The Manitowoc tribune. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1866-1878, 1875-02-25

upon carpet-bag Speaker Geo. w.
Peck took his seat. The new Speaker
announced that the following gentlemen
-Mossrs. Rankin, Dunning, Gurnee,
Reed and Bryant-held seats Illegally,
and ordered the military to remove
them. The gentlemen were removed
and five colored gentlemen were seated.
Another file of soldiers removed the
| Chief Clerk and installed Carpet bag
Chief Clerk Geo. Raymer. Carpet bag
Gov. VIM. Welch then read the follow
ing
MESSAGE.
FelIoaU Citizens of the Senate and
assembly,:
We are III the midst of peaceful revo-
luton, but recurrence to first princi-
Piles is essential to p just appreciation of
existing facts. Prominent among the
admonitions which fell from the lips of
our departed statesmen and heroes while
they were permitted to be the agents
through whom blessings Of the highest
order were transmitted to the American
people, was one which warned their
countrymen, with paternal solicltude,
against yielding up the nation to the
caprices of the civil power. Their clear,
| prophetic revision embraced the direful
| consequence which must ensue to the
liberties of the people. if the civil power
shall succeed i'll overriding the bulwarks
of the military. In time of war, nations
depend for their protection upon the
prowess of armies and navies,-so it is
in times of peace. It was in obedience
to this principle of sound philosophy in
governmental affairs, that / have caused
the use of the military in reforming the
errors and the blunders of trc ballot
box. In this appeal to force, - order
to protect the rights of the whole peo-
pie, and to secure to your chosen Ex-
ecu5ive the franchises of his Office,
have met with the countenance and sup
port of the political government at
Washington. A distinguished soldier
of the Union, having at his command
the military power of the army, has ap-
peared within the forum of our legisla-
tive halls, and relieved you from the
disagreeable duty of determining
the question as to the election and
qualification of your own members. For
this unselfish and patriotic act, we can
not but be profoundly thankful. 1t is
in accordance with the precedents of
history, and conforms to the theory of
our government.
This is the second time in the history
of our State, thxt contest has arisen
for the possession of the chair by the
Txecl.irse. T refer to the Barstow and
Bashford contest of 1866. Then an
appeal was had to the courts, and great
delay awaited final decision. Had the
military been called upon, the work of
months could have been accomplished
in an hour. Since that era, radical
change has thaken place in the public
mind, and I am happy in the know
ledge that a. vast majority of those Of our
citizens who then resisted what was cal
led the ''Barstow usurpations," are now
my chief allies and supporters. [ as
sure you that [ shall commit no act
which will tend to forfeit their generous
and deserved confidence, and in no
event shall I take any steps which will
warrant the President III withdrawing
from the people of my State the military
arm which enfolds and protects its lib
critics.
have but few recommends to make
to you, of legislative character. Hav-
ing the military at my command, / shall
perform, in the main, those duties my
self, particularly those relating to the
conduct of elections, as to who shall
vassing returns. In this way can per-
petuate power where it rightfully be-
longs Your concurrence, however,
may be necessary in the issuing of bonds
for the purpose of internal improve
ments, in order to obtain the confidence
of the creditors of the State. [ recon-
mend the issuing of ten millions Of. the
bonds of the State, in order to complete
the improvement of the Fox and Wis
consin rivers This work has been de-
layed so long on account OF lack of a
sufficiency Of water, that the people are
becoming tired of it. But owing to the
heavy fall of show during this winter,
and which is unprecedented in the North
west, the spring freshet will furnish an
abundant supply.
Superior harbor will also demand
your attention, as I am informed that
our neighboring State of Minnesota has
concocted plan to steal the lake and
convert it to it's own use. These are
the only works of public concern to
which I call your attention, aside from
that of the election of United States
Senator. The Constitution of the Unit
ed States, which [ have profound ven
Grafton, gives to you the power to elect
United States Senator. L advise, how
ever, that in making the choice, you
select some distinguished citizen of the
State without regard to race, color, or
previous condition of servitude. He
should be selected also with reference to
his being in accord with the present set
tied policy of the State.
I have the honor, in this communica-
fion, to lay before you the names of dis
tinguished citizens of the State; to whom
I confde the management of charitable
and other notwithstanding to my
self, if occasion requires it, to COM
municate to you by special message, a
request for additional legislation.
The Governor then read the follow
ing appointment:
Superintendent of Public Property.-Tomuel
Reynolds.
reform SchooL-Fred. Horn, w. ]. Kershaw
and Harrison C. Hobert.
! State Geologist.-Dr. O. w. Wight-to make
| his report in ten living and ten dead languages.
Beard to examine and audit old claims--The
| Lotto Daniel Raxter D. CaTDenter. Morgan L..