First a few words about Belmont. Although Belmont was the first official Territorial Capitol for the Wisconsin Territory, for any whites living here between the time when this area was organized as part of the United States under the Northwest Ordinance of 1787, the territorial capitol was Marietta, Ohio when this was part of the Northwest Territory, Vincennes, when it was part of the Indiana Territory, Kaskaskia, when it was part of the Illinois Territory, and Detroit, when the Michigan Territory was formed. Carving out new Territories and making them into states was a boom industry in those years -- and one people like you and me might have been engaged in.
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When Michigan's Territorial Council could feel statehood approaching, they established a new Council for their western counties, (the ones that wouldn't be included in the state of Michigan), and this new Council met in Green Bay on January 1, 1836.
The purpose of this Green Bay meeting was to petition for Territorial status, and the question of where the Capital would be was already an important one -- because the federal government traditionally made a large grant, of land or money, for the establishment of the Capital. The Council meeting in Green Bay asked the United States Congress to name Cassville as Territorial Capitol: it was centrally located for the huge new Territory, which included Iowa, Minnesota and part of North and South Dakota, and was in the heavily populated lead-mining region. Congress ignored the recommendation, (an experience that is not unique to their time or any other), and left it up to the new Governor of the Wisconsin Territory, Henry Dodge, to pick a temporary site, and the Legislature to be elected to pick a permanent home.
Dodge picked Belmont, where John Atchison had already begun offering lots of land for sale -- he made the offers in New York, Washington, Dubuque and Mineral Point. Atchison was also bringing in several public buildings he constructed back East, (probably in Pittsburgh), such as this building, and hoped the Governor's action would determine the new Legislature's choice of a permanent Territorial Capitol -- one which would get the $20,000 in federal money.
What was it like? Brown County legislator Henry Baird wrote home "that he was `agreeably surprised, when emerging from the wood, to see 6 or 8 very pretty framed buildings'" -- not the log cabins that must have made up most homes in the Territory. But legislators were crowded, and they complained about lacking heat and water. Today, they complain about office space, travel allotments, committee assignments and state vehicles.
James Doty, who eventually convinced the Legislature to name Madison the new Capital, was only one of a number of promoters trying to change the location. Cassville and Burlington, Iowa, offered their own inducements to get the Capital changed, but Doty was better: 16 legislators, (there were only 39, 13 in a Council and 26 in a House), ended up owning land in Madison, along with the clerks of both the Council and the House, and the Governor's son.
Did Doty buy the vote? It turns out that the decision on this question turned on Iowa politics as much as Wisconsin issues: The bill to make Madison the Capital included a provision to make Burlington the temporary Capital, and that split the legislators from what would become Iowa two years later. The support of Des Moines legislators for Madison was probably critical, since the Des Moines legislators outvoted Dubuque legislators in the Council by one vote -- the margin of Madison's victory. In the House there seems to have been an alliance between Des Moines, Iowa and southwestern Wisconsin legislators in favor of Madison, with Dubuque strongly opposed, and other Wisconsin legislators split, but mostly in favor of somewhere, (anywhere), north or east of Madison.
Burlington, the Wisconsin Territory's second Capital, is in southern Iowa. "Major Jerry" Smith had `offered to build a temporary capital out of his own pocket'. The Legislature was happy with this two-story building when it met there in November, 1837, but it burnt down the next month. In the summer of 1838, Iowa was separated out as a separate Territory, with its own Capital, and our Legislature and government moved to Madison.
A Capitol building was being built in Madison, but was far from completed. The legislators used small improvised rooms on the first floor, over a basement being used to protect some of the builder's hogs from the winter cold. Ebenezer Child, a legislator from Green Bay, claimed that he would poke at the hogs underneath through gaps in the floor to rile them up to drown out boring speakers. Now, of course, none of us would think of making any noise when someone else is speaking.
