Wisconsin herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1846-1849, 1849-01-20


proposed canal and of the Fox river, upon
which estimates could be based. Ihis sur
yey, have been informed, mas been COM
pleted and is highly satisfactory, aud eX-
hlbits a capacity and facility for the improve
ment of these streams not before ahtlclpa-
ted by the most ardent friend OF this great
internal channel Of communication. ne
Importance of this Improvement to very
large portion Of the State, traverslnS ,ts
whole extent from the north east 70 the
south west, is too apparent and well KNOWN
10 require comment. The valley Of Inc
Fox and Wisconsin rivers comprises some
of tie best portions of the State and y
NAV be safely estimated that one hall
of lis geographical area is interested IN tins
Improvement it therefore forclbly com
mends itself to the favorable consideration
Of the legislature and should receive from
il an energetic impulse.
The Board of Public Works will meet at
the Capitol on the 9TH inst, when a report
of their doings and the result Of this survey
will be submitted in detail. Some legislation
will be necessary, am informed, 10 prose-
cute the work energetIcally and economical
Iy which will be suggested IN the report OF
the board and engineer. When these re-
ports are received, such additional sugSes-
ton will be made as vigorous prosecution
of the work may seem TO demand
Under the act directing the 100000 acres
of land granted to the State by Congress to
be located, about 200,0 900 acres have been
selected but the approval OF the locations
has not yet been made by the general gov
ernment. The farther location OF these
lands has been suspended until they can be
made OF better qualify and at a less ex-
pense than at the present time. AS the title
to none of these lands has yet been perfect
ed in this State, no recommendations on tue
subject Of their sale is made,
The condition of the capitol and the prop
erty connected with it Is brought to your
notice. Some provision should he made for
repairs and for finishing and furnishing the
supreme court room and he State offices III
a manner becoming the character of the
State. The capitol and its grounds with
the other public properly, shon.d he under
the control aud supervision OF one OF the
State officers, and its use should he confined
to such purposes only, as were intended by
its construction. A contingent fund should
be placed at the disposal Of the officer hav-
ing such supervision, for the purpose OF
discharging, as they are incurred, such ~
cidental expenses as are necessary to Keep
the capitol and its grounds IA proper order.
Economy would dictate this course, as the
time consumed by the Legislature in making
separate appropriations tor these expenses,
TO different persons, costs the State more
than the aggregate amount OF the claims al
lowed. Such legislation as will carry out
these views is urged.
The constitution has appropriated to the
school fund all moneys and the clear pro-
cecds Of all property that may accrac to the
Stately forfeiture or escheat, and all mo-
neys that may be paid for exemption from
military duty, aud the clear proceeds OF all
fines, acoected in the several counties for
amy breach of the penal laws, aud also the
five pei centum Of the nett proceeds OF the
public lands. Some legislation is required
directing the revenue received from these
sources to be paid into the proper fund for
investment, and authorizing somelrerson to
draw the five per centum referred to from
the United States treasury.
/ Provision has been made TO carry out that
clause ia the constitution which requires
the school and university lands TO be apprais-
ed before sale could be effected. The
only lands that can now be appraised under
this law are the university lands 81 seventy
two sections and the sixteenth section IN
each township. The commissioners appoIn-
ted To discharge this duty were required To
make their reports to the secretary of State,
/ who will communicate the progress made
to the legislature. That portion of the
/ State lying north of the Fox and Wisconsin
/ rivers is but sparsely settled, and many por-
tons OF ii are vet unsurveyed. 1t therefore
becomes a question of doubt whether the
Ipuhlic interest and that of the school fund
will he promoted by an appraisal of the
school lands lying north of thuse rivers at
this time. | respectfully recommend that
the further appraisal Of the lands referred
10 be suspended until the appraisal can bo
more economically accomplished, aud re-
salt obtained more beneficial 70 the school
funds.
I The propriety of sale of the university
f and school lands after their appraisal, will
address itself with much force ito your con
lsideration 1T this session. The interest of
these funds, it is believed, will be advanced
/ hy q sale Of them. 1t is estimated that the
interest OF the money that might be receiv-
+ ell ffem such sale at this time, would exceed
their rise in value ia case their sale should
he postponed. Other advantages of an im-
porsant character would result Ito the State
By their sale. A large quantity Of valuabls
wild land would pass ilto the hands OF in
dusirious settlers, thereby materially increas-
ing the productive resources Of the State.
This would add to the amoun, of taxable
property, AMI consequently swell The State
revenue.
In preparing the details ola system for
the sale of these lands, suggest thar, 10 all
sales upon credit, the title It the land shall
remain absolutely in the STATE, until the pur-
chase money and all Interest is fully paid,
aod thar the purchaser shall have only a
right OF possession, until the terms of sale
are complied with aud tusther tina, ia all
cases of failure 70 pay any 0art Of the pur
ch0se money. or the interest when the same
becomes due, the State should have the
right 70 resell or take possession OF the land,