Wisconsin tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1847-1854, 1849-01-19

ment, should Dear interest al Twelve per cent
which would clearly render them evidences
OF state debt If they were not such without
the interest feature. The moment interest
should begin 80 run on them, that moment
they would become such evidences, and would
therefore be unconstitutional. Secondly, the
provisions of that bill extended only TO GER
tain class of the public creditors, and not to
all alike, it was therefore unequal and unjust
in it's operation. And, thirdly, the principle
of allowing interest on appropriations and
warrants is not contemplated by the constltu-
ton, and a precedent would be established
injurious and impolitic.
The constitution requires that the legisla-
ture shall provide by direct taxation, if rhere
are nc other sources of revenue, for the pay
ment of the expenses of each year and all de-
ficlencies for the preceding wears. 1t the le-
gislature carries out this pro Vision, there will
at all times be funds on hand to meet the cur
rent expenses of the state. Good policy and
sound economy dictate this course, and trust
that the representatives of the people will
adopt it.
| respectfully call the attention of the Lee
gislature to the fact, that ten bonds of
thousand dollars each, are outstanding against
the state, unsatsfed, which were issued and
negotiated under the late territorial govern
ment of Wisconsin, to aid In the construction
of the Milwaukee and Rock River Canal. |
recommend that the subject of these bonds be
investigated; and that such provision be made
for their payment, and discharge, justice
and good faith would dictate, and the true
honor of the state and people demand. | also
urge that the outstanding liabilities of the
state be ascertained for as possible, and
means be provided for their payment.
The act of the last session, entitled sAn
act to exempt from forced sale on final process
the property therein named' requires some
notifications to make its provisions harmon
lze with pre-existlng contracts, and tho former
laws on the subject This act repeats all
previous laws exempting any personal prop
erty from forced sale on final process, and en-
acts a new one. AS some doubts exist as to
the proper construction to be placed upon this
act, | recommend that such modification of it
| be made that the provisions of the prior act
may apply to contracts then existing, and that
| the present act be confined in its operation to
contracts entered into since its passage
Much unnecessary litigation might be avoid
| ed by such alteration, and it will be with
in strict constitutional limits.
The act Of the Legislature to exempt a
homestead from forced sale, took effect IN the
first day of this month. Whether the benef-
cial results that have been anticipated will
follow from the practical operation Of this
measure, remains yet to be proved. This sub
iect is brought to the attention Of the Legisla-
ture at this time with the view Of urging such
a change of its provisions as will correspond
with the sentiments presented in my message
| of the 9Th of June last. In reiteTating the
opinions In that message presented, | would
add, that in my opinion. some limit in value
should be given TO the homeste} I'd exemption,
and should be confined to persons with fanli
| lies depending upon them for support. Such
change Of this law viii have a tendency to
make it a permanent provision, and will be
sustained by public sentiment; but without
it, it is feared the whole law will be repealed.
It's provisions can be extended, if experience
shows that it promotes the public welfare.
trust that this humane provision will forever
remain on our statute books. 1t throws the
mantle of protection around the unfortunate
and shields them from unjust oppression. It's
! tendency Is to elevate the moral and social
condition of the people. / would suggest, as
matters of detail in carrying out this measure
that the person wishing to avail himself of it
should make selection of his homestead, and
have the same described and appraised in a
manner to bedefned by law; which selection,
description, and appraisal, he should cause to
be recorded in the Office of the register of
deeds of the proper county. These details
would prevent fraud, and make definite what
is now uncertain.
! Immediately upon the passage of the act
| giving the assent Of the state to the grant of
| land made by Congress to aid in the improve
ment of the Fox and Wisconsin rivers, steps
were taken by me, as required by law, to To-
cate the lands thus granted. On the 29th of
| June last, being the day on which the act of
the Legislature referred to was approved, ad-
dressed the general government, notifying it
! of the assent of the state to the act of Con-
gress, at the same time informing it that Sc
| lected the alternate sections unsod in the
limits of the grant numbered with odd num-
bers, and also requesting to be furnished with
diagram of the grant, with other information
| necessary to complete the locations; to which
/ received no reply until the 9th of Novem-
Der last. In consequence Of this delay no To-
cations have been completed. The odd num-
bered section within the limits of the grant.
and unsold, comprise about 1875 900 acres
These lands have been selected, and the ap-
prevail of the President of the United States
Is only wanting to bring them into market
] he residue of the lands granted, cannot be
finally located without further action of Con-
greSs No efforts on the part of the executive
VIII be spared to secure speedy and judicious
location of all the lands, so that they NAV be
made available for the furtherauce of the OBJ
ject of the grant. The act providing for the
improvement of these rivers makes it the duty
OF the Governor to appoint register and trea-
surer whenever the selection of the lands
granted shall be completed, and sale of any
portion of them required. The contingency
referred to not occurring, no officers have been
appointed. As soon as the President approves
OF the locations already made, the appoint
ment OF these officers viii become necessary:
and should this information be received dur
ing your present session, you will be advised
hot ho~o L