These stories, and the whole history of Wisconsin, as a Territory and, for 150 years, as a state, is important to me, not just because the stories are so much fun. We need to take inspiration from the courage of the men and women who made this state, and to seek enlightenment in the way they faced their problems. It would be easy to dismiss the problems they faced, 150 or 160 years ago. We all like to look back on "the good old days" and see in our own time more dangers, more threats, and more critical issues: In our Sesquicentennial year the United States is still trying to forge a new world order to replace the Cold War Alliances, state governments face demands for changes, (usually involving additional expenditure), in welfare, education, the environment along with ferocious pressure to cut back state spending and taxation, and Americans in general face moral questions caused by technological changes unimaginable even a few years ago: Is cloning moral, and who is responsible for making the decision? How far must we go to protect our privacy, if protecting it limits the use of data bases that could save our lives in medical emergencies, or catch dead-beat parents, or prevent cheating on taxes? What limits should we, as a society, put on genetic manipulation of plants, animals, or even human beings? When currencies crash in East Asia and threaten the world's economic health, when environmentalists demand a cut-back in carbon emissions to limit damage to our climate, what can, or should, such small entities as a single state like Wisconsin do to make the economy humane and ecologically sound? It's easy to think that the first generations in Wisconsin had it easier, or at least faced fewer complex questions.
In fact, the issues of the 1830's, when, for a year, Belmont was the Territorial Capitol, or of the 1840's, when we achieved the Statehood we celebrate this year, were just as tough. Was war against Mexico justified? Ulysses S. Grant, who fought in it, thought not. Slavery and racial prejudice? The question of allowing blacks to vote was one of the controversies of the time, and Territorial Status followed closely on the heels of the Black Hawk War -- which helped prepare for white settlement by clearing Native Americans out. The economy? --The original Wisconsin State Constitution forbade the formation or operation of banks without a positive referendum on the question. The paper money issued by private banks tended to decline in value and sometimes become worthless -- which gave banking a bad name. The environment? At a time when pigs could root under the floor or outside the building in which the Assembly met, I think the stench of that issue probably took on a personal importance greater than we now realize; it just wasn't addressed as a "cause", but as a matter of individual responsibilities, particular problems, specific answers. "Move the pigs" is an idea that makes sense, but it's a long way from environmentalism.
To find a meaning in our Sesquicentennial, we have to go beyond "moving the pigs" to see how some of the people acted, how ideas, institutions and events shaped us, and gain inspiration from them.
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The corner of the Capitol Square outside the Governor's office has a statue of Colonel Hans Christian Heg, a Wisconsin soldier who fell at the battle of Chickamauga in the Civil War. Wisconsin has given huge numbers of its civilians as soldiers in each of America's Wars since then, but not just as citizen-soldiers; Wisconsin's own General Douglas MacArthur led America's forces, including the Wisconsin-based 32nd Division, in the Southwest Pacific during World War II. We know how to follow, and, on occasion, we're also able to lead.
Aldo Leopold and John Muir were among the founders of the Environmental Movement, but in our day Gaylord Nelson started Earth Day, and the modern form of the Movement, while we wrestle today with how best to implement and support recycling. In the early days it was enough to observe clearly and report passionately to reach people; now it's a matter of organizing, establishing distinctions, making changes in the ways we act.
Wisconsin native and UW Professor Frederick Jackson Turner formulated the Frontier Thesis: that America was formed by the contact of settlers with the wilderness, an idea which takes on new meaning every time we push for a new mission to Mars, or for more research on an earthly frontier like the deep ocean bed or an intellectual frontier like the Human Genome Project. Other Professors at the University of Wisconsin worked with Progressive politicians to produce a host of reforms: John R. Commons and Worker's Compensation, Edwin Witte, the "Father of Social Security," and UW PhD., Charles McCarthy, who fathered the nation's first vocational-technical school system as well as beginning the legislative reference library. Wisconsin was the first state to pass unemployment compensation. Wisconsin became synonymous with progressive politics, an accomplishment both parties can claim as a proud part of their past.
