Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1843-03-28
Madison Correspond nce.
NAnIsnx. March 10 1913.

MADISON, March 10 1e43:
Col. FR.sx:-The conjectures hazard.d in my
last, have since been fully verified. The iovernor
has by message, distinctly refused to Cooperate
with the Legislature, unless they would say to him
tina, they had assembled in Special Session, pursu-
ant to proclamation.
After receiving the Governor first message, on
the 9th; the two houses, presumng that all difficult
ties were at an end, went diligently to work; and
presume at no time, in the history OF our govern
meut. was so much industry and such determine
ton on the part of the members to accomplish the
object of their mission, evinced, as now; and the
result would have been most favorable, had 1t not
b.ep for the conduct Of the Governor. He, 1t
would SEEM is determined 10 defeat all legisi'on,
and every obstacle, under Heaven. within ms reach
has been thrown in the way. Bulletin aver puhe-
tin was successfully despa ched to both houses
containing doubts, insnua.lons Of what migat be
expected from him, &c. until the final despatch
was introduced, declaring that the Governor would
no longer under existing circumstances, cooperate
with the Legislature. As a natural consequence,
this AT once created confusion. Many OF the mem
bers Ct presume majority were of the opinion,
tina, the LEGISLATURE could legally proceed 'oitom
the cooperation OF the Governor, provided two
thirds could BE- had on the bills; others deeming
ma iority sufficient under the circumstances, pro-
vded the bills could be placed Before the Governor,
and others again, thinking the operation OF the
Governor, absolutely necessary, to make legal the
enectments What could be done, under the cir
cumst.nces, Ifey.r there time, when leg
Ill =. II
not among the l-as. important of the matters de-
manding action, is the revision and perfection of
our town law This had been referred to a select
committee A change in the time Of holding courts
was also demanded, that the suits against Doty
might be brought to issue. Information had
also been received of the passage by Congress, of
the bill allowing the people to elect their sheriff.
&c. This must be provided for by Territorial law
What could be donel Like true patriots, the LIE
glsleture determined to meet the Governor his
own ground, without abandoning their pr-viousex
pressed opinions but on the contrary, adher,ng TO
the position they had taken to purchase safety and
security to the laws, By yielding to the Governor
scruples. BY reckless yol>:lon of all law, Doty
had 30 placed himself, as defea, all legislation
aud centre in himself the whole power of the Ter
rtory Could it-siould |: be tolerated! Shon!l
he be permitted to drive the legislators TO their
homes, with the whole administration of the Gov
eminent, at his mercy7 Should he be permitted
to accomplish his ends? If he could be satisfied,
it was thou ght we'll to do it, end in view Of the
fact, Mr.. Martin, on Saturday last, introduced
preamble and resolutions, in effect as follows: that
! to accomplish the ends Of legislation, and to re-
move if possible, the greater portion of the dan
gerous power now In the hands of the Executive;
and without, in any manner, compromising, or
yielding their individual opinions, resolved, That
tho Governor be informed, that the two houses ore
holding Special Session, and the journals be
| amended; which was agreedt to. You will observe
by the Journals rnere was vIuIrnt opposition on
the part of some members to the proposition, that
the President Of the Council. in view Of its adop
ton, has resigned; yet have no idea but the PEG.
pie will rightly understand and interpret the mo-
tives of those who sustained it. That their motive
purely patriotic, cannot be questioned-in fact
there could be other motive than patriotic one.
To eompsl the Governor to meet them, and thereby
secure the passage Of laws, was the sole and only
motive. But still doubt whether now tina
Governor will meet them: his purpose has been TO
defeat legislation, and doubt whether he will now
abandon that purpose time will disclose.
That congress has passed the law allowing the
people to elect their county officers, is matter of
proud congratuation. What falling off there will
be among the Governors friends. These men must
now look to the people. and of consequence must
turn their backs upon the Governor. That they
are emancipaed, must be source of qualification
even to the office holders themselves. The inAu-
ence of the Governor in elections is now gone; and
the petty inducements which sometimes make trai-
tors to principle, longer be held out. I am
glad to believe that eha hereafter have a fair
field, and traitors in political contests.
Several acts have been passed, and many more
are their passage. Should the cooperation Of
the Governor be secured, the business of egisa,on
will be promptly accomplished. S.