The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1877-01-16


disposed of........... lSl,ss4,%
The large amount of forfeited lands
in this list, amounting to over 5000
acres, are mostly lands that have been
bought on time, stripped Of their tim
ber, aud then forfeited, resulting in
great loss to the State and TO the coun-
ties. This, with the losses accruing in
the same way. on licensed homestead
lands, induced tie Commissioner and
myself TO endeavor in some way to put
a stop to il, aud TO recover for the
State some Of the moneys lost by it.
For this purpose we appointed ID. j.
Evans as trespass agent, and author
lied him 10 make proper Investigations
and settlements, subject to the approv-
al Of the Commissioner OF the Land
Office. he has collected and paid into
the treasury in three years, the net
sum Of s29, $50 "a over and above ex-
penses. The legislation Of 1873 and
1878. if aided by care on the part OF
the Land Office, ought TO prevent fu-
tnre frauds on the school lands of the
State-but the system OF licensed
homesteads leaves an open door for
similar frauds on homestead lands
and there will undoubtedly be de-
mand for the services of q trespass
agent for some time TO come. The APP
pointment heretofore made was not in
compliance with any express law, but
the results show it's importance and ne
cessity. fully concur in the recon-
mendation OF the commissioner, that a
law be enacted providing for such ap-
pointment, to be discontinued at the
discretion OF the governor. i desire TO
call your especial attention to the re-
port Of the commissioner and trespass
agent, aud TO the recommendation
contained therein.
Under Joint resolution No. Is, laws
of 1873, have received from the gen
eral Government s1S,25 80, collected
at the expense OF ell .056 81.
The amount OF swamp land roads
and bitches constructed during the
past two years has been 81 miles, at q
cost OF Sl03, ,352 SO, being a decrease
over the preceding two years Of 2lS
miles, aud Of S3ll, 900 in expenditures
After an experience with the State road
aud ditch system Of four years, can
not refrain from expressing my con
victions that 10 Is wasteful and ex
travagant expenditure Of our swamp
lands, and that some better plar
should be devised 10 take its place.
The school lands on the copper and
iron range have been examined, anC
those on the copper range have been
appraised, and are now subject 10 en-
try and purchase.
Tie plats Of all State lands are nov
on file in the Office ef the Secretary o
State, in accordance with Law. Dur
| ing the administration vf the retirin,
commissioner the plsts have been cop
! led and the records OF the Office writer
up, the lands Of the State have beel
carefully husbanded, and much impor
tant legislation suggested, protectinI
the interests Of the State.
EDUCATION.
The school census OF 1876 report
s57. .7s5 children Of school age, O
whom 343,947 we're enrolled an in
crease in two years OF 21, $50 in Oh
whole number, and OF II, sos in the en-
rolled number.
There are 5,9l7 school houses in th
State with 4i9,662 sittings, being 70,
IT'S more than the enrolment. tn
value of the school buildings an,
grounds il 81, ,3S2, 40; total expendil
ure for the year, 81, 12s, 707. fndebI
,dness OF school districts sl.G7f,1 ,17g
en- increase in two years OF Sf99, ,0f,