Page:History of Iowa From the Earliest Times to the Beginning of the Twentieth Century Volume 1.djvu/300



Lucas gives a report of his action in relation to the boundary controversy with Missouri; recommends the organization of rifle companies to protect settlers from the Indians; urges the Legislature to provide a plan for raising revenue to meet expenses not provided for by the General Government.

The Legislature created the office of Superintendent of Public Instruction; changed the time of meeting of the Legislature to the first Monday of December; provided for a Superintendent of Public Buildings and an agent to conduct the sale of lots in Iowa City. It provided a law for raising revenue, and authorized a loan of $20,000 to aid in the completion of the Capitol building, to be repaid from proceeds of lots in Iowa City. Chauncey Swan was appointed Superintendent of Public Buildings with an annual salary of $1,000, and Jesse Williams was appointed Territorial Agent at a salary of $700 per year.

The election of General Harrison, the Whig candidate for President, was speedily followed by a removal of Democratic Federal officers and the filling of their places with Whigs. Governor Lucas was superseded on the 13th of May, 1841, by the appointment of Hon. John Chambers, of Kentucky, a warm personal and political friend of President Harrison. He was appointed Governor of the Iowa Territory on the 25th of March. Governor Lucas retired after nearly three years’ service and settled near Iowa City, where he spent the remainder of his life. In looking back over his administration, after the animosities of his stormy term have passed away, the verdict will be that he gave to the new Territory wise, able and faithful service. He brought to the office large experience in public affairs, sterling integrity and firm convictions of duty. Tenacious in his opinions, dignified in bearing, strong in purpose, he became involved in numerous sharp controversies and conflicts with the first Legislature over the exercise of the veto power, but he acted strictly within the letter of the law. In his firm and prompt resistance