, 1856-12-12

him, made some very peculiar, pointed, and
patriotic remarks, serving as a connection
between the recent state of Indian hostili-
ties, the position of our territory, etc. 1t
should be due to Mr.. W. to observe, that
thus far in his Official career as president
of the council, he has showed no partizan
feeling, and commands the esteem Of men,
bers for fair-dealing and impartiality.
The governors message was delivered at
the afternoon session on Wednesday, in
Joint convention of the two houses. The
document is lengthy and will probably not
appear in print for some days to come. 1t
suggests quite number of alterations in
the general laws of the territory /; the sub
ject matter of which it is fair to suppose
will in time be referred to appropriate COM
mittees The message, lengthy though it
might have been, was listened to with
very considerable attention. In fact, it
was regarded as compilation, or rather
as miniature Or deguerrcotype of the op-
erations of our territorial officers and citi-
zen soldiers engaged in the Indian war for
the last year. "
Quite number of bills, resolutions, etc,
of more or less Importance, have been in.
troduced, and either passed, defeated or
referred TO appropriate committees.
A bill was introduced in the council to
repeal oil exemption laws. 1t was read
twice and referred to the committee on Ju-
dietary, who recommended that it be laid up
on the table, where it will probably remain
the remainder Of the session.
G. B. No. 3, an act to amend the road
laws, consisting Of n single section for the
benefit of certain localities, gives to the
county commissioners discretion to allow a
road to be made less than sixty feet wide,
where taking so much would encroach upon
the land of the citizen. The introduction
of this law will probably lead to q revision
of our road system, and we would advise
our readers to forward to their representa-.
tives suggestions of amendment or altera-
tion.
c. B. No. 3, authorizes James Cochran
to abandon his ferry across the Chehal.s
river and has passed the council.
c. b. No. 4, an act to incorporate the
Puget Sound Institute. This is an institute
of earning under the patronage of the
Methodist Episcopal church.
&C. B. No. 5, an act repeating oil laws
for leveying territorial revenue. This law
was introduced by Mr.. Pagett, and, on
motion Of Mr. Cock, amended so as to
abolish the Offices of territorial auditor and
treasurer. In this condition it was refer
red to the committee on Judiciary.
G. B. No. 6, relating to Indians-ma-
king it penal to supply Indians with guns,
powder and ammunition, but directed more
particularly to preventing the employment
Of, and intercourse with, northern Indians.
1t Furnishes by fine, parties bringing and re-
tanning them after certain notice to leave,
and also authorizes the severe punishment
Of any Indian who remains after being
warned away.
A resolution was passed unanimously,
requesting our delegate in congress TO for
ward the secretary of the territory, for
distribution, one hundred copies of F. W.
Lander's report Of reconnaissance of a
railroad route from Puget Sound by way
of South Pass to the Mississippi river, and
Of other reports on the railroad surveys to
the Pacific.
We expected to give passing notice
Of the various measures introduced in the
house, but was not able to obtain q report
in time for this weeks issue. Suffice it to
say, that both branches have fairly enter
ed upon the practical business of legisla-
tion-a good feeling prevails, and hopes
are entered that much useful business will
be accomplished.