Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1873-10-18
GOVERNORS MESSAGE,

creditahle state paper. His review OF
tho general condition of the Territory
shows that our people are prosperous,
and gives promise of bright future.
We have not space to give the message
in full AMI SO we coniine ourselves to
a brief synopsis of its leading features.
The suggestion that San Juan and the
adjoining islands be formed into a new
county. we doubt not. will receive favor
able consideration.
TERRITORIAL FINANCES.
Tie finances of the Territory are in
a prosperous condition, and the figures
show material reduction in the public
debt. At the date of the Treasurcr's
report for 1871, the Territorial indcbt-
edness footed up S3S, $50 81. At the
close of September, 1873, the entire
Indebtedness was 500, Ill
81. At the same date the cash in the
Treasury amounted to 81, 800 %. Total
reduction, S12,G74 10. Werepeat, that
this showing is entirely satisfactory,
and with prudent management on the
part of the present Legislature, there is
a fair prospect that the entire Terrific
rial Indebtedness will soon be extin-
guished.
AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS,
The statement that Washington Ter
ritory ranks every Territory in the Unit
ed States in the number of acres of
improved land, and in the aggregate
value Of farms, will challenge attention,
and shows that our prosperity is based
upon q sure foundation. The great
farming interests of the Territory a,e
generally supposed to be east of the
mountains, but Gov. Ferry corrccts
this impression by giving the following
figures, taken from the census reports:
No. farms West of Cascade Mountains 2,slo
90 East - - sl7
No. acres imp. land west of mountains, 135,4o7
- east $4,000
Average No acres of improved land
per farm. .,-...,..,.,...........6 81 40-l0
The Governor rightly says that these
facts should forever set at rest the ques-
ton Of the agricultural capacity of
Western Washington.
THE PENIrENTIARY.
The erection of one wing of the PEN
itentiary with forty-three cells, is pro-
crossing, and will be completed before
the close of the year. In accordance
with the act of Congress, the peniten-
tiary, when completed, will be turned
over to the custody of the U. S. Mar
shall, subject to such rules and regu-
lations as may be prescribed by the
Attorney General of the United States.
In the other Territories the General
Government has transferred the care of
the penitentiaries to the local authori-
ties, and there is reason to believe that
the same course will be pursued here, if
deemed desirable.
POPULATION.
The Territorial census of 1873 shows
81 ,O31 inhabitants, being an increase
in two years and nine months of 1907,
and rate of increase for that period
of thirty per cent. This growth is en-
couraging, but to still further stimulate
immigration, the appointment of a
board, specially charged with the duty
of making known or resources in the
Atlantic States and Europe, is recon-
mended.
THE INSANE ASYLUM
is represented to be in excellent condi-
ton, the grounds and buildings well
kept and the patients kindly and hui
namely treated.
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
The proposed celebration of the one
hundredth anniversary of American In
dependence is referred to, and the Leg
islature is asked to make provision that
Washington Territory and her produc-
tons may be fairly represented at the
exhibition.
POPULAR EDUCATION.
The Governor rightly says that free
government cannot long exist unless
general instruction is provided for the
masses by means of common schools
and other educational institutions.
Our government is of the people.
Their Judgment will control and de-
eide its future destiny. The Judgment
OF an ignorant people is as liable to be
wrong as right. They are liable to be
governed by prejudice and passion, and
will be the dupes of intrigue and the
tools OF demagogues. The intelligent
citizen is qualified to consider and de-