The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1877-01-11

advisable to offer reward, FORTH invention Of
the cheapest and most efectual machine for
catching the unhedged insects, to- beavarded
~ . commission of Experienced men. i more
Qatlon OF the conference respecting IN exam
inationS or survey Of the state ito ascertain
Just those portions of each county in which
the eggs are most thickly laid; - with 4 view
to proper preparation for Threatened injury
and thorough organization for intelligent CO.
operation. For this and other purposes it will
be observed the conference recommended the
appointment OF a commission to visit the sew
eral localities and report the result OF their
observations; but it occurs to me that this ser
vice might perhaps be performed with more
satisfaction and economy and equal efficiency
BY persons to be appointed by the commits
siOnerS OF the several counties or other local
| Authorities of the districts Immediately in
volved, and l therefore prefer to refer the
whole matter to your supervision. call your
further attention to the recommendation Of
the conference that in the event of the ap-
pointment OF q National commission for the
investigation of the locust problem, each OF
the interested States and Territories appoint
a commissioner for cooperation with such
National commission. l think II would he
wise to appoint such q commission for this
State in the event named.
With respect to the question Of granting
ture sufferers, the many considerations in
vOlved constrain me to speak with much
hesitancy. so tar as relates to such counties
az have sustained but one or even two years
loss Of crops, or whose territory has been but
partially devastated, submit that every in
stinot OF self respect, Of e1pediency, justice
and common humanity should impel such
counties to the maintenance of the afflicted
within their own limits, either through ex-
sting provisions for the care of the county
poor or through such agencies as may be pro-
vided. But in such counties as have been
totally ravaged tor four successive years, such
course is impract,cable. In these all alike
are poor and the levy OF taxes instead OF bur-
denlng the strong to help the weak, simply
who are already overborne in the struggle
tor the direst .necessaries of life. Hence
serious problem demands urgent So
luton. A generous, Christian people
cannot ignore their claims or be blind to their
sufferings. And just here the danger lies.
tier lie at it's best. With general distribu-
ton OF aid, falling ultimately upon the prop
erty Of the whole State, many persons, them
selves taxpayers, and asserting their rights
as such, and who have experienced inevitable
frontier hardships, but who are, nevertheless,
Tar from destitute, are tempted to share the
support intended only Tor the utterly help
less. From this It is but step to habitual
beggary and but another to confirmed mendi-
cancy. Thus, by imperceptible degrees that
helpful pride and selt.respect, which are the
chief stay of an independent people, become
undermined, and an irreparable injury is in
aicted where kindness was intended. The
decentralization Of q large class fully capable OF
self-support, becomes thus inevitable; and
know OF no more deplorable mistake, whether
tor the community at large or for those
sought to be benefited, than such well-meant
but il-advised tender Of assistance az newt.
ably tempts the cupidity of the INSCRIPTIONS
and disables the willing hands Of the worthy
Impressed with these considerations and
entertaining serious doubts OF the constitu-
tutional power Of the legislature to grant the
aid proposed, which are confirmed upon ex-
animation and reflection feel impelled to
firmly discountenance = resort to that mode
of frontier relief. But these difficulties and
objections, so far from absolving us from our
duty towards people repeatedly afflicted
through no fault Of their own, it possible rem
der the more imperative our obligation to
attempt in some form the alienation of their
the possession OF the proper information re-
speeding the actual condition of such suffer-
ers, recently visited portion Of the ravaged
territory, and by mingling with the people
around their straw-fres, witnessing their
scanty clothing and partaking of their scanty
fare, became thoroug lilly satisfied of their des-
titute condition as we'll as OF their noble pa
thence under severe Affections. Most of the
disconnected and shittless persons who were
disposed to resort to beggary having left the
country, those who remain evince torti-
tude, self-reliance and Difference for each
other in their doubtful struggle tor existence
such as entitle them to our tenderest consid-
Grafton.
Impressed with the urgent necessity tor i'm
T A
the humanity and christian charity of the
people at large, and to that end issued printed
circulars to religious denominations and asso-
ciated and individual benevolence setting
forth the facts and asking their aid. To this
appeal there has been a gratifying response
and have good reason to hope that much ac-
tuat suffering has been averted throughout
suffered continuous devastation. II you could
properly supplement- this by postponing the
requirement for immediate tax payments, by
Suspending the operation and renting the
severe penalties ofthe present rigorous tax law,
by reducing the compensation paid for the very
slight duties performed by the local officers in
these counties, by Discriminating in their ia.
vor in the distribution of the internal improve
ment and other funds, and by other indirect
means OF lessening their present burdens, you
could thus render practical aid to deserving
and long suffering people.
In this connection / cannot refrain from
an expression OF my severe reprobation OF
the practices OF a class OF money loaners
who by their extortions and the merciless saf
rif1ce Of securities upon default OF borrowv Is
add to the suffering Of these people. In ~ I'M,
OF the towns OF the ravag cd districts not ~ " !;
the farm OF nearly every resident encum} ,ered
but scarcely COW horse team, or farmi n > i'm.
p}ement uncovered by chattle mortg .oe' and
oaners often strip = helpless family of its las,
defense against impending starvatien n,
Another class OF oppressors of to csc people
are the agents OF certain agricultu' al mac hines
from other States, VIII o, under "a r. promise OF
great liniency toward buyers it unfortunate.
induce farmers to purchase; more than thew
need, taken from them, notes with peremntorv
conditions, and then Immediately upon no,i-
payment, enforce their inexorable forfeit
ure.
| am not aware that q practical remedy can
w wed De found against either OF these evils.
Respecting. the first, it the penalty against
usurous interest were increased, and the
forfeiture of the excess facilitated, the effect
would probably be to defeat the lending OF
money altogether to the distressed borrowers.
aud drive the lenders to other localities
since money will seek investment where the
best interest and amplest securities are
offered: but it il nevertheless source of re-
greet that OF such necessitious persons such
severe exaction and harsh procedures must
be resorted to in either case.
TAN JDnGcNEN7, sArrs