, 1864-01-23
Governors Message.


Governors Message.
GeaHeman ofhe Council and Ho,se Of
Representatives The striking events of
the brief period which has passed since the
adjournment of the last session, and circum-
stances now surrounding US, furnish abun-
dant reasons for sincere expression Of our
gratitude to Almighty God.
The progress of the arms of the United
States has been marked bv series of bril-
liant and important victories, justifying the
hope Of the patriot that ere long the author
ity OF the National Government will be re-
established in all the rebel States, and our
country enter upon brighter and more glo-
rious career of prosperity than ever before
known amongst the most powerful nations of
the earth.
The people of this Territory, by their re-
moteness from the scene of open rebellion
and actual conflict, have been spared the i'm
mediate and dreadful consequence of the
wicked treason and rebellion against the
Government and Union of our beloved coun-
try
Here our homes have not been made des-
olate by the absence or death of fathers,
brothers or sons called away to aid in de-
Tending and maintaining the honor, integri-
ty and perpetuity of the Government of the
United States. Here no assassin raids have
murdered the peaceable inhabitants, nor
robbed, plundered and burnt down their
towns, villages or dwellings. The great mass
of our citizens are loyal; and while we as a
community Of fellow-citizens have enjoyed
all the blessings Of peace, universal good
health, and prosperity has prevailed, the
earth has yielded abundant harvests, and
many new sources of vast mineral wealth
have been unfolded Let US not, however,
in the midst Of our prosperity, be forgetful
Of the duties we owe to our country, but let
US, by every means within our power, aid in
striking down the Infamous hand Of treason
and rebellion, as the only method of secur-
ing to ourselves and our children perma-
nent and honorable peace.
MILITARY PROTECTION TO EMIGRANTS.
It affords me sincere pleasure to announce
that the prudent and energetic measures
adopted by Gems. Wright and Alvord for
the protection of the frontiers and the over
land emigrants along their dreary and dan
gerous route, have been crowned with entire
success. During all the emigration across
the plains for the last fourteen years to the
gold fields of California, Oregon, and Wash
ington Territory great damage has been done,
and lives lost every year, but this is the first
year the emigrant trains have all arrived safe
ly and been fully protected against the wild,
Arab.like savaoes west of the Rocky noun
tains. For this gratifying result the thanks
of the country are due to Gems Wright and
Alvord, and to all the officers and men Of
this military department.
LEGISLATIVE APPoRTIONaENT.
The organization of the new Territory of
Idaho by act of Congress of March 3D., 1868,
will render necessary anew apportionment
of the representation in the Legislative
Council and House of Representatives.
PACIFIC RAILROAD AND TELEGRAPH.
Gratifying progress has already been made
under the act Of Congress to aid in the con
struction of the Pacific Railroad. The Tele-
graph line has already been finished across
our continent, from the Atlantic cities to
San Francisco, and branch thereof will
soon be completed to Portland, Oregon. l
trust one of your earliest acts will be the
adoption of memorial to Congress praying
a grant to aid in the construction Of North
ern Railroad to some one of the points al
ready designated as proper terminus in this
Territory.
DISTRICT COURTS, &C.
Your attention is also called to the act of
Congress; approved Fed 8, 1868, entitled
an 'Act concerning the District Courts of
Washington Territory" by which provision
is made for the holding Of District Courts,
in addition to those already authorized, at
such times and places, not exceeding three
places in each district, as the Legislative AS
sembly she'll determine.
INDIAN TREATY
By the Treaty concluded with the Nez
Perces, on the 9th day Of June last, the In
dians have relinquished to the United States
nearly nine-tenths of their former reserva-
ton, which embraced an area of about ten
thousand square miles, and is situated Who'll
ly within the Territory of Idaho. | am in
formed by the Superintendent of Indian AT
fairs, that our relations with the Indians are
of the most peaceful character
PUBLIC LANDS.
The following information relative to the
progress of the surveys of Public Lands in
Washington Territory, during the present
year, has been furnished by the Surveyor
General:
The Surveyor Generals report shows
that 68l miles of land have been surveyed