Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1841-12-21
GOVERNORS MESSAGE.


The message of Gov. Doty, is document of
considerable interest, and contains some conside-
rauons which are of Importance to the people. In
our remarks upon the several subjects embraced in
the message, we are not influenced by political
observation-disclosures in our honest opinion,
merits the attention and commentator of the peo-
pie, we are willing to approve nor have we any
hesltancy In disappearing, that which we regard as
prejudicia to the general good of the Territory
To those who have been familiar with the history
of public men and measures in this Territory, dur
ing the past four years. one feature of the message
will attract peculiar notice. Such persons, cannot
fail of being forcibly reminded of the inconsistency
which is often presented in the character of some
men, between profession and practice. Unless the
transactions of the past obiterated from the pa
ges of our history, it will be extremely difficult for
Gov. Doty to persuade the people, that the princi
pies and policy avowed in the message, those
by which he has hitherto been guided and govern
ed. Were we disposed to compare his past acts
with his present professions, strange discrepancy
would appear, between action and pretension. But
leaning to the side of charity, are inclined put
the most favorable construction upon the message
for doubtless Gov. Doty like most other men who
have been guilty of faults, is not beyond the reach
of reformation. Among the subjects recommended
TO the consideration of the legislature IN the mes
sage, the following have our approval -
The expedlency of taking preparatory meas
ures in order to our becoming State, is matter
which we regard with favor, and one upon which
our views have already been expressed to the pub
Ii L
many persons on this subject-they entertain fears
that our taxes, which aaeady burdensome, will
be increased by becoming State, and that
shall become the losers bya change of our Terrific
nal to a State government. No who has be-
slowed careful examination upon this matter, can
arrive at such conclusions. The pecuniary consi-
derations in favor of our becoming State I'VE have
not yet seen fairly met and disproved.
The Governors recommendation for the aband-
onment of the Milwaukee and Rock River Canal,
will meet the appreciation of large proportion of
the people of this Territory. 1t is hoped that the
legislature will take decisive steps, to the
further progress of this speculation. Public senti-
ment has become awakened to this question, and
the desire very generally prevails among the people,
to be relieved of further responsibility in this visio
nary project.
Legislative encoura cement for the growth of
wool and improvements in agriculture, are matters
deserving the attention of the legislature The le-
gslature of the State of New York. as well as many
other States have granted aid to agricultural soci-
etes, and the most cheering consequences have fol-
lowed. The early introduction of sheep into this
Territory is a matter of incalculable importance.
The Governor also recommends more efficient
system of Common Schools Our present system
of common schools in this Territory, it must be &C
knowedged is extremely detective. Whether the
system Incorporated in the town and county
government law, which goes into effect next April,
will remedy the present evils in this portion of the
Territory, remains to be tested.
The remarks respecting the present system of
taxation, are entitled to attention. Taxes in this
Territory in many instances oppressive, and in
furious to the future prosperity of the country.
The Monopolies which have been created by the
granting of exclusive privileges, to certain ndiyid-
uals, are also Justly condemned by the Executive.
There are other subjects brought to view in the
message, which are of more doubtful expediency
And there are still other matters of immediate in
terest to the people of the Terri DRY, which left
entirely unnoticed. The present condition of the
Fur Trade, to which allusion is made in the mes
sage, is without doubt dsadvanta geous and oppres-
sve to the American trader but it is idle TO talk of
remedying the evil by any legisa ton in this Ter
ritory-Reerence is also had in the message to the
present state of the currency, in the Territory
The Governor recommends the prohibition of the
use of deprecated bank paper, and the buying and
selling of it within the limits of the Territory
However desirable it may be to improve the cur
rency of Wisconsin, it is visionary suppose that
the circulation of deprecated bank notes, can be
prohibited by law. Several of the States have e-
gslated for the purpose of prohibiting the crcua-
ton of bills of certain denominations but the law
in such cases has always been dead letter. The
buying and selling of deprecated bank paper, can
only be regulated by public opinion and never by
. tatutes.
The remarks in the message respecting the valdi-
ty of Territorial bonds, before they receive the
approval and sanction of Congress, is a subject
which for years has been favorite hobby with the
Governor.
There are some public matters in which the Ter
rItory is directly interested, which are unnoticed
in the message. In all former messages the atten-
ton of the legislature has been called to the propr-
ETY. of pettoning Congress- for Harbor appropria-
tons on our lake shore. There is no one subject
IN which the people of the eastern portion of the
Territory are more vitality interested than that of
Harbors. Why then should the Governor neglect
to call the attention of the legislature the subject
Of memorialzing Congress1 1t is true that the
Governor suggests, that our harbors may be i'm
proved after we become State, by applying
portion Of the fund which will holo..- "a nc ,,rIor