Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1849-12-13

privilege, to call your attention to the deep
ly interesting subject Of education. The
law of Congress provides that when the
lands of the Territory shall be surveyed un-
der the direction of the government OF the
United States, preparatory TO bringing them
into market, sections sixteen and thlrty-slx,
in each township, shall be reserved for the
purpose of being applied 10 schools. The
muni6cent spirit displayed by Congress in
making so liberal donation for this pur-
pose, is ground for grateful acknowledge
ment, and indicates an enlightened policy,
which looks TO the general diffusion of know
ledge, as the surest guarantee for the contin-
uance of good government, and the substan-
tial happiness of our people. In this grant
we shall have the means of promoting a
system of common schools for the education
of all the children of the Territory.
Your attention is invited to the import
ance of adopting system of common
schools and providing the means of putting
them in immediate operation and when the
land becomes available, the system may I'M
der wise legislation, be maintained and con-
tinued, without bearing GENEROUSLY upon the
people, and ultimately be productive of the
end in view, when the gift was made. With
system of general education, sustained by
such resources, there is no reason to doubt
that in the course of few years, the rising
generation of Oregon will proudly vie in re-
spect to useful knowledge and moral culture,
with that of the older settled portions of our
common country.
The organization of the militia is mea-
sure so identified with the peace, security and
defence of our people, that it cannot fail to
recommend itself to your early considera-
ton. Your attention is invited to the act
entitled, San act to prevent the introduction
of fire arms amongst the Indians" This
law not only prevents the introduction Of
fire arms, but prohibits the sale of powder
and ball, to the Indian, thereby depriving
him in great measure of the means of pro-
curing subsistence, and if strictly enforced,
would produce much suffering among this
unfortunate race of people. Humanity re-
quires that we should afford them every ia
cilty that we can safely do to ameliorate
their condition. 1t is well known that the
tribes bordering the settlements are friendly
and well disposed towards us, and that there
is no danger to be apprehended from them
by placing in their hands the means of pro-
curing subsistence by the chase. / would
therefore recommend the repeal of the law,
or its modification, so as to discriminate be-
tween friends and enemies.
1t will be your duty by enactment 10 fix
the time, place and manner of holding and
conducting elections; to provide for the APP
portioniag the representation in the several
counties and districts to the Council and
House of Representatives to define the
qualifications of voters and of holding Office,
and also to fix the day of the commence
ment of the regular sessions of the Legisla-
tive Assembly.
/ 1t will be for you in your wisdom, to de-
termine whether you will proceed to locate
the seat of government at the present or
some subsequent session of the Legislative
Assembly.
/ In closing this communication, it only re-
mains for me to assure you of my earnest
wish for the adoption of such measures as
will tend to the general welfare, prosperity,
and happiness of our people.
JOSEPH LANE.
OREGON Cry, July, lS49.