, 1859-12-16
GOVERNORS MESSAGE.
Gentlemen Of tie Council and
House Of Representatives:

House Of Representatives:
Congratulating you upon the favorable
auspices under which you have again assem-
bled, it is with pleasure that ] am enabled TO
say, that while peace reigns, health is univer-
sal, and plenty has crowned the labors Of
the husbandman throughout our borders.
But in the midst Of these felicitous cir
cumstances, it is my painful duty to announce
that he wholast addressed you upon a similar
occasion, has gone to that bourne from
whence no traveller returns" The Hon.
Charles ii. Mason is no more! Wise be-
yond his age, in his death the Territory has
lost one of its ablest statesmen and devoted
defenders bright ornament, and
mankind q great benefactor. Devoted to the
land of his adoption, liberal, just, educated
and refined, he has fallen in the bloom of his
youth-in the prime Of his manhood. Living,
he was beloved by all, so he died lamented.
Ever striving to emulate his many manly
virtues in our hearts, let us embalm kindly
recollection, and each drop tear to his
memory.
Regretting my limited acquaintance with
the country, and the wants Of our people,
in accordance with the usage of my prede-
cessors, now proceed to make some sug-
gestIons, and impart such information as my
brief residence in the Territory has enabled
me to acquire.
During the month Of September last, the
Capitol building was in great danger Of des-
truction from fire in tic surrounding woods.
The removal Of the fallen timber and other
rubbish would guard against future similar
dangers, facilitate access, and much improve
the appearance of the public grounds, for
which small appropriation Is suggested.
In relation 10 the title Of the Capitol and
Penitentiary grounds, nothing has reached
this Office since your last session. An early
adjustment of title and erection Of buildings
is very desirable. The present cdifice is un-
suited for the business Of legislation, and
while labor in the Penitentiary would pro-
mote the health and comfort Of the convicts,
their confinement therein would relieve the
several counties Of the burthen (always oncr-
ous) of supporting them after conviction.
Greatly to the injury Of our commerce,
the lights have recently been discontinued
in tue Light House az ShOalwatcr Bay.
Gray's Ilarbor has not yet been surveyed.
This should be done at al early day ght
placed ut its entrance, and buoys in the chan.
mel. The attention Of the proper depart
nlent should immediately be called to these
matters.
Recent occurrences cannot have failed for
cibly to impress upon all the detenceless
condition of our entire coast The eaIly
adoption Of measures fer its defence can
hardly be toO urgently pressed upon the
general government; aud the first step
in this direction should be an exchange Of
the duties now performed by the Shabrick
and MassaehusetLs. The want Of celerity Of
motion, and gr,at draft Of water, renders the
latter wholly unavailable for efficient service
against the Northern Indians, to which the
former is admirably adapted.
For brief space, a speck Of war" hung,
meteor like, upon our northern border but
thanks to wise heads and humane hearts, i
is now below the horizon, and It's hoped will
rise no more.
Descended from common stock-speak-
ing the same language; fraternal feeling
good Observation-Disclosures and humanity
each for oade the threatened contest. Now
that the danger Is past. (whilc duly appre-
ciating the high.toned patriotism and chivalry
which seemingly exceeded "the rigid rules
Of right" but which most certainly, by pro-
% onos,ior ~ III S,II res"lt Il % rooS II the
ddoT1,,, dI ~ Il, ~ Io,"asos,h ;n,;,s,o nc cen.
srors sx.",Dls nv - oS sorbearance sst ,,s cs,ti.
% ,,s,s ,s";n-a"ol ar,sr;,v nro,note commorce
."S nj so.,,a,so"sl,, rors,i rs ,Sa r;.h.s ~ our
Ri Rri,ish nsisS5oTs
Charged with the duty Of taking care
tha' the laws be faithfully executed the late
order Of Gen Scott, directing the military
commander on San Juan Island "to allow no
person. claiming to be a functionary of Wash.
inUton Territory. TO interfere with any British
&c.. ...;I;,,,s ~, hanror;,,, % he on the