Censor a local paper; and to this end, we invite correspondence from every locality in the county.

"With 'malace toward none and charity for all,' and asking the kind indulgence of the public for any lack of ability, we subscribe ourself, The public's obedient servant,

HENRY CASSON, JR."

in

Henry Casson, Jr., was born in Brownsville, Fayette Co., Penn., Dec. 13, 1843. He removed with his parents to Hennepin, Ill., in 1847, where he resided until 1860, removing in that year to Peoria. In 1856 he was apprenticed to the printing business the office of the Hennepin Tribune. In 1865 he became one of the publishers of the Henry County Chronicle, at Cambridge, Ill., where he remained until 1867, when he received an appointment in the New Orleans Custom House, through the influence of the late Hon. Ebon Clark Ingersoll. He resigned in July, 1868, and purchased the Citi zen office at Chillicothe, Ill., which he sold in 1872, and accepted a position on the Peoria Daily Review, where he continued until 1873, coming to Viroqua in July of that year, to take charge of the Vernon County Censor. In 1880, he was appointed by Supervisor Lottridge as clerk of the census district. He has always been a republican since he became of voting age, and has always taken an active interest in politics. He was married to Ethel Haughton, daughter of Rev. William Haughton, Nov. 7, 1874, and has one child, a son. As a newspaper writer, Mr. Casson holds a ready pen. His descriptive powers are much above the average. Who will say that the following picture is not true to life:

THE TRAMP.

Eighteen years ago, while serving his apprenticeship to the printing business, the writer of this was a little startled by hearing a terrific knock on the office door, made with a hickory walking-stick, and immediately afterwards, a

man apparently about sixty years of age, opened the door and yelled:

"With the seat of my breeches all ragged and tore, Here's Old G. W. Matchett from Baltimore!"

"Gimme a chaw of terbacker. Who's going to give me a quarter to help him over the bridge?" By which he meant that he wanted the wherewithal to buy a drink of whisky, Matchett staid around the town about a week, wrote articles for all who were kind enough to give him an occasional dime; and, finally, becoming restless, skipped out for St. Louis, a distance of 400 miles, on foot. He is constantly on the go-never riding, for the reason, as he says, that it hurts his corns to ride so fast! He has visited nearly every town in the United States on foot, and once took a trip to South America, which came near ending him, on account of his having to be in sight of water so long. Matchett once went into a fashionable restaurant in Savannah, Ga., and seating himself at one of the tables, ordered a sumptuous meal-about a dollar and seventyfive cents worth. He was terribly hungry, having been without food for several days, and he didn't have a cent. He finished his meal, and was walking out, when the proprietor, who judged from his personal appearance that he wasn't the kind of a chap to be eating high-priced meals, collared him and asked him if he wasn't going to pay his bill. "My initials are G. W., and I can't tell a lie," said Matchett. "I haven't got a cent." This angered the restaurant man, and he jerked a revolver from behind the counter and pointed it at Matchett. "Pay me for my meal!" shouted the boniface. "What you got there?" coolly asked Matchett. "I've got a revolver, and if you don't pay me I'll use it!" "Oh, a revolver, eh?-that's all. I was afraid it was a stomach pump!" Matchett got off with a kick. Matchett must be eighty years of age, but he still sticks to the "turf," as he calls it, and gets away with as much poor whisky as ever. He is a splendid scholar, an able writer, and a man

who is well qualified to fill a high position; and yet he will, ere long, fill a pauper's grave, "unwept, unhonored and unsung." It is true he will be missed, for the old man has warm friends among the craft who admire his talents, and are always glad to see him.

VIROQUA EXPOSITOR.

On the 28th of August, 1858, the Viroqua Expositor issued its first number, O. C. Smith, Jesse Smith and Justus Smith, proprietors-O. C. Smith, editor. The following was the editor's

SALUTATORY.

In appearing before the public as a journalist, we have but one apology to make, and that one is very general. When reason errs, reason corrects the error; so, should we be so unfortunate as to err in one point, we are willing, and would be any time, happy to make correction. But should we err in many respects, as others laboring in like capacity do, we are still more ready to rectify errors. And while we keep a steady eye upon the truth, even the great truths of the spirit of reform that is at present agitating the world, we hope every sentiment written by us may be candidly investigated before it be utterly denounced; that it be impartially weighed before the sca'e be turned against us.

"The great social, political and religious reforms have stirred the turbid waters of National corruption, whose vapors have poisoned the minds of the people, and are rushing with fury upon the temples of the despoilers of our happiness, liberties, and institutions; consuming the bigotry of Churches, the deceitfulness of statesmen, and is at present presenting to us the government-rites and ceremonies of the different branches of the Church in a wider and more equitable form.

"The political economy of our National fathers is also assuming an enviable standard among the Nations of the earth; and while all are working so harmonious together, there is left but little room for those who would falsify the

truth of this spirit of progress or throw a stumbling-stone beneath its wheel.

