Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1850-1854, 1853-01-14
GOVERNORS MESSAGE.
TO THE SENATE AND ASSEMBLY,.
GENTLEMEN:

civil affairs OF the State. During the past
season, our citizens have enjoyed unusal pros
perity IN the ample products and remu-
neratlon of their industry and enterprise.
Abundant harvests, and high markets, an in
crease in monied circulation and the down
ward tendency of the rates of interest: a pre-
vailing confidence among business men, and in
business enterprises, continued accession to
our population by emigration, the energetic
prosecution Of internal improvements under
the skllful management of companies the ex-
tentlon OF permanent agricultural improve
ments and rapid growth of our cities and vii
ages, are among the encouraging indications
of the present, and give cheering promises of
the future
We have sufficient reason for congratu-
lation in the condition and prospects of our
State.
In respect to many advantages, she occu-
pies highly favorable position that cannot
well be overlooked, either by the emigrant
seeking heme in the West, or by those
wishing to make safe and profitable invest
ments.
1t appears by the returns of the last gen
eral census, that the ratio of increase in popu-
latlon has been greater and the health of the
people better than IN any other State in the
Union. And in soil, climate, mineral resour-
ccs and commercial position, she NAV Justly
claim to be equal, and in many respects SUI
perior, to the Western other States.
With large area Of territory, and COM
paratively very small part unsuited to cult
walton, and all of it fayorably situated in re-
spect to wood and water, she offers superior
inducements to the agriculturists and is des-
tined ere long, to become one of the richest
States in the Union, in the productions of the
soil.
The western portion of our State, while
the soil Is Of the best quality for agriculture,
also contains exhaustless beds of mineral,
which are only awaiting the application of
capital and labor, to enrich those whose at
tention and enterprise they may enlist And
it is somewhat remarkable that while it is
known that so much wealth lies hidden only
few feet below the surface, in this mineral
region, Us is sufficiently attested by success
full experiments already made, and by the
very able report of the Hon. David D. Ow-
en-, United States Geologist, that compar-
> atlvely SO little has yet been done to measure
its resources, and make them available to the
urgent demands of trade and commerce
1t is reported, however that during the
past season, this important interest has been
receiving more attention, and is attracting to
this portion Of the State, a more just share
OF emigration and capital
Our lumber interest is by no means unim-
portant. From the best means we have to
ascertain its extent, the amount of lumber
manufactured IN the State annually, cannot
be less than one hundred and fifty million
Of feet. And when railroad facilities of car
rage are brought to the vicinity Of this i'm
mense lumber region, we may reasonably
expect vast increase in the product.
1t is estimated that there are within this
state over 20,0O0,OO0 of acres Of Congress
lands; embracing about two thirds ofthe en-
tire state, great portion of which is now sur
veyed and in market.
This immense tract of country is general
ly Of excellent soil, and many portions of it
richly changed with silver, copper, lead, iron
and other valuable minerals.
1t is certainly a question Of momcntou>
importance to us, what disposition ought tc
be made by the Congress ofthe Uuitcd State
Of this two-third portion of our State.
Various propositions are now pending be
fore Congress, respecting the unsold Govern
ment lands in the different States. AnC
whatever may tiually be the prevailing meas
ure of the General Government on this sub
ject it must necessarily, greatly affect U.S. ia
vorably or otherwise, however insensibly il
may be felt elsewhere. 1t must be conceded
that our state, at least, is deeply interested If
having these lands brought into actual cult
walton and occupancy as speedily as possible
II, therefore their donation to actual settlers
and in limited quantities will, by the encour
agement Of emigration, be most likely to pro
duce this result; then it follows, that the
proposition embracing this principle, is tn,
one to receive our countcnance and support
But if this principle cannot be adopted
then, better for us by far, will it be, if these
lands are kept constantly in market, at til,
present Congress price, than that any meas
ure should obtain, that will have the effect t.
keep them out of the market, or to increas,
their cost to the settler; which would be Diet
rimental in the highest degree, to the State
and her future advancement in wealth and
population.
To the fact that Congress lands of excel
lent quality and location, can be obtained in
this State, at the present price, We are, and
have been, Very much indebted to the emf
grafton we have already received, and are
still receiving; and those lands, if continued
in market, even at the present price, being
the nearest and most convenient to the East
ern sea-hoard of any other in the Western
Stutes, will remain great inducement for its
continuance.
This subject is earnestly commendable to
your attention, at the present Session, that
you may express to the Congress, ofthe Uni
ted States, by memorial or otherwise, the sen.
timents of this State upon the important
propositions there pending, upon a subject OF
so much concern 10 the State
BY the construction Of the milwaukee, and
Mississippi railroad thus far and the surveys
aud estimates Of the route of other roads. il
has been made apparent, that railroads can
b. constructed in this State, at an averar,