The anti-monopolist., 1875-02-04

The commissioners Of the county Of
Hennepin were at first inclined to appro-
pirate the sum of $4,000, and enly re-
Trained from doing SO on account Of
doubts which were entertained Of their
legal right to take such action. Citizens
Of Minneapolis solved this difficulty by
placing $1,000 at my disposal. Includ-
ing this contribution the amounts fur
nished by the counties was $l5,8OO. The
sum Of 50. 1912 was realized from pri-
vate contributions, making the total $lS,-
950.ll with which Gen. Sibley debts the
committee in the accompanying report.
The moneys were deposited as fast as
received in the First and Second Nation
al Banks Of tie city Of St. Paul and we're
drawn as needed from time to time by
Gen. Sibley's check.
Up to January LIST, 1875, the sum Of
SIS, 5,55l.56 had been expended, leaving y
balance of S., ,4O7 .56 to the credit Of the
fund.
1t must be understood that in speaking
OF these contributions. reference is made
only to such donations as came to the
hands Of the committee. I am informed
that Houston county appropriated 81, ,OOd
and Mower county $500, which were senO
by those counties direct to places which
they wished to aid. Private charity has
also adopted the same course to . great
extent.
In the administration Of this fund, the
ommittec has performed task Of great
difficulty and delicasy. 1t was deemed
prudent to make the direct application Of
the fund matter Of official duty, and the
| cf
habitants needed aid. were entrusted with
that responsibility. This rule was OBJ
served throughout, except in few cases,
where hardship would have been worked
by rigid adherence to that plan. When
ever the commissioners of any county
have applied for aid, their. requisitions
have been promptly met By as much as
sistancc as was possible to b offered, hAy-
ing due regard to .hc equities OF the sever
al counties.
The necessity for assista ,ce stated in
the accompanying circular still exists,
and it is the duty Of the Legislature to
ct with prudent liberality in the premi-
ses. An appropriation will be needed for
the purpose Of aiding these people until
the next harvest. An appro ,riation il
also needed to furnish them with seed.
How much can be thus given consistently
with prudence and with the present and
prospective condition Of the finances Of
the State is peculiarly for the determine
ton Of the Legislature. A mass Of cor
respondence and reports have been accu-
mulated during the past year, showing
the nature and extent Of the dcstitutiOD.
these papers will be placed at the dis
posal Of the proper committees. shall
be ready At all times to confer with them
and to give them such information az my
personal relations and experience with
the situation have Afforded.
1t will doubtless be remembered tbat
the last Legislature appropriated 5000
for relief. This sum was placed in tAe
hands Of the Cove nor, and was by HIM
disbursed personally. Thu vouchers and
accounts Of this expenditure are Of rec
ord in this department and can be exam
ined
The sum Of s25.009 was also placed IN
the hands Of the Governor for the pur-
pose O. furnishing seed. / appointed
ex Governor Stephen Miller, Gen. r. W.
Johnson and David Day, ESQ.,. to buy
and distribute the seed. They per-
formed this duty with great circumspee-
tion. and have filed in this Office rer,oyf
showing With entire cxactncsss quantities
bought, amounts paid, and the quantity
each person received.
/ G. K. DAVIS, Governor.