"While we endeavor to lend a helping hand to every movement that has for its object the elevation of the character of mankind, we will steadily endeavor to push on the western reform by advocating the cause of the agriculturist, mechanic, educator, and every member of the great school of religious civilization of the western world. Our pen and midnight lamp shall be agents in recording and testifying to the busy scenes of our prosperous county, so long as the oxen shall low upon the plow-beam, the horse be muzzled in the cornfield, the grating saw and screeching plane of the mechanic keep music to the the touch of our pen, or the merchant's goods hang outside the door to brighten the face of business.

"We hope in the prosecution of our new duty to always be found upon the side of justice, wooing not the smiles of friends, or depreciating the displeasures of foes. Our aim is beyond personal aggrandizement, but the character of mankind in all its capabilities will receive our attention. The aged will be honored, the middleaged respected, and the youth of our country encouraged.

"We have naught to promise our readers in the publication of our sheet, save that as night is opposite of day, and as right is the opposite of wrong, our soul detests the thought of giving to the fathers of families and especially to the youth of our land, a fabric of fictitious novellettes, that will destroy their usefulness, and choke the moral sensibilities of the giant mind in embryo, thereby plunging them into the vortex of temptation.

"Now, as we enter upon the first number and volume of our paper, we hope you may all have a pleasant and profitable journey with us to the end of the year."

In some respects, this salutation is unique. On the whole, its peculiarities of diction and thought are of a most unusual cast. As the greeting of an editor to the public in assuming

With the issue of November 6, following, G. W. Wolfe, became associate with associate with O. C. Smith, in editing the Expositor. He launches his bark upon the sea of journalism, with "A Word Introductory;" but that "Word" extended over a column in length. This was his peroration:

"Residents of Viroqua and Bad Ax county, 'grow not weary in well doing,' but push along the ball of improvement; throw aside your sectional strife, for 'a house divided against itself cannot stand;' put forth all your energies toward accomplishing and sustaining a high reputation for your county, and you will not only merit, but receive, a rich reward for posterity." But, on the 7th of May, 1859, Mr. Wolfe gave notice that with that issue of the paper, his connection with the Expositor ceased. The proprietors, on the 11th of December, 1858. were O. C. Smith, A. F. Smith and Justus Smith; on the 10th of April this was changed to O. C. and J. Smith.

The name of the paper was changed to the Viroqua Expositor and Bad Ax Reporter, Aug. 27, 1859, and in the next issue, September 3, O. C. and J. Smith appeared as both editors and proprietors. The Bad Ax Reporter was subsequently dropped. Afterward, G. W. Wolfe again became editor; but the latter died on the 19th of October, 1862, when the Expositor paid the fellowing graceful tribute to his memory:

"Died, on Sunday morning last, very suddenly, of apoplexy, G. W. Wolfe, Esq., of this village.

“Mr. Wolfe was just emerging into the prime of life, with an inviting prospect of a useful and honorable future before him. He was near twenty-seven years of age, and was in apparent good health up to the hour of his death. He had been attacked twice before with apoplexy, from which he soon recovered, and it was thought by many permanently, but every

morning apparently in good health, drove some cattle from his garden, and returned to the house after an absence of but a few moments, and said he was getting blind. He sat on the side of his bed but a moment when he went into convulsions from the effects of the disease. Before he fully recovered from the attack, he was again convulsed, and so it was repeated the fourth time, and he was dead!

"The announcement of his sudden death startled the community, and they hurried to the house of mourning, but human skill was unavailing; he has trodden the dark path through the valley and shadow of death, and leaves behind him an affectionate wife and very many relatives and friends who mourn the loss of a kind and affectionate husband, a dutiful and amiable son, a loving brother, and a devoted and faithful friend. We deeply sympathize with all who are called to mourn over the loss of him whom the gifts of earth can never replace.

"The deceased was born in Athens Co., Ohio, was early educated and learned the printing business in his native county. He was editor of this paper for the past year, and was a careful and vigorous writer, as all who read must know.

"He was buried in the village church-yard on Monday last, at 3 o'clock, with Masonic honors."

Mr. Wolfe was succeeded by O. C. Smith as editor. The Expositor was finally merged into the Northwestern Times, the materials having been purchased by J. A. Somerby, of the county treasurer, to whom they had been sold, by Mr. Smith, as appears by the following:

"To the subscribers of the Expositor. Through the courtesy of the Times' editor, I am permitted to say that I have disposed of all my right, title and interest, in the office of the Expositor, and the same now rests in James Lowrie, Esq., county treasurer, who has agreed to complete all my contracts for subscription to

In 1871 T. C. Medary commenced the publication of the De Soto Republican, and continued it for one year, when he removed to Lansing, where he published a paper. He was an able writer.

