South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1836-05-07

ence on the destinies Of the western
country, and all his energies were de-
voted TO its overthrow. Shortly after
he took his seat in Congress, he NOV
ed the appointment Of committee to
enquire into the expediency Of chang
ing the system of disposing of the pub
lie lands. This motion was success
| full, and although MIR. Harrison was
only delegate from territory, such
was the general confidence in his abil-
tiles, and he vas appointed chairman
of the committee. At the proper time,
he made report, accompanied by a
bill, the provisions of which are sub
| stantially the same with the present e
quitable land system. By the new bill
the unappropriated public lands were
requited to be laid off into sections,
ard half sections, containing GAO and
800 acres respectively, SO thai the mo-
nopoly was destroyed, and the poor
man, with the moderate earnings Of his
industry, was enabled to enter into
competition with the most wealthy ca
pitalis,s, ard secure for himself and
bis family a comfortable home.
The effects OF this most important
measure we're soon visible 10 the &C.
CELEBRATED advance oftGe western coun-
try ia the march Of Improvement. "A
food of emigration poured into the
territories-,owns and cities sprung
into existence as If by majic-ths hum
of industry was heard throughout the
Iand-and in few years, eight great
states, (including Mlchigan) were ad-
ded TO our confederacy.
This single act, should OF Itself, en-
title lis author to higher honors than
were ever awarded 70 conquerIng
hero, for of what value are the blood
stained laurels of the successful soldier,
when compared with such an enduring
monument Of the wisdom aud patriot
ism Of Harrison, as is found 10 the hap.
piness Of the millions of human beings
who now inhabil that widely extended
domain !
This important service OF Mr.. Har-
rison was gratefully acknowledged by
the people of the territory, and petit
lions, signed by thousands, were pre-
sented to the executive Of the U. So
praying his appointmeL. to the office
Of Governor of the territory. But as
bis friend, the veteran St. Clair, was a
candidate for the station, he modestly
declined being brought into COMPETE
ton with him for it. Shortly after
words, however, in consequence of the
division of the territory and the orga-
nization OF Indiana into a separate go.
vernment, another oppor.unit, was
presented to the people, to testify their
afectionate confidence in him, and he
accepted the government Of that Ter
ritory.
His post was one of danger, as well
as of great labour and responsibility.
His Jurisdiction included all the coun-
try now embraced by [adiana, Illinois,
and Michigan, and the whole of Lou
isiana from its purchase in 1903, until
1905. The population was thialy
scattered along the water courses, and
continually harrassed by the hostile in
cursions of the Indians. The greatest
energy, tempered with a due degree Of
caution and forbearance, was necessa-
ry on all occasions to repel these as.
saults without involving the country in
bloody and destructive war. Yet
the prudence and firmness of Gov. II.
were fully equal to the occasion, and
while throughout bis administration, he
maintained the honor Of his country,
and afforded efficient protection to its
citizens, his fame was never sullied by
single act of cruelty, or military vlo-
lence. The popularity OF his admin
istration is best attested by the tact
that at each expiration of his commits.
sion, he was recommended, by the
people, for reappointment, and contin-
ued to hold the station during the sue.
cessive administrations of Jefferson,
Adams and Madison.
Upon the first organization Of the
territorial government OF Indiana, the
powers Of governor Harrison were al.
most unlimited. In conjunction with
the judges, he had full authority to a.
dept such laws as he might deem ex-
pedient, and be was vested, moreover,
with The exclusive right of appointing
all the officers of the territory, civil or
military, below the grade of General
officers OF militia. He was also EN-.
powered to examine into, and rejec.
or affirm, all equitable claims to tracts