OF THE

GOVERNOR OF WISCONSIN,

TOGETHER WITH THE

ANNUAL REPORTS

OF THE

OFFICERS OF THE STATE,

FOR

THE YEAR A. D. 1864.

PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY OF THE LEGISLATURE.

MADISON, WIS. :

ATWOOD & RUBLEE, STATE PRINTERS.

1865.

GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE.

DELIVERED BEFORE THE SENATE AND ASSEMBLY, JAN. 12, 1865.

Fellow Citizens of the Senate and Assembly:

In obedience to the requirements of the Constitution, it again be- I comes my duty to communicate to the Legislature the condition of I the State, and to recommend such matters as I may deem expedient for their consideration

When we contemplate the condition of our country, its necessities, the manner in which it has been preserved through all its trials, our minds naturally turn to Him whose care has been over us, who has protected and preserved us in all the trying scenes through which we have been called upon to pass.

For the preservation of our liberties; for. His care and protection over those who have gone forth and are now risking their lives in defense of the principles upon which our happiness and prosperity rest; for life, health and plenty; for the guidance of that Unseen Hand which has led us through all our dangers; for that gleam of light we now see breaking through the clouds and darkness that have for the last four years surrounded us; for these and many other blessings of which we have been the recipients, let us render thanks to our Heavenly Father, and let us ask the continuance of his favor-His guidance in future.

¥ }

The duties of the Legislator are ever important and responsible. It would be difficult to fix bounds to the influence that his acts exert. Man can confide to his fellow man no higher trust than the power to legislate for him; but doubly important do these duties become in times like the present, when men's passions are excited, when nations are convulsed, and the destiny of ages seems hanging upon the result of the transactions of a single day. If ever the Legislator needed Divine influence-wisdom from on High to guide him, he needs it now. You are not alone to care for the local interests of your immediate constituents; your acts will encourage the patriotic soldier, and all the friends of freedom, or they will encourage the enemies of the Government in their mad schemes to subvert its authority. Your acts should, and doubtless will, aid in the promotion of liberty." They should vindicate the principles upon which our Government. 10 rests, for if these be obliterated by the rebellion of the South, the cunningly devised schemes and frauds of those in our own midst, or from any other cause, our liberties are gone. May they all tend to 13 promote the good of the State and nation, and the good of all mankind. In all such acts you will receive my hearty co-operation.ven on The financial condition of our State, considering the drafts that have necessarily been made upon the treasury, is very flattering indeed. Great credit is due to our worthy Secretary and Treasurer

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