In 1872 the De Soto Leader was established. C. L. Ingersoll moved the material from Lansing, Iowa, across the river on the ice, and was the founder. He conducted the paper for a time, then sold it to B. J. Castle. Ingersoll was a merchant there, and is still a resident.

B. J. Castle ran the paper for several years, then sold out and removed to Prairie du Chien, where he was proprietor of the Union for some time. He has since moved to Black River Falls, where he still makes his home. He is publishing a paper there; but, for the past few years, has held a clerkship in one of the State departments at Madison.

Succeeding Castle in charge of the Leader, came G. L. Miller, a lawyer. He still owns the material, although publication has been suspended. Others were at times connected with the paper, but merely temporarily.

In 1872 A. L. Ankeny began in Viroqua, the publication of the Wisconsin Independent, continuing it until January, 1876, when he removed to Black River Falls. In August, 1875, the Viroqua Vidette was started by Jacob Tenney and Hartwell Allen. At the end of three months, Mr. Tenney retired, leaving Mr. Allen sole proprietor. The Vidette closed its career Nov. 11, 1876. There was now but one paper published in the county, the Vernon County Censor.

VERNON COUNTY HERALD.

The first number of the Vernon County Herald was issued at Viroqua, Feb. 11, 1878, by Jacob Tenney and Hiram Moody, editors. and proprietors. Its platform of principles is given to its readers in the following salutatory:

"In presenting to the people the first number of the Herald, perhaps it is proper to announce some of the principles that will be advocated in its columns. We believe that the time has come when a change should be made in the National administration and the policy pursued by the government, and so believing, we shall use whatever influence we may command to bring about such change. The government for many years has been under the control of the wealthy bond-holders, corporations and partisan office-holders, who have influenced legislation for their selfish purposes, to the neglect of the welfare of a large majority of the people.

"The industries of the country have been languishing and dying, and millions of industrious people have been suffering from the effects of enforced idleness, while the bondholder has been adding to his hoarded wealth. Taxation has been unequal, working injustice to a large class of the people. The Nation has

become subject to the rule of the money power and must seek deliverance through the ballot box. The principles advanced by the greenback party, should they prevail, will, we believe, relieve the people of much of the distress that has been caused by a false policy and misrule."

The terms of the Herald were $1.50 a year. In the first number, the editors seem to have had some idea that the publication of their paper would stir up animosities. They consoled themselves in this way: "A man cannot expect to publish a newspaper and escape having some enemies. Jesus Christ and George Washington had enemies, and we don't pretend to be better than either of them. In fact, we are willing to admit that they possessed some virtues that we cannot claim." The Herald was discontinued in the early part of August, 1880.

VERNON COUNTY LEADER.

The first number of the Vernon county Leader was issued Aug. 20, 1880, by D. W. C. Wilson, as editor and proprietor, he having purchased the presses, printing material and fixtures of the Vernon county Herald. But the Leader is not in any respect a continuation of the Herald. "From our knowledge of Vernon county," says Mr. Wilson, in his salutatory, "we feel confident that its broad and fertile area presents an inviting field for newspaper enterprise, and that its industrious, intelligent and enterprising people will award to another paper, the support its merits, as a local newspaper shall justly deserve. With the advent of railroad facilities, of which Vernon county has so long been deprived, the most casual observer cannot fail to note a new and healthy activity in all branches of business, and a corresponding development of the vast resources of one of the best counties of the State.

a paper as will be felt to be a necessity in every household within its borders. Politically, the Leader will be democratic, giving its hearty and unqualified support to the candidates of the party already in the field, and such local candidates as may from time to time be selected as its standard bearers.

"While we shall be firm and uncompromising," concludes Mr. Wilson, "in support of the principles and the candidates of the democratic party, we shall cheerfully accord to those opposed to us politically, the same degree of honesty and consistency we ask for ourselves and for those politically in accord with us, and shall treat all opponents with the same degree of courtesy and fairness that we ask for ourselves, appealing to the reason and good judgment of men, rather than to their passions or their prejudices. We have come to Vernon county to stay, and proudly throw our banner to the breeze, soliciting such patronage, and such only, as our conduct and efficiency shall justly merit."

The Leader is still published and is an ably conducted paper. There are, indeed, indications of fun-of genuine humor-in some of Wilson's editorials that stamp him as a genius in that line. It will be difficult to find anything more excessively humorous in all the range of American newspaper editorials than the following from his pen, in the issue of Aug. 27, 1880:

"A party has been camping out just on the outskirts of the pleasant little village of Melvina, during a portion of last week, and most of this. The party consisted of the Rev. L. W. Brigham, the genial and popular Universalist clergyman of La Crosse, his wife and son, Miss Hammond, Miss Dudley and Miss Kingsley, of that city, A. Enny and wife, ‘By' Wright (the genial and popular conductor of the Viroqua branch) and wife, and Mrs. A. Ellis, of Sparta. "They had a great deal of fun and a pleasant

when they let Wright into the party. They only took one car load of provisions, thinking