The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-01-24
Message OF the Governor OF Wisconsin.

Goy. FarWeI, OF W lScOnSln, sent MS annual mes
sage to the Legislature on the 18th inst The d0cu
ment commends itself for its brevity while at the
same time it presents the main features of interest in
most comprehensive manner The Governor con-
graduates the Legislature on the condition and pros
poets Of the State, and says
In respect to many adyanta ges, she occupies high
ly favorable position that cannot well be overlooked
either by the emigrant seeking home in the West,
or by those wishing to make safe and profitable in
yestInents of capital 1t appears by the returns Of
the last general census that the ratio of increase in
population has been greater, and the health Of the
people better in Wisconsin, than in any other State
in the Union And in soil climate mineral resources
and commercial position, she may justly claim to be
equal in many respects superior to the other Western
States. With large area OF territory and compare
lively very small part unsuted to cultivation, and
all OF it yorably situated in respect to wood and
ter she offers superior inducements to the agrcultur
ist and is destined 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
cxhaustess beds Of mineral, which are only awaiting
the application Of capital and labor to enrich those
whose attention 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, u
sufficiently attested by Observation-Disclosures already
made, and the very able report of the Hon. David ID.
Owen, United States geologst, that comparatively
so little has yet been done to measure its resources,
and make them available to the urgent demands of
trade and commerce. Our lumber interest is by no
means unimpOrtant. From the best means we have
to ascertain its extent, the amount Of lumber
focured in the State annually, cannot be less than
ore hundred and fifty million feet. 1t is estimated
that there are within this State, twenty millions
Of acres Of Congress lands, embracing about two
thirds OF the entire State great portion of which is
now surveyed and in market. This immense tract
Of country is generally Of excellent soil, and many
portions Of it richly charged with silver copper,
lead, iron, and other valuable minerals. 1t is GER
tainly question of momentous importance to us,
what disposition ought to be made by the Congress
of the United States, of this twothrds portion of
our State. Various propositions are now pending
before Congress- respecting the unsoll government
lands in the different States. And whatever may
finally be the prevailing measure of the general gov
eminent this subject it must necessarily greatly
affect u.s. favorably otherwise, however insensiby
it may be felt elsewhere. 1t must be conceded that
State, at least, is deeply interested in having
these lands brought into actual occupancy and cult
walton speedily as possible. II, therefore, their
donation to actual settlers, and in limited quantities.
will, by the encouragement OF emigration, be most
likely to produce this result then it follows that the
proposition embracing this principle is the one to
ceiye our countenance and support.
condition. Wisconsin owes no debt, and pays as
she goes. The receipts and expenditures for the
last yeer balance within the sum Of $940 II aud
Of the total disbursements (s134,593 33) for 1862,
rather more than oncthrd, SAC, 200, was account
OF liabilities incurred previous to Jan. l. 1852. We
do not see from this statement why, with good
management and reasonable economy, our State
expenses may not be kept within 100000 year.
Some alterations are needed in the assessment laws,
the Governor tells us, to equaae the burthens Of
taxation.