The Cheyenne daily leader. [volume] (Cheyenne, Wyo.) 1870-1884, 1877-11-08


borders, must stimulate enterprise and induce explorations
and development. The production of 9Et
Has increased during the past year, and our coal fields have
been successfully worked.
THE SUBJECT OF FISH CULTURE
Was presented to the Legislature in my last message, but no
action was taken. Your attention is now invited to it. Fur
the reflection and observation have strengthened the convic-
tlh that a small appropriation judiciously expended will result
i'll stocking the various streams of the Territory in the vicinity
OF the settlements with the best kinds of fish, and will greatly
benefit the people, by furnishing them with a desirable article
Of food without cost. aaLt
THE PROPOSED FORMATION OF A NEW TERRITORY,
Embracing the Black Hills, a large portion of Northern Wyo-
ming, and portions of Dakota and Montana, has received some
attention. For this movement L am unable to perceive any
sound reason. If the people of the Hills desire to sever their
relations with Dakota, the proper course is for Congress to
attach the Black Hills to this Territory. In this direction is
their natural outlet. Our interests are in common. The
distance between Cheyenne and Deadwood is but two hun
drcd and sixty miles. Another year will undoubtedly wit
ness the completion of Il railroad between those points,
giving the latter direct connection with the east. Sturdy
and industrious pioneers are developing the wealth of the
Black Hills, and they deserve the protection of good
laws and good government. 1t must be evident that their
interests will be best promoted by a union with Wyom
ing. If they can secure a new Territory, without interference
with our limits, we certainly cannot object. But when they
propose to take a part of our Territory to enable them to
secure one, it then becomes the duty of our people to enter
their solemn protest. They have anxiously awaited the time
when the removal of the hostile Indians would open up the
Big Horn region for settlement, and make its resources avail
able. When the time comes for the realization their hope, it
is not justt to wrest it from them. Again, they have a reason
able right to look forward to some point of time in the future
when the population of Wyoming will justify its admission as
a State. 1t would not be in accordance with fair deailing to
destroy that prospective right, or postpone the exercise of it
for an indefinite period of time.
| therefore recommend that you memorabilia Congress
against any curtailment of the present boundaries of wyo-
ming, and ask that the Black Hills be annexed to, and made
Il part Of it.
INDIAN AFFAIRS.
The capture and surrender of most of the hostile Sioux, the
abolition Of the Indian title to the lands, and the moral effect
of the uncxampled pursuit and capture of Joseph and the Nez
Perces, afford reasons for the hope and belief that peace will
be maintained in this region of country, and that the settle
ment of Northern Wyoming, hitherto prevented by marauding
Indians, will now 30 forward, and its mineral and pastoral
wealth be made available by the industry of the settler. The
removal of the Indian agencies from our northern border to
points near the Missouri river, is now taking place, and this
gives us additional confidence in the prospect of peace. In
this connection | cannot refrain from expressing my thanks to
Gen. Crook, the Department commander, for the promptness
and efficiency with which he has responded to every call made
upon him for protection to our people and their interests,
which the limited means at his command have enabled him to
give. 10 Inn, and 10 the officers and soldiers serving in the
Department, is due the expression of our appreciation of the
hard, laborious and dangerous service they have rendered in
Kidding our frontier of hostile oes.
GENTLEMEN:-In conclusion, us the duration of your time is
limited to forty DAYS. permit me to impress upon you the ne
cessity Of giving early deliberation to measures of necessary
Legislation, so that important bills may not be crowded into
the closing hours of the session. Both Houses and the Execu-
tive should have ample time to consider every measure.
l trust you will be guided by wisdom, and Judgment COM
mensuratc with your responsibilities, and that your labors will
meet with the appreciation of your constituents, and RESULT in
the increased prosperity OF the Territory.
JOHN NJ. "
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Cheyenne, Nov. 9th, 1877.