The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1857-12-19
GOVERNORS MESSAGE.

congratulate YOU upon your organization
aS the Legislative Department OF Stat
Government.
Minnesota "ReQdy' 10 Come Into the Union
The Territorial existence of Minnesota ha
patiently waited until the full measure of he
population is more than attained, and aSket
and fulfilled every formalny Of law and pre-
cedent she is ready without dissension, strif
or doubt, to take her place among the tie,
sovereign OF the Federal Union.
You will join with me in the hope and eff
fort that Minnesota will achieve position o.
usefulness and importa ce in national affairs
and be powerful in promoting the harmony
anu perpetuity of these United States.
Tie State Constitution Eulogi-ed.
The Constitution adopted by the people OF
of our Territory with such distinguished un-
animitv. is so distinct in its grants and limi-
tations cf power. that there need be no dill
Guilty in following its true intent and mean-
ing. Securing the fullest liberty of con.
science. Of speech and of the Press, its Re-
publican character is indisputable. The
work of actual residents, unintiuenced by
outside interference, the people OF Minnesota
can repose upon il as their own creation !;
and if found inadequate TO the complete de-
yelopment of their State, or defective in any
of its provisions, they have reserved to
themselves the ways and means of its revis-
ion or abrogation. Upon the Legislature
now assembled devolveS the high privilege
and important duty of shaping the first laws
of our infant State in accordance with the
character the people have decreed.
81, -, ,r.s,o
The Legislature will naturally feel that
one of the earliest obligations devolving upon
it. will be to provide that our new sovereign
" and equality in the sisterhood of States,
be illustrated and recognized in the National
Councils. The people having designated
their immediate delegates, will of course ex-
pect their State independence to be repre-
sented in the Federal Congress. This obli-
CATION. it is hoped, will be discharged at an
easily day of your session, tremendously and
satisfactorily TO yourselves and to the hon
or and best advantage of our young common
wealth.
G,aefdlities about tie Management Of tie School
Lands.
The liberal grants of land made by Con-
gress for educational purposes, will require
your early attention. Care will be taken,
that i'll the sale o these lands, the purposes
of the grants be best secured and that the
funds arising from the sales be protected
against loss or diminution so that, at no
distant period, free school house and the
means of education, may be within the reach
of every child and if possible without the
burden of general taxation. In framing a
system of education, the State should assume
no mans rights or responsibilities. In the
organization of school districts, houSehoders
should have the largest discretion in their
particular management, consistent with the
spirit of a well balanced State system. Pop
ular interest will be more salutary than ex
ceSsive legislation.
A State Superintendent instead ofa Board Of Edu-
cation Recommended.
A Superintendent of Public Instruction
will be sufficient TO take charge of this pub
lie business A single officer will be more
efficient, and less expensive than Board of
Education, with divided responsibilities, and
in all probability divided counsels With
sufficient means at command, with prudent
and wholesome laws, and with capable Off
Gers to entrust with this benevolent labor,
Minnesota may soon build up school sys-
TEN that will extend the blessings of educa.
Bunconabe about the State University.
The State University will not be neglected
in the supervisory power Of the Legislature
Richly endowed by Government, with suita
BILE and skiliul professors, it should assume
high position among the literary institutions
of the country. Located in the heart of the
State, it will invite home education for the
children of Minnesota, while her climate, re-
nowned for its health and salubrity, and the
beauties nature has prodigally lavished upon
her, will attract students from all the broad
valley of the Mississippi, and give additional
character and influence to our State.
Goes in. for Science in Agriculture.
AS the prosperity of Minnesota is, and
must ever be, dependent chiefly upon its ag-
ricultural resources, it is suggested that.
among other fostering influences, an agricul-
tural proiessorship, with every convenience
for practical application, constitute one of
the departments of the State University
Agriculture is no longer the pursuit of mere
hereditary experience of generation ago
The progress of the age demands that science
shall anticipate the results Of observation
Farmers are proverbial for their State attach
ments. Let their devotion to Minnesota be
encouraged by demonstrating the ability and
will of their home government, to contribute
directly to their advancement and success.
Minerals thought to be a Good Thing.
Closely connected with the agricultural
interests, is the development of the mineral
resources of the State. 1t is therefore rec
commended that a geological survey be Or
d.red and provided for at an early dav, which
will doubtless lead to important scientific re-
suits, and open new fields of enterprise and
prosperity.
TIE Enabling Act Land Grants to be Disposed ot:
The 9Th Section of the Act of Congress.
entitled, "An Act to authorize the people of
Minnesota Territory to form q Constitution
and State Government" grants to the State
lst. Sections of land numbered sixteen
and thirty six in every township of public
lands and where either of said sections. or
any part thereof. has been sold or otherwise
disposed, other lands equivalent thereto and
as contiguous as may be-for the use Of
schools
ID. Seventy-two sections for the use and
support of the State University
Sd. Ten entire sections TOR the purpose of
completing the public buildings, or for the
erection of others, at the seat of Govern
ment.
4th. All salt springs within the State, not
exceeding twelve in number, with six Sec
tions of land adjoining, or as contiguous as
may be to each, for the use of the State.
5th. FIVE per centum of the nett proceeds
Of sales Of all public land lying within the
State, which shall be sold by Congress after
the admission of the State into the Union,
after dcducting, all the expenses incident to
the same. for tie purpose of mixing public
roads and internal improvements.
All these grants require the action of the
Legislature, for their proper selection and dis.
position and the promptest action. consist
ent with due deliberatirn, is advisable. These
grants have been accepted, ratified and con-
frmed by Article 2, Section 8, of the Consti.