Wisconsin herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1846-1849, 1846-01-17


lance there are but few rivers that dis
charge themselves into the lake, which
afford suitable situations for harbors.
The construction of harbors on this
extensive coast. l consider are works
of national character, in which the
United States are directly interested in
Ia military point Of view. In the
event Of war, the government is
bound to afford protection; it is neces-
sary there should be safe harbors con-
structed, where troops and the neces-
sary munitions of war could be safely
landed, for the security and safety Of
the lake towns, as well as the lake
border settlements, as the whole ex-
tent of the northern frontier of Wis
consin. The United States are now in
state of peace with England; should
they however change their present
peaceful relations with that power, it
would seem that the necessary prepa-
rations should be made at an early pc
riod, to guard against state of things
that must take place sooner or later.
recommend the memorializing Of
Congress on the subject of the removal
of the Instructions in the navigation
of the Mississippi, at the Upper and
Lower Rapids. 1t is subject of vi
tai interest to the people residing in
the western counties Of this Territory.
The commerce Of the Upper Mis-
sissippi has increased much in impor-
lance within the last few years. The
delay of lighting steamboats, to enable
them to cross<he Rapids at low stage
of the river, isscalculated to produce
much inconvenience and additional ex-
pense in the price of freight and trans
portation, as well as the loss Of proper
ty, and frequently at the risk of the
lives of those engaged in this perilous
navigation. The people of the State
of Illinois and the Territory of Iowa
are the proprietors of the country cm-
bracing the Rapids on both sides Of
the Mississippi, and no doubt they feel
a deep interest in this improvement.
The interest prevades the whole coun-
try on the Mississippi, from st. Peters
to the Gulf Of Mexico.
This Territory is advantageously
situated for an extended system Of in
ternal improvement. The General
Movement has, however, heretofore
limited its appropriations for that inn
portant object. The improvement of
the navigation Of the Wisconsin and
Fox rivers, and uniting them by ca
nal at the Portage, would be the means
Of opening direct communication be-
tween Lake Michigan and the Mis-
sissippi. This Improvement is of ma
tional importance by affording the
. United States great facilities for the
J transportation of troops, supplies and
munitions of war, from the Lakes to
, the frontier. The country bordering
, on the Wisconsin and Fox rivers, is
) settling rapidly with an industrious,
enterprising population. The current
Of emigration is taking that direction,
which greatly enhances the importance
of this improvement in an agricultural
and commercial point Of view. Mem
orials have been forwarded to Con-
gress, annually, from the Legislative
! Assembly, since the organization Of
the Territorial Government asking APP
preparations for this object. This sub
| ject has been before both Houses Of
Congress. A bill passed the Senate
J giving grant of land for this i'm
: provement. The final action Of The
House of Representative was not had
! on the bill pending before that body
! on the same subject. respectfully
: recommend that memorial be for
, warded to Congress, asking for suit
able appropriation for this improve
: ment.
: The construction of Rail or Me-
Adamized road from Lake Michigan
: to the Mississippi, on the most practi-
, cable route from and to those points
which will afford the greatest facilities
, to our trade and commerce, is subject
of vital Importance to the future
growth and prosperity of Wisconsin.
, Without the aid ofthe General Gov
J eminent, this work could not be COM
menced at this time. 1t appears TO be
the settled policy Of the Government
, to reduce the appropriations as low as
possible for the Territorial Govern
} ment; believing, as it would seem they
do, that the time has arrived when
Wisconsin should take The proper
steps for the formation Of a State Gov