Page:History of Iowa From the Earliest Times to the Beginning of the Twentieth Century Volume 1.djvu/282



report of the Secretary showing the action of the Governor upon bills and joint resolutions passed by the Assembly, Mr. Bankson offered a resolution declaring that

“Robert Lucas is unfit to be the ruler of a free people and that a committee be appointed to report a memorial setting forth our reasons to the President and praying for his immediate removal from office.”

The resolution was adopted by the close vote of twelve ayes to ten nays. Bankson, Hall, Summers, Taylor and Nowlin were the committee appointed to prepare the memorial. A lengthy memorial was reported reciting the grievances complained of, and requesting the removal of the Governor from office. It was adopted by a vote of sixteen for and eight against it. The minority requested permission of the House to enter a protest against the removal of the Governor, that their protest be entered upon the journal and a copy be forwarded to the President. The House, by a vote of sixteen to eight, refused to permit the minority to be heard. The memorial for the removal of the Governor was signed by the presiding officers of the two Houses and forwarded to the President.

A protest was also sent to the President against removal, signed by eight members of the House. In reply to the charges made against the Governor, the minority said in conclusion:

“Believing the Governor is acceptable as Executive to a large majority of the people of the Territory, and believing him to be an honest and pure man, and in all respects well qualified for the high station he now holds, we desire his continuance in office.”

The President inclosed the memorial for his removal to Governor Lucas requesting an explanation. The Governor with candor and dignity explained the unfortunate controversy and forwarded it to the President, accompanied with a strong petition from the people for his retention in office. That was the last heard of the affair.