Whereas, the obstructions to the navigation of the Mississippi river, occasioned by the Des Moines and Rock Island Rapids, are a serious interruption to its navigation; and occasion great loss of time and expense of money to merchants and others, navigating the upper Mississippi river, so much so, that the extra charges on freight and passengers during the low stages of water the past season, has exceeded one hundred thousand dollars.

And whereas, the improvement in the navigation of the Mississippi river is entirely and exclusively under the jurisdiction of the General Government. Therefore,

Resolved unanimously by the House of Representatives, (the Senate concurring herein,) That our Senators in Congress be instructed, and our Representatives requested to use their best exertions to procure at the present session of Congress an appropriation of at least three hundred thousand dollars, to be applied to the speedy removal of those obstructions; and that the passage of an act for the simultaneous prosecution of the work at both rapids, by contract or otherwise, so as to insure the speedy accomplishment of this object.

Resolved, That the Governor transmit a copy of the foregoing preamble and resolution to each of our Senators and Representatives in Congress, with a request to lay them before each House of Congress.