The Kohler family gave the state a strong industry, two Governors, and a goad to the labor movement that led to several horrible strikes; the 1934 strike saw police killing 2 and wounding 47. Herb Kohl has carried on the tradition of moving from economic commitment to personal political commitment. I only hope labor negotiations with players on the Bucks are more peaceful.
Even in fields where no advance is possible, such as the courage shown by those awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, Wisconsin continues to make herself known, from the two MacArthurs, father and son, to Richard Bong, the World War II Marine ace from Poplar, and Mitchell Red Cloud, of Friendship, who died stopping a Chinese Communist attack in Korea, and allowed the rest of his unit to escape.
There are parallel lives, past and present, in less high-minded fields, too. Think of Ed Gein and Jeffrey Dahmer, each a reminder to his own time of the horror that man can do --that each of us might face, if social conscience loses its force.
Wisconsin has its own memories of an FBI shootout with John Dillinger near Manitowish Waters, of Al Capone's hideout near Couderay, of Frank Balistrieri, Milwaukee's alleged Mob boss, and, if I remember correctly, the "Pizza" connection, organized crime's local connection here in Wisconsin that gained fame when busted a few years ago.
Wisconsinites have a history of resisting laws they don't like, from the mob that freed fugitive slave Joshua Glover from a Milwaukee jail in 1854 to actions we might like to forget, like the 1970 bombing of Sterling Hall. Each action helped determine which way the nation turned immediately after.
Frances Willard lived her early life in Wisconsin, then went on to become President of the Women's Christian Temperance Union in the 19th Century. Kathryn Clarenbach, a life-long citizen of this state, was a co-founder of the National Organization of Women, as well as giving us a friend and fellow legislator.
Politically, we've produced James Vinegard, a legislator who voted against moving the Capital to Madison and later shot and killed legislator C.C. Arndt during a debate, and Senator Joe McCarthy, who dragged the country through hell before being stopped by a televised legislative hearing.
There are parts of the past we may not care to remember: "Fighting Bob" LaFollette voted against US entry into World War I, joined by 9 of 11 Wisconsin Congressmen. Teddy Roosevelt faced an assassination attempt in Milwaukee in 1912.
Carl Schurz found a home here, and Golda Meir lived her formative years in Milwaukee, before going on to become Prime Minister of Israel.
Wisconsin's two parties have given the Defense Department two secretaries: Mel Laird and Les Aspin. We've provided the nation with: the first Secretary of Agriculture: former Wisconsin Governor Jeremiah Rusk; George Kennan, Ambassador to Russia after World War II and the man who came up with the idea of Containment -- before it became government policy, and long before we won the Cold War; and William Rehnquist, Chief Justice of the United States.
Wisconsin gave the world Harry Houdini, who could get out of anything, and Chris Farley, who couldn't get out of the problems he created for himself.
Spencer Tracy and Harrison Ford went to Ripon College. Don Ameche, Willem Dafoe, Liberace, Gene Wilder and Frederic March are from Wisconsin, and performers from Fred MacMurray to Arnold Schwarzenegger went to school here. Wisconsin has given the nation authors August Derleth and Jacquelyn Mitchard.
UW Professor E.V. McCallum discovered Vitamin A in 1913, and Professor Howard Temin is one of 12 Nobel prize winners from the state's University. Not all the thinkers and dreamers come from the classroom, either: remember Billy Mitchell and his vision of Air Power.
90 years ago there was a "Wisconsin Idea" in education -that the bounds of the University are the boundaries of the state. The Progressive Movement that shaped both Democratic and Republican parties brought government closer to the people, and we're still trying to involve people in solving society's problems, from local recycling programs to educational reform. We led the nation in Unemployment Compensation and Worker's Compensation, and now we lead the nation in our efforts to reform welfare.
History is just nostalgia unless it offers a vision of a better future. It is up to us to find those visions of the future: in events of the past, in the complaints and suggestions of our constituents, in the ideas of professors and the practices of other states, where ever these visions exist. We have to find these visions, make them known to others, craft them into laws, and lead society in implementing them. This is our task, our function, --one I am happy to fulfill.
