Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1871-01-18
Editorial Correspondence.l
FROM MADISON.
Legislature Organixed---st. Croix g.
Superior Land Grant---Governor's
Message. &C., SO.


Message. &C., SO.
On Wednesday, the llth inst, the
State Legislature assembled at the Capt.
tol and commenced its twenty fourth an
nual session.
In the assembly the election Of off
cers resulted in the choice of Hon. w.
E. Smith, of Dodge, Speaker, E. w.
Young, Chief Clerk and Sam S. Fiield.
Sergeant alarms.
Lieut.. Governor Pound assumed his
duties as President Of the Senate and
made few appropriate and we'll chosen
remarks as he took the chair. The
newly elected senators were sworn in
and the organization perfected 10y the
election Of o. IL. Smith of GAINESVILLE,
Chief Clerk. and w. w. Baker, of Ken.
oshn, Sergeant>st arms.
Very little business of Importance. be
yond the work Of organization, has been
done up to this date. One matter. how
ever, of great moment to the st. Croix
Valley has received the attention of the
Leg lsature. Senator Cameron, of La
Crosse, introduced in the senate me
mortal to Congress for the extension OF
the ST. Croix and Superior Land Grant
which was passed under a suspension OF
the rules. When the memorial came
before the Assembly for lis concurrence,
some members were disposed to delay
its passage, evidently through a misun
Outstanding of the situation. A few
well timed remarks from Mr.. Fay. of st.
Croix, and Mr.. Orion, of Dane, revealed
the importance of immediate action and
the memorial was concurred in without
dissentin vote. This prompt action
on the part Of the Legislature. and the
uuanimiIy with which it was expressed,
together with the untiring efforts OF
Governor Farchild and other prominent
men TO secure The extension of the
grant, will be very gratifying to the PEG
people of our Valley who are SO vitality
interested in the success of that measure.
Thursday morning both houses con
vened in joint session to receive the mes
sage of his Excelency, Governor Fair.
child. AT the proper time the State of
ticsrs entered the chamber and tie Gov
ernor taking the speakers stand proceed.
ed TO deliver his annual message to the
assembled Legislators. The document,
abounded with many valuable sueges
tons concerning matters of public inter
est, and much useful information regard
ing matters OF state, our public insttu
lions, railroads, &c. The Governor
speaks of the efforts of the state to pro.
tect the pine lands embraced in the St
Croix d. Superior land grant, and urges
strongly the necessity of the extension of
the grant for the dsvelopmen. and pros
perIiy of the northwestern section Of the
state. He says:
The land grant made by congress in 1856
and 1864 Ia aid in the construction of rail-
road from Lake ST. Crolx to Superior and
Bayfield, expired by the terms thereof, in
May. 1869. The failure of congress To re.
new these grants las caused great disappont-
nent To thousands of settlers in the north
western portion OF the State. Ii Congress
finally refuses such renewal. great Injustice
will thereby be done 10 these settlers and to
w iscOusln Thousands OF people. years ago.
settled along the lines Of these contemplated
roads upon the faith of these grants. They
have purchased several hundred thousand
acres OF the reserved lnnd. paying the gov
eminent double price therefor in considera-
ton OF the grant. thus reimbursing the gov
eminent. because of delays for which they
are IN no wise responsible; to withho Id these
grants just at the lime when their renewal
will rlsure The speedy building of the roads
will be an act Of Injustice and impoicy
which do not believe congress will commit.
DeemIng those roads of the utmost imp, r
lance To W lsconsln, and that the renewal of
TIE grants was due 10 our people. | have felt
1t To be my duty Ia use every proper effort to
secure the assent of congress thereto: and |
sh al not relax my efforts To- aid in the devel-
opmrnt OF that portion of the State most in
tciested IN this enterprise. nor in giving ev-
cry possible encouragement to all other
scehmes of internal improvement which will
add TO the prosperity and resources of the
| commonwealth.
These railroad lands have been for nearly
| two years under the charge of the State foF
protection against trespassers. General Sam
uel Hartman has, during that tin e. been the
agent OF the State to discharge this duty
| He has caused to be collected for stumpage
| by X. ID. Pike, agent of the Bayfield, Ia I'd
office. 5 1875: by the United States Mar
| shal, 8 SS5. and has collected himself ard
paid Inio the Slate Treasury, SI4 I76 10
| Total amount collected, S67.1S6 % The
| sum paii INTO the State Treasury, less ex-
penses incurred, will be held by The Stale in
| trust fof the parties who may construct the
contemplated roads. The agent ia confident
| that he shall succeed in preventing further
depredatiUHs.
Applicants for clerksbips and Other
minor offices were numerous. Nearly
all of the places have been filed and
those disappointed, have taken themselves
Lemeward on the /" swearing train"
The standing committees of both
Houses have been formed. | send yor
only the committee on railroads in eact
] house: