Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1841-01-19
TERRITORIAL LEGISLATURE.


able to form a quorum on Monday the 4th
inst. the day proposed forthe reassembling
Of both houses. Our latest accounts from
Madison, contain nothing OF special inter-
est. The members by no means however
appear to be idle, but seem engaged in ex-
ercising their powers Of Ioquaciiy-there
being a world Of talking, and thus far, but
little law making. There have been as
surances, that when the ho!ydav festivities
were over, the Legislature would proceed
to business in good earnest-we hope the
people viii moi be disappointed.
In the proceedings of the council, we no.
lice that Mr.. BuIlen from this county, has
introduced resolution proposing that the
joint rules of the house, shall be so amended
that neither House, shall adjourn for more
than three days without the consen, of the
other This rule if adopted, will prove an
excellent safeguard, against abuses in sqan-
1ering time. A bill TO divide the town Of
Whitewaterln Walworth county, has been
read q third time and passed.
The Legislature have resolved to memo
rialize Congress, for appropriations for,he
improvement Of The Eox, Wisconsin, Rock
and Peckatonica rivers. A long and ANNA
ted discussion arose on the adoption of.this
memorial in the House, in which the mer-
its Of these several rivers, were pretty we'll
canvassed. The friends Of the Fox and
Wisconsin, being in ftvor Of a separate
memorial for these two rivers, while the
friends Of the Rock and Pecka;onica, in
sisted upon joint memorial including all
four Of these rivers.-A bill has also been
introduced in the House, concerning justi-
ccs Of the Peace, the particulars Of which
we are net informed.
An effort has been made in the Council,
TO reduce the number Of legislative officers,
with the view Of rctrenchment in the pub
lie expenditures. This is a matter which
does not directly appeal to the pockets Of
the people, SO long as The general govern
ment pays the expenses. But still dis
position Of economy, is commendible in
our Legislature, and it is obvious that the
territorial legislature, have more clerks
and other officers, than there is necessity
for. The Senate and House of represen-
tatlves of the United States get along with
two chaplains--the legislature Of Wiscon-
sin has three.
A resolution has been offered in the
House, requiring that the division Of coun
ties into towns, shall be made in accordance
to the lines of the original survey Of the
Territory into townships. The resolution
will not prevail.-A resolution has also
been introduced, enquiring into the expedi-
ency Of establishing a territorial prison.
Leave has been granted to the committee
Oh county and township organization to
report bill, by vote Of l3 to 10. This
subject drags heavily'along, there being an
evident disposition on the part Of many
10 defeat it entirely.-A bill has
been reported in the Council, to amend the
common school act-the details of which
we have not learned.
Petitions have been presented for the
of the law regulating assess
ments, so as to include personal property.
and improvements on real estate, and ma
king the actual value Of real ard personal
property the basis of taxation.-A petition
has also been presented TO extend the cleo
tive franchise to all foreigners, who have
made application to become naturalized.-
Numerous petitions from different portions
of the territory continue to be presented,
asking for change Of our present system
OF county government, also petitions for
the appointment ola superintendent of com,
mon schools.
RAILROAD FROM CHICAGO TO ROCKFORD
The citizens of Boon County, Illinois.
held Meeting at Belvdere on the l6 ,ut.