Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1872-01-18
GOV. yHashb burns Message,

We invite attention to Governor
Washburn's first message, which is
published in this paper. The follow
synopsis is taken from an exchan ge' :
The Message takes comprehensive
view Of the present conlitian OF the State,
and of the measures which it's interests
demand it is clear and explicit in MS
statement Of facts, and there is terse>
ness and vigor in the style which Will
give it high rauk among our State
papers. 1t is at once Interesting and in.
structivc, and should be read BY every
citizen who is interested in the affairs of
the State.
The Governor returns thanks to the
people for the honor conferred upon him,
and pays graceful and fitting compi-
ment to his retiring predecessor. He
then clearly presents the financial con.
dtion Of tie State, and justly condemns
the common practice of assessing props
erty at so large discount from ITS true
value, and recommends that stringent
laws be passed to. remedy this evil
A brief, but comprehensive account of
the loss and suffering accustomed by TIE
great conhngration IN the Northeastern
part of the state, is given, together with
n statement of the amount contributed
for relief of the suffering and of the
action taken by Gov. Fairchild and
Treasurer Eetz which action is cords
ally approved.
The condition of the several penal,
charitable, and educational institutions
of the State, is reviewed, and found to
be generally very satisfactory.
The evils and suiicrings accustomed by
the common vice of intemperance, are
alluded to and the attention of the Legs
stature is called to the subject, in the
hope that it may enact such laws as shall
meet the approval Of the public judgment,
and lead to a reform in this direction.
The operation Of Railroads, the res
spactive rights of the companies and of
the people, and the effect of mourning
private and municipal Indebtedness to
aid in their construction is thoroughly
discussed, aud the Governor recon-
mends as "a temporary measure of
safety, the passage Of a law prohibiting
or 'oNh' NOuhtt VI iioul CItdllHS
any debt in aid Of any railroad or public
improvement, in excess of five per cent.
81 the assessed value of the property OF
suca town, county or city, and that an
amendment to the constitution to the
same effect, be submi ated to the people
1T, the earliest possible moment -
While there are instances where towns
and cities have stimulated their growth.
increased their prosperity and augmen,
ted their wealth ana Importance, by
aiding railroads to a greater extent than
contemplated by such a law, vet it mus,
be admitted that past experience, as a
whole, woaaa justify, if it does not de-
mand, such q measare. 1t is fact, as
true as ID IS ~npalutable, that the people
sometimes need protection against them
selves
The renewal ee the St Croix and Lake
Superior had grant is advocated. and
the Legislature is asked to again memor.
ialize Congress on this subiect-a SUBJ
ject which is Of great inportoaee to the
northwestern portion of the State.
The Governor briefly ailuGss to the
general satisfactory condition Of Nan or n
affairs, discusses the currency question,
and recommeis that the Legislature
memorabilia Congress in favor of the
payment OF coin for oil ito debts.