CHAPTER XVII
THE conflict which had arisen between Govvernor Lucas and the first Territorial Legislature over the exercise of the veto power had induced Congress to amend the act providing for the territorial government. It was determined that when a bill was not approved by the Governor he should return it with his objections to the house in which it originated. If both branches then passed it by a vote of two-thirds of the members it should become a law without approval by the Governor. The electors of the Territory were authorized to elect sheriffs, probate judges, justices of the peace and county surveyors. The term of the delegate in Congress was extended to the 11th day of October, 1840. The term of his successor was made to expire on the 4th of March thereafter and from that date the term of the delegate ran for two years, the same as members of Congress from the States.
At the election held on the first Monday of August, 1839, members of the House of Representatives of the Legislature were elected, the members of the Council holding over. The session convened at Burlington on the 4th of November, and was organized by the election of Stephen Hempstead, President of the Council, and Edward Johnston, Speaker of the House. Governor Lucas sent in his message on the 5th instant. In relation to the condition of the Territory he says:
“It has advanced since its organization in improvement, population and wealth beyond a parallel of all former history. With a genial climate, soil unsurpassed for fertility, abounding with pure water, navigable rivers, and inexhaustible mineral resources, it already has a population estimated at 50,000, which will probably be doubled by the time the United States census of 1840 shall be taken.”
