and west of Range 10 N. of the Meridian. 



The question has been asked, "where did this scheme originate?" — 

 Though difficult to trace its paternity, it is easy to say where it did no* 

 come from, and that is, it did not originate with the people. 



But the assent of Wisconsin "is given," that the best half of the State 

 may be " set off." Now it is generally supposed that boundaries consti- 

 tute a part — a most essential part of our Constitution. Has our Consti- 

 tution been changed — amended ? If so, when, where, and how ? and if 

 not, by what authority has the Legislature undertaken to give the "assent" 

 of the people of this State to a simdering of it in the midst ? 



As for the people of Northern Wisconsin, they regard the proposition 

 with disapprobation, and concern ; its consummation would be their ruin. 

 They are told that the interest of the northern and southern portion of 

 the State are "so diverse!" Indeed! and suppose they should be so, 

 what State in this Union", of respectable dimensions, but has diverse 

 interests? The argument is too insignificant to merit pursuit. The 

 whole scheme is liable to a construction, not greatly to the honor of the 



