The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1875-01-15

edge WATCH not only elevateS ana rehne4 1t9
possessor, but which it is OF the frat impor-
lance to the State that many should possess.
This knowledge it is the province of tie
there are no immediate relations between
this institution and the common school, The
University should begin where the highest
grade of common school leaves of. This
grade Of the lstter and by instruct ion
upon those subjects which are necessary to
the introduction Of the pupil to the Univer-
sity course.
These reflections have been caused by
during the past year. that what is taught in
these schools does not fit the youth to par
take Of the higher advantages tor Which
they have such ardent desires. The COM
plainants say that there are no preparatory
schools in the State, and they observe, With
entire justice, that the State, which affords
both University and a system Of common
schools, ought to connect them and make
one harmonious scheme Of our educational
interests. What is needed now ia that this
desire may he gratifed. This State has an
liberal education of every boy
and girl who desires it.
Thomas Jefferson was so impressed with this
idea that he founded his interest in the
University OF Virginia and based his plans
for its success almost solely upon patriotic
view Of the benefits which the education
there to he received would confer upon tile
commonwealth. And he was right. In
modern times great States have
s SR 9 %s,e Of press great ov ssaSGs
The consideration of the best means to
bring the common school into connection
with the University involves questions of
considerable practical difficulty.
As the result of much reflection upon the
subject, ann inclined to think that pre-
paratory course of study to he prescribed by
the Faculty Of the University, Should be es-
tablished in those schools iii different parts
Of the State which. by reason Of their loca-
ton in leading towns and cities, will give
prominence enjoyed by the communities in
which they are. 1t should be made con-
dition Of the enlargement Of the functions
Of the schools that there be received into
this department as many pupils as may ap-
ply for admission from q certain specified
district up to such limit as will not embar-
rass the school in the performance OF ordi-
nary duties. To make this measure efficient
the salary Of the preceptor, who will have
charge OF this department in each school,
should be paid Fwholly or in part by thu
pense, still it need not be large.
The experiment can be tried in say six
schools in leading cities throughout the
State, thus giving to those living near these
places facilities for preparatory instruction
which are now nowhere afforded. l
anu persuaded that the people Of
the communities whose schools
are. thus proposed to be enlarged in
their usefulness will lie willing to have
those schools adapted to the performance
Of this important function.
The University Is now upon an assured
foundation. A little fostering care il needed
to cause it to take leading position in the
course Of q very few years, and / am in favor
of liberal subsidies to those forces of knowl-
edge from which States derive their power, to
the end that the University shall be not
only the rich mans privilege but also the
poor mans available right.
may be devised. In calling your attention
to this matter have done what commends
itself to my judgment and feelings alike, and
pass from the subject with the recommends
ton that by conference with those who have
given it their attention s.Me means be
adopted to present in the educational scheme
OF our State an unbroken continuity of
schools from those where the first elements
of knowledge are transferred to infant minds
to that one which. as its name implies,
takes all knowledge for its province"
The report of the Insurance Commissioner
is herewith transmitted. It shows with great
clearness the condition of the companies do
ing business in this State. It is gratifying
to remark the improvement which has talk
en- place in their financial condition since
the date Of the lastreport.
f1m.f -
force and with entire justice upon the prac-
tioe Of etfecting insurance BY companies
which have not entitled themselves to trans
act business i'll this State. The devices by
which this evasion of the policy of the law
IS accomplished are thoroughly exposed in
the report. These devices inilict Injustice
upon the companies which do q legitimate
business with our people, and they defraud
the State Of her revenues. L recommend
legislation that will check these evasive and
unlawful practices.
The Commissioner recommends that the
law ny which the companies are taxed upOn
their gross earnings be so amended that the
tax shall be laid only upon the excess OF
premium receipts over losses paid He sug-
gests this view by . practical illustration
/. which adds force to his suggestion, and he
states that his views in this respect are SUBJ
stantially identical with the opinions OF all
commissioners and superintendent of insur-
ance.
MILITARY CLAIMS
= In 1865 this State established a claim de.
partment for the collection of military boun-
ties, pensions, and back pay, and deyolved
its administration upon the Adjutant Gener:
during the past year ST., 406 have been col
iected on these accounts, and that seven
hundred and ninety-six claims are now
pending and unsettled.
THE STATE PRISON.
The report Of the inspectors of the State
Prison companies this message
That the management of thus institution
Tor the past year has been economical seems
to be proved by the fact that the expense
per capita is $2828 less than it was in 1873.
It is also gratifying fact that you will not
be required to provide for any deficiencies,
the Board having confined expenses strictly
within the appropriations, and wisely re-
trained from undertaking any improvements
IN cases where it was found that they could
not ce made Tor the money given for the
specific purpose.
The Inspectors estimate the expenses of
the Prison for the coming year at $4,000
for salaries OF officers and pay Of guards, and
Ut, OOO for current expenses.
This report contains recommendations for
an increase Of the cell room, it appearing
clearly, that before this year expires the
present accommodations will be wholly in
adequate: Other improve ments are advised.
l am unable to state with precision from the
report what sum is deemed by the inspectors
necessary for these purposes during this
year.
BOARD or HEALTH.
The report Of the State Board of Health
is presented for your consideration. It viii