Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1842-09-28
NJ. S. CLARKE, Clerk.
WAsHINGroN, ID. C.. May 18th. 1912.

% TIC I1Otl- JnOu hCIuGuSs
Chm. Of the Committee on Commerce.
Sir.-The entire want of ha rbors on the
Western shore Of Lake Michigan 10 the
Territory Of Wisconsin, added to the great
accession to the population of the Terri
tory within the vicinity Of the lake border
Tammounting al the present time TO at
least thirty thousand souls and the great
" increa scd commercial resources of the
Territory, derived from its agricultural
and mineral advantages; meet in urging
upon Congress, in behalf of the people
whom | have the honor TO represent the
exercise of an enlightened and just liber
ality.
The land holders Of the Territory have
paid into the National Treasury the
amount Of two millions six thousand and
nincty-seven dollars and were the Territory
to receive but five per. cent OF this sum, 10
aid in the construction of harbors and the
completion Of roads, it would amount to
one hundred and thirty thousand two hun
drnd and eighty zine S5-100 dollars. If
tn, were Appropriated by Congress and
expended under the Secretary Of War,
it would be sufficient TO commence harbor
improvements at the most prominent and
important points on the Lake border, to wit
Milwaukee, Racine, and Southport. Di
vidcd bltwccn these important Towns,
they would be enabled 10 commence i'm
provements that would have the most BEN
e'iciaI effects.
would respectfully invite your at,en-
ton to the numerous petitions addressed to
~, ba cit xyall hyr tho
Legislature Of the Territory, setting forth,
in strong and sincere appeals to the hu-
mainly OF Congress, The necessity of assiS-
lance. and demonstrating by unquestonable
facts, the advantages which would result
from Harbor appropriations. By refer
ing to the report of Comm ttee appointed
by the trustees Of the Town of milwaukee
made to the Typographical Bureau. it will
be seen that the avetage annual loss OF the
lives of those engaged in Commercial pur-
suits, is fifteen PERSONS; and during the
same period an annual loss of eleven yes
sells and more than one million of dollars
rexcuding the vessels, shipwrecked and,
that this immense loss Of life and property
has occurred from the want Of harbors
on Lake Michigan.
The Secretary of War, in his late an
nual report to the President, aludes to the
subject as follows: While justice is thus
done to the maratme frontier, in the i'm
provementS OF It's harbors, and in the pro-
visions forts military and naval defcuces,
the exceedingly important and rapidly in
creasing Commerce Of the Lakes is plainly
entitled TO consideration and assistance by
II i L L
sally obstructed by natural impediments,
and by atiording Light Houses for a haz-
ardous navigation. Al TIE present time
his Commerce, based on the productions
u seven States and oneTerritory, must an
uually exceed twenty five millions of dol
ars; and as it expands and increases it
will give additional value TO the public
domains.
Several States bordering on the Atlantic
are deeply interested in the construction
OF harbors in Wisconsin. The large and
constantly increasing surplus that will be
annually shipped from Wisconsin, consist
ing Of wheat, -four, corn, pork, &c. from
the Eastern part OF the Territory, and
lead, shot, and copper, from the Western
part. will eventually seek the cities ofNew
York and Boston for a market. The last
named staples, at present, for the most
part, take the circuious route by the way
oil New Orleans.
consider, Sir, the construction Of har.
bors al the prominent points indicated, &c
n certain extent, work of National cha
ractcr The Government OF the United
States are equally interested with the PEG.
pie OF Wisconsin. In the event OF war
with England, she is now in possess
ion OF half Of the other Lakes. and harbors
on Lake Michigan would be of the frs
importance to the United States in mil
tary point of view. The secure trans