The anti-monopolist. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1874-1878, 1877-01-11
Second Annual Message
Gov. John S. Pillsbury.

Delivered to the Minnesota Legislature Jan.
4th, 1877.
Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representa-
tives:
The recurrence of session of your repre-
sentative bodi. 8 brings again the occasion tor
a review Of official transactones since your
last assemblage, and for formal presentation
of those subjects pertaining to the condition OF
the State, which claim your attention.
In the performance Of this duty repeat the
harmony and cooperation in all matters re-
quiring consideration, as may facilitate the
prompt discharge of our duties and subserve
the public welfare
RETROSPECTIVE.
While the year which has closed was mark
ed by no striking features, either OF pr sper-
ity or adversely, it has witnessed nearer ap-
proach to failure OF Onr chief agricultural
Staple than has yet been experienced in Ca
reer of singular prosperity. This, following
wide prevalence and prolonged period OF i'll
dustrial paralysis and business depression,
coupled with renewed aud extended ravages
of the locusts or grassbopp+rs, has wrought
encouragement among our peOps and tended
to hinder their extricatiOn from fnanaial en-
barrassment Yet, it we are wise enough to
recognize the uses of adversely, to correct the
errors OF the past and to adapt ourselves tothe
adjustment OF better considered future, the sc
reverses may he turned te our advantage
And, moreover, when we reflect that OF all
other than their leading product the people Of
llarvests, that they have been exempt from
pestilence and civil connection, that they are
in tull enjoyment of peace and order, that
Justice has heen impartially administered and
the majesty OF the law vindicate d, that the
burdens Of taxation are at length being de-
creased, that their educational interests have
been seduously cared for, that their various
I, n met ifrfin In,
faithful performance OF their benefcent work ,
that the blessings OF civil and religious liber-
ty are enjoyed in full measure, and, above all
that following the disst nsions OF an exciting
campaign torthe choice OF national chieI
magistrate, with the issue yet in doubt, and
involving none ntous interests, partzAn ran
cor is happily giving place to dispassionate
consideration, I'm such multiplied evidences
of continued private aud public welfare there
is abundant cause for grateful recognition Of
that ruling Provi 1ence in whose gracious
keeping are the of destinies men and OF na-
lions.
EDUCATIONAL.
The condition OF public affairs will be pre-
scented to you in detail by the annual reports
OF the several departments and State institu
lions. Of these, perhaps, the department
fullest OF vital concern for an enduring public
welfare is that pertaining to our educationa
interests. To exhibit at single vie" thu
marvellous expansion Of our common schoo
system, it will suffice to contrast the few par
ticulars embraced in the first report Of the Ter
ritorial Superintendent OF Public instruction
made for the year 1851, with the correspond
ing items in the last State report for the yea
1876, covering an interval OF 70 years:
1851. 1876.
Whole number OF school dis
tricts .... IS $50
Whole number OF school
houses. OH
Aggr gate value of school