Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1846-01-13

that part Of the Territory, and would be
preparatory to the improvement of the
River of The Four Lakes. Since the or
ganiza,ion of the Territorial Govern
ment, no appropriations have been made
by Congress for the improvement Of our
rivers, although memorials have been an
nually forwarded by the Legislative As
sembly for that object. One cause Of
the failure, no doubt, in obtaining appro-
priations, has been, that we have asked
for the improvement Of too many small
rivers. think the best way to obtain
the favorable action of Congress on our
memorials, will be TO ask appropriations
for the improvement Of our principal riy-
ers in the first instance. l recommend
the memorializing Of Congress, askin a
suitable appropriation for the improve
ment of Rock River, above the line OF
the State of Illinois, to the point of that
River designated.
At the last session Of the Legislative
Assembly, an act passed as measure OF
relief to the settlers onCanal Lands gran
ted to the Territory, (odd sections. II
apprears by the provisions of the act ref
erred to, that all the unsold portions of
the Canal Grant are 10 be sold on the I'd.
Monday Of April next.
would respectfully aubmit to the Leg
islative Assembly. the propriety Of extern
ding the time for the sale of the
Canal Lands, to give time for the
action Of Congress on this subject. 1t is
a fact we'll known, that Congress has
never acted upon the laws Of this Terri
tory except in few cases of Blink Char
tiers. No injury can result either to the
Territory or the Government by a delay
Of the sale Of the lands in question. |
have no hesitation in expressing j! as my
opinion that Congress will extend 10 the
settlers on the Canal Lands, the right of
pre-emp,ion, and to purchase their homes
at the minimum price Of Government
lands. They are certainly entitled upon
the principles of justice, as well as the
usage of the Government, TO the favora-
bic action Of Congress by placing them
on an equal footing with other settlers ON
public lands.
respectfully invite your attention to
the present state of the militia of the
Territory. On the 30th of November,
1910, the returns Of the militia were
made by the Adjutant General of the Ter
ritory, to the Adjutant General Of the
United States Army. The aggregate
number was 1923, at that period. I'm
der the act OF Congress of 1903 regula-
ting the quota Of arms TO be furnished
to the several States and Territories, ac-
cording to the returns of their militia, the
quota for Wisconsin. was 40 muskets. -
No returns of the militia have been made
to the Adjutant General of the Army,
since the date referred to. The number
of muskets to which the Territory was en-
titled on the 3Oh Of November, 1916,
would be 249. On my requtsltion, sixty
stand of muskets and equipments were
received from the Commanding Officer at
Fort Winnebago, and delivered TO the
officers commanding volunteer compa-
ny Of light infantry, taking from the Off
GERS bond, approved by the Attorney
General Of the Territory. for the safe
keeping and return of the muskets and
equipments when required by the Execu-
tive of The Territory. The Captain com
mand'ng the Iowa County Dragons. in
1913, received on the requisitioa Of the
then Executive, fifty pairs of pistols and
fifty swords, with suitable cavalry equip
nlents, which are now in the possession
of that officer. Fifty pairs of pistols and
fifty swords, with suitable cavalry equip
ments. were ordered to Green Bay by
my immediate successor in Office. These
cavalry arms and equipments are in the
possession Of a citizen of that place, SUBJ
iect to the order OF the Executive.
| recommend the passage OF a resolu-
ton Of the Legislative Assembly, author
izing the superintendent Of the public
buildings to procure suitable room, at
the expense Of the Terri,ory,for the safe
keeping of the public arms and equip
ments. AS soon as am advised that
that arrangement has been made. | will
address the War Department on the sub
ject Of the remaining arms aid equlps
ments for the Territory. From the increa-
ed immigration 10 the Territory, had the
returns of the militia been made annual
ly since tho 30th Of November. l640,th
Territory would now be in the receipt
OF at least 600 stand Of muskets and
equipments. The law Of the 18th OF
April, 1643, repeating the law for mus
tering the militia, | recommend may be
repealed. am not disposed to recon-
mend measure that would put those
who might be liable to perform military
duty 10 any serious Inconvenience or los:
of time. | deem ii, however, indispensi
be to the efficiency of the. militia, tina,
there should be reorganization of the
system, from the great accession to the
population of the Territory; and that the
militia should be properly organized, off
cered and mustered, aud an annual in
specton Of their arms.
We have to depend upon the militia
for the defence of our extended frontier.
Should they be called to perform the &C.
tive duties OF the field, they should be
well armed and equipped, and properly
disciplined, land made acquainted with the
nature Of the service required of them.
Volunteer corps corps taken from the
MALTA, have always been distinguished
for their gallantrv and efficiency in all
our Indian wars since The revolution
The cause of their efficiency is apparent.
They have the selection Of their own
officers 10 command them; they are well