Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1850-01-18

4
these figures, but not materially.
The term of service of the present Board of
Public Works and Officers of the State Land
Office expires during the present session. 1t
Will therefore be necessary to elect, in pursu-
ance of law, three persons TO constitute the
Board of Public Works, a Register of the
State Land Office and Treasurer of the Board
In connection with the improvement Of these
streams it may not be improper to call vour at
tention to that section Of the Wisconsin River
above the Winnebago Portage, with the view of
asking Congress for a donation of land similar
to the grant made for the improvement of the
Fox and Wisconsin Rivers below the portage
This portion Of the Wisconsin river is suscepti-
bic of LAYING its nayigable capacity greatly ex-
tended and the importance cf the laundering
Agricultural and Manufacturing interests of that
part of the State is well deserving donation of
land by Congress for this object. to accomplish
which your memorial would not fail to have its
influence.
About 100000 acres of land have been select
ed under the direction of the executive during
the past year, as a part of the 100000 granted
by Congress to the State, which, with the guam
ty selected during the preceding year. makes
$4,000 acres Ct this grant that has been select
ed. Only portion of the lands selected has re-
celved the approval of the General Government.
The residue of this grant will be located during
the coming year, or as soon as surveys shall be
completed and lands of the first quality can be
obtained.
The cases in which the Executive pardon has
been exercised, will BE- communicated to the Leg
Isature in the manner directed by the Consttu-
ton at subsequent period of your session In
connection with the subject of the exercise of the
pardonlng power, | would direct the attention of
the Legislature TO the manner in which State
t%Ison cOnvicts ar1 now punished in this State
The present system OF combining couyicts in
County Jais, in demorazng inactivity and fire.
quently in crowded prison rooms, is not only
highly injurious and detrimental both morally
and physically, TO the prisoner. bat expensive to
the Safe and derogatory to the character of an
intelligent and humane people. Ny views on
this subject were fully expressed in my two for
mer Messages TO the Legislature, to which
would refer and direct your attention.
| earnestly recommend and URGE your favora-
bic action upon this subject and that such inccp-
tive steps be taken this session as NAV be neces-
sary to ensure the construction of suitable pris-
on buildings. Public economy, public Justice
and humanity for the unfortunate criminal i'm
periously demand this outlay from the State
Treasury.
have been informed, through the Treasury
department of the L. s. that a set OF standard
weights and measures had been allotted to this
State by the General Government and are ready
TO be delivered, subject to its order. They have
not been ordered by ne, for the reason that the
State has not suitable rooms or buildings in
which TO have them placed, and put up, and
no such ROOMS can now be obtained at the
seat of government. The nature of the build
ing requisite to place the instruments in safety
and for their permanent accuracy will appear
from the correspondence with the Treasury
Department., relating 10 them, herewith trans
United. Aonr attention is invited to the impor.
lance OF these weights and measures aud it is
recommended that suitable buildings be erected
by the State for their sate-keeping, plan for
which. is also herewith submitted. furnished BY
the Treasury Department..
The Regents OF the University submitted to
the Legislature at It's last session their plan OF
the organization Of the Board, the salaries of its
officers and the site and plan of erection of the
University Buildings, all OF which received the
approval of the legislature The Board of
Regents have elected the Chancellor OF the
University, who was installed into office in No
yember last, and | am informed that the Beard
propose to commence during the coming session.
the erection of portion of the University Build
lngs with the view of opening, at an early dav
one or two departments of instruction. This is
a highly important and necessary step, both as
regards economy and the advancement of the
Educational interest of the State
The erection Of these structures cannot be
undertaken by the Board, unless the requisite
means are placed at their disposal, and as the
University Lands are undlsposed of, nothing
can be realized at present from the income of
+hs Fund for this object, which leaves the
Board the only alternative of resorting to a
loan to carry out this great public enterprisa.-
The views of the Board on this subject, a.
well as all other matters connected with the in
terests OF the Institution, will be embodied in its
Annual Report to the Legislature.
am told that authority will be asked of the
Legislature to enable the Board to make loan
10 erect proper buildings and to discharge the
debts created for the purchase of the site. to
be reimbursed from the income of the Uni
yersity Fund. The salary OF the officers of
the University having already commenced I'M
der the sanction of the Legislature, sound G.
economy as well rs the Advancement of the IN
terests of education, dictates that this loan shold
be authorized. This course, under the pres
ent circumstances. receives my hearty appro-
val. Should the power 10 negotiate the loan
be CIV n, then recommend that the loan be
directed 10 be made from the School Fund.-
This would b. a safe investment under the
control of the Legislature, and would not be
liable to many Of The objections to the pres
ent law regulating the investment of the School
Fund.
| am also informed that the minimum price OF
the University Lands as now fixed by law,
is much below their real value and should be
raised, which is recommended to your tavora-
bic action. The important interests, relying
upon this fund for support, demand that every
proper effort should BE- made 10 secure a lib
eral income.
The condition Of the Common Schools and
the system of public instruction in all the dif-
terent branches and bearings, will be presen-
ted to the Legislature in the Annual Report
of the State Superintendent, which Is COM
mended TO your careful consideration. The
interest manifested by our people on the sub
Ject OF Education IS guaranty that it is re-
ceiving that energetic impulse that its true in
terest and the Liberties of the people should
claim for so just and all-absorbing a measure
of State policy. For more full expression
Of my views on this question, w0ald refer to
my last annual message.
All the State officers are required by law to
make their annual reports to the Legislature,
which deprives the Executive Of the opportu-
nifty q officially communicating with the Repre-
Sen;ativeS Of the People ~ the subjects contain