The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1854-01-14

IL 10 ntSn Desirable that some steps De taken
to have tire two townships Of land granted to
the Territory for the purposes Of the Universe
ty, selected and made available at as early a
day as possible With this view, some action
will be necessary by the Legislature. And al
low me to hope that il will not be delayed long
er than a proper elaboration can be had.
1t would not eInbarrass our resources in my
judgement, if small loan was effected to erect
a building and establish one or two Professor
ships and preparatory department.. Such loan
to be based upon the two townships Of land ap-
propriated for the sole use OF this institution.
Its present location at the Falls of ST. Antho-
ny il eminent!y eligible. This point must ere
long attract the attention Of Southern people
as a summer retreat, and delightful watering
place. Its beautiful scenery, and surrounded
as it is by by an unsurpassed fertility ofsoil and
roaring by its side the grand cataract Of the
king Of rivers. make it a most fitting point for
the seat Of literature and science.
Upon the subject Of Common Schools full
report will be made, and more definite informa-
tiOn given by the Superintendent.
1t gives me pleasure in being able 10 say. that
our school system, although it is susceptible of
improvement, is working well. Provision for
the diffusion Of knowledge, for which the people
of this Republic generally are 50 justly cclcbra-
ted. has not been neglec ted in Minnesota. Our
common schools are sustained with the ability
and usefulness Of those in older section of the
country.
| In these schools the means of mental culture
are prov ided for the young without distinc ton.
and there the foundation is laid for their future
usefulness. These schools are the more iynpor-
/ tant from the fact that in them a large number
receive their entire education. Either from
want ofmeans or disposition to avail themselves
Of the advantages OF schools OF higher grade,
. great portion OF the young of this Territory
will never go beyond the common schools for
| that education which is to qualify them to act
AZ citizens and useiu! members ofsoccty. While
schools Of higher order should not be neglec-
ted. the common schools should share largely
in the interests of the people. and government
should most vigilanty foster, and sustain these
colleges Of the people.
The number of schools the last year has con-
siderably increased in the Territory. and every
new settlement is soon cLristened with q school
house 1t should ever bc the policy of the cit-
zens TO bear with them or create wherever they
20. the means Of educating their children. If
government could provide the means and point
the way, the people would be induced wisely to
avail themselves Of the benefit of its provisions.
Tie gradual increase OF the Territorial Libra
ry is highly desirable. The liberality of Con-
grcss would no doubt, promptly respond to re-
quest on your part for such purpose. And it
would be appropriate, in my judgment, should
the Legislature add a small sum for such pur-
pose from the Territorial Treasury.
The Territorial prison at Saltwater has been
nearly completed. and isready for the reception
Of convicts. An additional appropriation Of
five thousand dollars will be needed to COM
plcte the grading, and do such work as will pro-
tect the walls and building from the action of
the surface and spring water.
The report ofthc board Ofinspectors will give
you more detailed view Of the affairs Of the
prison. to which | refer YOU
The Capitol has been nearly completed, but
will need small appropriation to dig we'll.
and erect fence around, and otherwise protect
it 1t is also highly important that the Govern
ment should be asked for a small additional APP
Precipitation to purchase fire engine to be kept
for its special protection. regret to say that
some of the work is not done in that substantial
manner contemplated by the liberal appropria-
tons made by Congress.
For history Of the financial condition Of the
Territory, refer You to the reports of the .Au-
ditor and Treasurer.
beg leave to call your attention to the sub
ject of providing more stringent laws to enforce
the strictest accountability of all Your public
officers from the lowest to the highest. Without
An honest and faithful discharge of all public
trusts, the people are always the sufferers 1t is
the unsuspecting masses that are the main props
of n republican government; they bear its BUR
den and defend lis honor, and every public Off
Ger should be held TO the strictcst accountable
ty for the faithful discharge of his duty.
hope that in all your Legislation, YOU may
find it profitable to rccur frequently TO- the great
political truths that have guided those wise
statesmen of the past. and Illuminated the path
and progress of republican liberty throughout
! this great contedcrpcy. Give the people the
largest political rights consistent with the con-
.titution Of the United States and the organic
act of the Territory. Enforce the strictcst ODE
dience to the laws. Be guided by the safest
economy in all public expenditures, let your
action he controlled by the rule that the
RIGHT Is ALWAYS EXPEDIENT." En-
courage high morality amongst the people
Guard the weak against the strong. Give equal
rights to ALL exclusive privileges to none. And
thus By keeping these great truths before our
eyes, We shall merit and receive the appreciation
of Him who holds the destiny of nations in his
hand, and lay the foundation broad and deep.
for State in whose high destiny we shall all
/ be proud.
| WILLIS A. GORMAN.
January 10, 1854.