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amount paid into the treasury for the two years ending November 1, 1854, $125,462.57, adding $8,602.88, the amount in the treasury October 31, 1852, made a total of $134,065.45. There had been paid out on Auditor’s warrants $118,542.90, leaving a balance in the treasury of $15,522.55. The funded debt of the State was $79,745.75. He renewed his advice that no change should be made in the Constitution to authorize the establishment of banks in the State; and also again urged the enactment of a general license law. He recommended the organization of the militia and the appointment of a Commissioner of Immigration and again urged the Legislature to memorialize Congress for a grant of public lands to aid in building a railroad from the Mississippi to the Missouri River. On the 9th of December, James W. Grimes was sworn into office as Governor, and delivered his inaugural address to the General Assembly in joint convention. He recommended a general revision of the laws relating to public schools, that they should be supported by taxation instead of by rate bills. He urged the establishment of charitable State institutions; that the University Fund be appropriated to establish a scientific or polytechnic school; and a revision of the Constitution. He made a powerful argument against the extension of slavery in the Territories, saying:
“It becomes the State of Iowa, the only free child of the Missouri Compromise, to let the world know that she values the blessings that compromise has secured to her, and that she will never consent to become a party to the nationalization of slavery.”
On the 13th of December the General Assembly met in joint convention to elect a United States Senator and Supreme Judges. Two ballots were taken without an election, when the convention adjourned to the next day, at which time the convention adjourned to the 21st without taking a vote on the election of Senator. A. C. Dodge and Edward Johnston had received the votes of most of
