Wisconsin herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1846-1849, 1847-10-23
GOVERNORS MESSAGE.
Felgo,c citizens Of the Council
md House Of Representatives.:

III dCCDFudHCt WIN tie laws OI the effl-I
tory, have deemed il my duty to convene
special session of the Legislative Assem-
bly,, to enable the representatives of the peo-I
pie to take such action in the early organ
ization of State Government as will meet,
the wants and wishes of their constituents.
AT the last census of the inhabitants of
the Territory, her population was one hun
dred and ffty-five thousand and from the
increased immigration since that period, her
present population may now be estimated to
exceed two hundred thousand
BY the official returns made to the Office
of the Secretary of the Territory, of the
votes given g for and against State Govern
ment,' it appears that a large majority of
the people are in favor of State Govern
ment. The preparatory steps, it would
seem, can be taken for the election of a
Convention TO form Constitution and sub
hitting il to the people of the Territory, as
well as to the Congress of the United States,
at their next session in time for the admis-
sion of Wisconsin as an independent State
of this Union, as the next is the commence
ment of a new Congress, and a long session
of that body. In that event, the State of
Wisconsin viii give her electoral vote at the
next Presidential election i'll 1913.
The admission of Wisconsin as a State,
will promote the best interests of her peo-
pie: they will have a representation in both
Houses of Congress; they will participate
in all the advantages of a government Gre
ated by themselves, founded on the equal
rights of all, and when the expressed voice
of the people will be the supreme law of
the State. The donation of 100000 acres
of land, to which the future State of Wis
consin will be entitled, under the provisions
of an act of Congress entitled 'sAn act to
appropriate the proceeds of the sale of the
public lands, and to grant pre-emption
rights" approved September 4th, 1871, will
be greatly lessened in value before Wiscon-
sin becomes a State, as the choice lands
have already been sold, and the refuse lands
viii remain, from which the selection will
be made, unless they are located north of
the Wisconsin river
The lands granted by Congress for schools
and a university, will not be availablel until
after the admission of Wisconsin as a State.
Five per cent. on the nett proceeds of
the sales of the public lands sold at the
land offices in Wisconsin Territory, to
which the State of Wisconsin will be enti-
tied ON her admission into the Union, would
have paid the expenses of State Govern
ment for the last five years.
The people of this Territory have paid
into the United States Treasury, since the
organization of the Territorial Govern
ment, near four million of dollars, in pay
ment for public lands: and, the amount APP
propriated by Congress for the improve
ment of harbors and roads, &c., in the
Territory, is Sl67 900. This state ofthings
will remain as long as the Territorial Gov
eminent exists.
The States of Illinois and Missouri were
admitted members of the Union when
the population of those States did not ex-
coed $50, 900 inhabitants. In the admission
oc all the Western States, none of them
had a population equal to the present pop
ulation of the Territory of Wisconsin,
The future State of Wisconsin win COM
bine as many advantages as any other por-
ton of the United States; her great extent
of territory, the fertility of her soil, the sa-
lubrity of her climate, with commercial adj
vaniages unsurpas ed on our inland seas
and navigable rivers; her inexhaustable
mineral wealth, composed of lead. iron and
copper mines, with the most extensive pine
lumber region in the United States, with an
intelligent, enterprising population - may
we not confidently hope than Wisconsin
win be the happy abode of millions of free
men, and that her march win be onward
until she fills the high destiny that awaits
her.
The present Legislative Assembly having
been convened for special purpose, have
not deemed the present an appropriate oc-
easion to make any suggestions, except in
relation TO the organization of a State Gov
eminent.
Be assured, fellow-citizens, you win have
my cooperation in the support of all such
measures as viii promote the good of the
people You represent.
HENRY DODGE.
\ EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,
October Is, 1917.
AsEs OF SrArEsNES.-Ofo our distinguish