The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-01-22

corporations, while the enhanced value of
the residue would literally compensate
the State for such contribution.
NORTHERN PACIFIC RAILROAD.
Nothing in my judgment is more GER
tain than the construction OF a northern
line of railroads to the Pacific Ocean, at
some period more or Jess distant. The
capital and commerce Of the great ATTAIN
tic States are so much interested in the
success of that enterprise as to render it
indispensable While we are without the
means at present to contribute to the
final accomplishment of this magnificent
project, it well becomes the representa-
tives of the people of Minnesota to make
every exertion to induce the location OF
the route through our own State. The
effect of such railway upon her pros
perity, in developing the riches of this
vast region, would be incalculable, and we
should not hesitate to use every effort to
secure these benefits.
IMMIGRATION.
respectfully recommend the adoption
of such measures as will attract to Mime
sofa her fair proportion of immigration.
We should be admOnished by the efforts
OF rival localities that ill-advised economy
with reference to this important subject
may result in serious loss to the State. l
learl from excellent authority, that the
judicious expenditure of few thousand
dollars per annum, will secure commune
cation, through the most influential chan
nels, with the chief fountains of our Eu-
rOpean supplies, and at the same time
provide .an appropriate agency in New
York, which might also be used as place
of resort and registry by such of our citi-
zens as may visit that great commercial
emporium.
SYSTEM OF TAXATION.
1t is the peculiar duty of State Legis-
lators to examine thoroughly into the sys-
tenn of taxation for local purposes. When
ever the burden can be diminished with
due regard to the public interests, it should
be done promptly. In view of the in
creasing necessities of the general govern
ment for money as well as men, which
must alike be furnished by the citizens of
the loyal States, l respectfully suggest
that stringent examination be made of
the existing laws governing taxation, with
the intent to modify and reduce their re-
quirements to the lowest practicable limits.
also recommend a suitable apprOpria-
ton to the proper State Board for the pur-
pose of developing our ur,rivaled Agricul-
tural resources.
INCREASE OF SALARIES.
The great advance in rents, fuel, and in
deed all the necessaries of life, renders it
impossible for the Clerks in the several
departments, the Private Secretary and
subordinate employees of the Capitol, to
support themselves respectfully upon their
present salaries. Justice to these worthy
and laborious officials demands that such
an addition be made to their compensa-
ton as is warranted by the increased costs
of living.
FIRST MINNESOTA BATTERY.
In compliance with the application of
the commanding officer of the First Min
nesOta Volunteers, l suggest the appro-
priation of the requisite sum to provide
for the transportation from New York, of
the Steel Gun Battery, presented to that
honored regiment through the liberality
of General Sanford, United States Min
lister to the Court of Brussels.
STATE BOUNTY TO VOLUNTEERS.
While it is evident that our financial
condition precludes the payment of an ap-
prOpriate State bounty to our volunteers,
everything else possible should be brought
to bear, to honor and sustain them, and
to contribute to their comfort in the ser
vice.
NATIONAL HOSPITAL.
The President should be memorialized to
sanction the establishment OF National
Hospital in our midst, in which the wound
ed, diseased and debilitated of our regi-
ments may be concentrated. We should
provide for the appointment of suitable
Commissioner, whose entire time and at
tentiOn should be employed in securing
the rights and ministering to the neces-
sites of our soldiers in the hospital, and
in the field. We can urge upon Congress
the propriety of a law granting an increase
in the compensation of all enlisted men,
And we can indicate by substantial aD-
priation our earnest sympathy with those
benevolent citizens who contemplate the
erection of a suitable monument to our
honored and lamented dead
APPOINTMENT OF MILITARY OFFICERS.
The policy should also be adopted of
appointing one-half, if not all, the COM
missioned officers of future Military organ
izations in this State, for National objects,
from the ranks of those who tor at least one
year, have been actively engaged in the
war. And if requisite to secure to the
enlisted men from Minnesota the full ex-
ercise of the right Of suffrage, we should
submit to the people such an amendment
to the Constitution, as will place that pri-
vilege beyond controversy. l need hardly
add, that any proposition which will con-
duce to the welfare and efficiency of the
patriotic men from our State, who are in
arms for the Union, will meet with my
cordial assent and appreciation.
INDIAN AFFAIRS.
The improved aspect of our Indian
affairs affords cause for congratulation. A
war which threatened at the outset to as
sumo gigantic proportions, involving all
the tribes upon our border, has, by the
vigorous measures adopted by the Gov
eminent, been almost terminated. The
Sioux convicts, preserved from death by
the clemency of the President, and the re-