In accordance with the last resolution the chair appointed Wm. R. Marshall, G. W. Brownell and W. H. C. Folsom, Esqs., a committee.
On motion the secretary was instructed to forward copies of the proceedings of the meeting to the Prairie du Chien Patriot, Galena Gazette and Wisconsin Argus, requesting their publication.
H. H. Perkins,
Chairman.
R. V. D. Smith,
Secretary.
No attention was paid to the action of the public meeting. It is possible that none was expected. It was some satisfaction to the people of the valley to give such an expression of their opinion of the wrong done them. The admission of Wisconsin with the St. Croix as a boundary line left the country immediately west of that river virtually without law. Nevertheless, Wisconsin territorial laws were acknowledged west of the St. Croix and were generally considered binding until a new territorial government should be organized. The territorial governor, Gen. Henry Dodge, had been elected United States senator and therefore could not claim jurisdiction over this part of the territory lying beyond state limits. John Catlin, territorial secretary, held that the territorial government still existed in the part of the original territory excluded.
At a public meeting held in Stillwater, Aug. 26, 1848 (a preliminary meeting having been held August 24th, at which an understanding was effected with Mr. Catlin and he invited to exercise authority as a territorial officer), steps were taken for the organization of a new territory, and Mr. Catlin, having removed to Stillwater, issued a proclamation in his official capacity, ordering an election to be held for the selection of a delegate to Congress. To facilitate this movement John H. Tweedy, territorial delegate from Wisconsin, resigned. The election was held Oct. 30, 1848, and H. H. Sibley was elected as a successor to John H. Tweedy, his papers being certified by John Catlin, secretary of Wisconsin Territory. Mr. Sibley proceeded to Washington, presented his credentials and patiently awaited recognition, which was not very speedily accorded, there being considerable discussion as to the right of excluded territory to continued political existence. His admission, on the fifteenth of January, as a delegate, settled the question and established a precedent that the creation of a state government does not deprive portions of the territory not included within state limits of the right to existence and representation. Mr. Sibley ably presented the claims of his constituents and with great difficulty succeeded in procuring the passage of a bill organizing the new territory of Minnesota.
With all respect to the action of Congress in receiving Mr. Sibley as a legally elected delegate (and, under the circumstances, the action seems wise), the question still rises: "Had we a legal territorial government?" If we had, what was the necessity for a new organization? Why could not the excluded territory continue under the old regime, or inherit, so to speak, the old government machinery? If we had no legal existence, by what authority could Mr. Sibley represent us? The Wisconsin territorial government had ceased to exist. Ours had not begun to live.
The territory of Minnesota was created by act of Congress, March 3, 1849, a little over thirty days after the introduction of the bill creating it. There had been some discussion as to the name. In the bill presented by Morgan L. Martin it was named Minnesota. Senator Stephen A. Douglas, chairman of the committee on territories, recommended the passage of the bill, and that the new territory be named Itasca. When the bill was before the house the names Chippewa, Jackson and Washington were proposed, but the name in the original bill was adopted. It is a compound word, taken from the Sioux language, and has for its meaning "Land of sky-tinted water." The news of the passage of the bill reached Stillwater April 9th, and was received with great rejoicing.
The United States land office which had been established at St. Croix Falls in 1848 was removed to Stillwater July 1, 1849. Abraham Van Voorhes was appointed register and William Holcombe receiver.
INDIAN TREATIES.
Sept. 23, 1805, at the mouth of St. Peter's river (now Mendota) with the Sioux. (For account of this treaty see "Gen. Pike and the Indians.")