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Wisconsin has too many people, too many individual points of view, too much rambunctious pride for all of us to agree on exactly what vision the Sesquicentennial should inspire, but by continuing to struggle each for his own vision of a better future, I think five million Wisconsin citizens are definitely headed for a great future. By leading them, and giving voice to their sentiments, their ideas, their hopes, we can make this happen.
Thank you."
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"It was here in this chamber where the campaign for statehood began. During the negotiations over statehood, our founders had an expansive vision of the state which included Chicago, the Twin Cities, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Unfortunately, President Polk bowed to political pressure and gave away huge chunks of our fair state to our greedy neighbors in Illinois, Minnesota, and Michigan.
I believe it's time to take back what was originally ours and liberate the ancestral Wisconsinites toiling under the oppressive governments in St. Paul, Lansing, and Springfield.
I consider this a humanitarian mission to free our brothers and sisters trapped in Minnesota, Michigan and Illinois, and welcome them home to Wisconsin where they can cheer for the Super Bowl Champions.
We rededicate ourselves to the spirit of sacrifice for our principles that led the Wisconsin Legislature and our citizens to fund three Wisconsin Regiments to the Union Army in 1861 - answering President Lincoln's call for 75,000 soldiers by sending 96,000 of our men to the battlefield. Providing more troops in proportion to population than any other state in the Union.
We rededicate ourselves to the unwavering support for individual rights and liberties that saw Wisconsin leading the nation in the women's suffrage movement. Saw our legislature passing state laws allowing women to vote in Wisconsin school board elections in 1885, allowing Wisconsin women to vote in presidential elections in 1919, and in 1920 becoming the first state in the nation to ratify the Nineteenth Amendment.
Today, we do not celebrate great men and women so much as we celebrate ordinary men and women who through hard work and determination accomplished great things.
Today, we do not celebrate a history of perfection. We celebrate a history of people bold enough to reach for greatness and human enough to occasionally fail. But always courageous enough to admit failure and try again.
I ask you all to look at this map again and just think of the redistricting possibilities in 2000!!!
This has been an exciting day and an historic day. When I was sworn in as Speaker two months ago, I challenged us to strive to lead the nation from the Wisconsin Legislature. I stated that this body is in a race with its own history; to ensure that the ideals and accomplishments that have distinguished our proud past will also illuminate our hopeful future.
Today we have celebrated some of that proud past. And we rededicate ourselves to the principles that have shaped the proudest moments of our history.
We rededicate ourselves to the deep commitment to equal rights that saw the Territorial Legislature in this building in 1836 adopt the Northwest Ordinances and its prohibition of slavery as its framework for territorial government and our eventual state constitution. The commitment to equality that saw Wisconsin refuse to honor the Fugitive Slave Act and that made us one of the safest stops on the underground railroad.
It is worthwhile for those of us so often consumed by the minutiae of the moment to ponder the past. To salute our successes and to learn from our mistakes. To recognize anew the traditions we must keep and the challenges we must meet. Today, we shall rededicate ourselves to creating a future worthy of our past, and a history which our own children can celebrate with pride.
In just a few seconds after we adjourn, the gavel and flag from today's proceedings will be presented to George Vogt for permanent residence in the State Historical Society. But before we do that, I'd like to have you join me in thanking him and his team for all their assistance along with that of the Sesquicentennial Commission in making this day a wonderful success.
We have a proud past. We have a bright future. Our deliberations here today are concluded. Our work as an Assembly and as a state has only just begun.
Thank you."
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Speaker Jensen introduced George Vogt, Director of the Wisconsin State Historical Society, who was presented the flag and gavel used during the Assembly's historic meeting in the Council House at the First Capitol Historic Site in Belmont, to be displayed in the State Historical Society Museum.
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Speaker Jensen moved that the Assembly stand adjourned until 9:30 A.M. tomorrow.
The question was: Shall the Assembly stand adjourned?
Motion carried.
The Assembly stood adjourned.
3:55 P.M.
