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-
tves:
The recurrence Of a session of your repre-
sentative bodi brings again the occasion Tor |
review of official transactiones since your |
last assemblage, and TOR torm,l presentation
of those subjects pertaining to the condition OF
the State, which claim your attention.
In the performance OF this duty repeat the
desire, ex Expressed to you year ago, :or such
harmony and cooperation In all matters re-
curing 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 orr chief agricultural
Staple than has yet been experienced in ca
reer of singular prosperity. This, following
a wide prevalence and prolonged period OF III
dustriaI paralysis and business depression,
coupled with renewed aud extended ravages
Of the locu>ts or grasshOpprs, has wrought
dscOuragement among our peOpls ana tended
to hinder their extricatlon from hnanalal en-
barrassment Yet, if 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, thu Sc
reversts may he turned te our advantage
And moreover, when we reflect that OF all
other than their leading product the people VI
Minnesota, the past year, gathered bOuntiful
harvests, that they have been exempt from
pestience and civil commotlOn, that they are
In tull enjoyment OF peace and order, that
Justice has heen impartially administered and
the majesty OF the law vindcatc d, that the
burdens of taxation are at length being de-
creased, that their educational interests have
been seduously cared for, that their various
charitable and reformatory institutions are III
faithful performance OF their benetcent work,
that the blessings OF civil and religious liber-
ty are enjoyed in full measure, and, above all,
that following the disst nSions OF All exciting
campaign torthe choice OF a national chieI
magistrate, with the issue yet i'll doubt, and
involving none ntous interests, partlzan 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 ,ence in whose gracious
keeping are the of destinieS men and OF Ia
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
tions. of these, perhaps, the department
fullest OF vital concern for an enduring public
welfare is that pertaining to our educational
interests. To exhibit at a single vie" the
marvellous expansion OF our cOn'moA school
system, it will suffice to contrast the lew par.
ticulars embraced in the first report OF the Ter
ritorn Superintendent OF Public instruction
cnade for the year 1851, with the correspond
ing items in the last State report for the veal
1876. covering an interval of % years
1851. 1876
Whole number OF school dis
trictS 10 QUO
Whole number OF school
houses OILS
Aggrt gate value OF scEeol
houses @<ouO 100, 40
Total enrolment of scholars $50 15l 1861
But. striking as these comparative figures
are. they give little idea OF the actual improvr
ment and efficiency OF our common schools
under their existing supervision. For evidences
of this fact as well as tor q thorough present
alton OF the whole subject OF common schoo
education, | commend to your careful atten
ton the mastery report OF the Superintend
ent OF Public Instruction. IL the nobl st APP
preciation and the best practl al management
result from a realization OF the faults as wei
as the merits of our school system, Mr.. Bur
must be deemed an Invaluable officer IN TIL
responsible position he holds To his quic
discernment and frcible presentation OF tn
subject we are chiefly indebted tor the salu
salary eha' sc III the apportonment OF IN
school tunus Instead OF distribution upo
the basis OF the number OF persons entitled
Attend the number in actual attendance no
royerns the apportionment. The SuperlI
tendent moreover, intimates that iurtht
announcement may be found requisite by re
curing not only a formal enrolment, AS
nFesent. but an uninterrupted or aggregate al
tendance as the measure Of monetary appo
tionrent. The first and most obvious resu
III Che change already effected, Is to great
remedy that diatory and random attendant
& car commen schools which is one OF tn
utincipal obstacles to their success. while sue
.consummation viii be still further forwarde
IN the addikional requirement suggested
M di1t1l6C&e 1ohool money TOT the penent
thee whonr4 ing actually educated by
aid rather thep "a those VINO are entlled
but nrfzect 1toh aid, is Mt once obvious
cqui1nhAe mi Aaeirect induoement Tor De y
school Attendanoe. When parents and scho
nannnef rad1l1e that not only the dement's
0dncati0n bslt ne means Tor promotlnglt, q
pend upon 1919 faithful and continuous .
ton1Ance. A 0onnot but result advantageou
III Tor ~ armed. Mr.. Burts rePo
Anc4n1e ~ nnent suggestions inste'
~ ~ tne easy and discurslye cor