Minnesota weekly times. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1854-1859, 1857-02-07


that portion OF the Governors message res-
tive to the formation OF State Government"
have after careful deliberaiion, agreed upon
the following recommendation. ~
The Legislature, in our opinion, should
adopt immediate measures, toward securing
tor Minnesota, an early admission, as ALI e.
quail and independent member of the Araer-
can "Union" sze-s.
In this case, it is thought tina, the most spec
dy action will be the best. An &C. should
forthwith be passed providing for census, 10 be
taken in March or April next This will allow
the holding OF a Constitutional Convention, al n
early date. Such convention should not, il APP
pears to us, be postponed to later period than
the LIST OF august. 1t is important that the
people should have as much time as possible,
to make themselves acquainted with the provi-
slons OF Constitution, which will exercise so
profound and permanent an influence upon
themselves and their pos,erty.
| In October, it is advisable that the new con-
stitution be submitted to the popular vote, Cor
ratification or rejection. In case of its accept
ance by majority of the people, it would be
desirable to present the same to Congress at
its sitting in December. Unless provision be
made, for an extra session of our legislature,
to be held in the month of November, it will
not be possible for United States Senators from
Minnesota to present their credentials at
| Washington much before the LIST of February
The possible delay therefore in the election
of Senators, and the additional delay which
may reasonably be expected by Congress, rem
ders it very necessary that our Representatives
should reach the national Capitol contempora-
| neously with the other members. Unless this
be attended to, Minnesota, with State Con-
stitulon and State officers, may not be admit
ted as State before the lst of March,
and perhaps no, then
1t is proper that the committee should enter
| upon a condensed statement Of the reasons
which have led them to propose such prompt
and active measures to the Legislature at this
time. Whatever doubts have crossed their
minds in regard TO the expedieAcy OF adopting
State Government, exist no longer, they are
convinced that the advantages of Territorial
| organization have been greatly magnified by
those who from want of time or inclination
have neglected to look below the surface of
things, at the fundamental principles by which
| the interests OF society are advanced.
The principle of unrestricted "self-govern-
| men:," by which the mass of a community are
permitted to carry out such measures, aud en-
| act such laws as the general welfare may ,e-
quire, is the surest road to wealth and true po.
tica power!
This principle has but partial and limited
scope for action, under a territorial organiza-
zion. A Territory therefore completes very
disadvantageously with neighboring States
Its colonial dependence is constant drag to
its internal prosperity and improvement.
The Governor admits that the only advan.
| tage we possess now is that the trfing sum of
thirty thousand dollars is annually appropria-
ted by Congress, for the support of the Execu-
tive and Legislative departments of our present
Government. This is all-but is it to be pre-
sumed that we are to lose this little amount,
small as it is and receive no equivalent 3
| This is far from being the case. ..
Minnesota, with population which, in a
year from this time, will scarcely fall short Of
three hundred thousand land with a representa-
| ion in Congress equal to that Of the State Of
| Iowa, will not enter the Union without dow
cry BETTING so young and beautiful bride
Congress, in all probability, will donate to
| the new State as she has been accustomed to
10 In like cases, a magnificent tract of land Of
| nall million acres or more, an estate, which
| properly managed would be sufficient to pay
| Ill the taxes of a future State for century to
come. Such grant would in ten years be
worth not less than $10O00,O0O! With such
a Treasury to fall back upon, what incalculable
results in the way of internal Improvements,
might be accomplished, without inficting the
slightest burthen upon the people.
In addition to this, the new State will GER
iainly receive from the general Government,
at least 5 per cent. upon the next proceeds ari-
sing from the sale Of the public lands within
the State. The amount of money derived
from this source, would be an ample equiva-
lent for our present territorial appropriations.
Thus, instead Of losers, we shall, (and that inn
nediately,) in pecuniary point Of view, be
largely the gamers, by adopting the most ener-
getic steps toward the organization OF "A State
Government. gr
For the reasons already stated, it is easy to
see, that it would be suicidal course on our
part to hold on any longerto our present lame
and impotent form If Government. This seems
to be the opinion now universally entertained.
rhemost cautious and distrustful have Withdrawn
their opposition to the obvious movement of the
times. They have ceased to attribute it to the
Vaccinations of political agitators, and begin
| TO realize that the common welfare OF the peo.
pie was the stimulating cause.
public credit is of inestmable importance
to newly organized community. This we
shall have as State. ,45
1t is as necessary that State as well as an in.
dividual, should promptly pay its notes and full,
Its contracts. To do this it is sometimes ne.
cessary to create debt. The public good de.
mands that money thus procured should be Dor.
rowed at the lowest rate Of interest. A soIven,
State can always borrow at a less rate
than individuals. Although strictly -econo.
mcal distribution of the public finances should
always characterize the action and expenditure
Of government, Yet there are times, in the his.
tory of every state, when certain improvements
are so imperative, that the state is obliged to a.
Jopt them, Or lose the benefit of millions, for the
want OF few thousands, at such times, pub
lie credit is public blessing.
Minnesota is inevitably destined to become
one Of the wealthiest of States 1t will no,
be many years, before the present assessmen,
Of near thiry.fve millions. will be increased
to several hundred Millions tax then Of one
cent upon each hundred dollars Of valuation,
would supply an abundant revenue to the State.
In consideration Of this certainty Of future in
come, public credit, shielding our people 10
their infant state from severe. taxation, might
aid immensely in the construction CT railroads
and other works, to an extent altogether incal-
culab!e. To expend money judiciousIy, so tina.
twill yield large return, is certainly better
economy, than TO hoard it up, whether the prin.
ciple be applied to individuals or to States!
| The committee are of oninion that The adon.