The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1877-01-11
Second Annual Message
Gov. John S. Pillsbury.
Delivered to the Minnesota Legislature jan
4th, 1877.

u.
4th, 1877.
Gentlemen OF the Senate and Houeo Of Representa-
The recurrence Of a session Of your repre-
sentative bodies brings again the occasion tor
\ review Of official transactiones since your
last assemb'age, and for formal presentation
vt those subjects pertaining to the condition OF
the State, which claim Your attention.
IN the performance OF this duty repeat the
DIES Ire, expressed to yon year ago, for such
harl qony and cooperation In all matters re-
auiri ug consideration, as may facilitate the
prompt discharge Of our duties and subserve
the pu bio welfare.
RETROSPECTIVE.
While the year which has closed was mark
ed by no striking features, either OF prosper
ity or adversely, it has witnessed nearer ap-
staple than has yet been experienced in ca.
reer OF singular prosperity. This, following
a wide prevalence and prolonged period Of in
dustriaf paralysis and business depression,
coupled with renewed and extended ravages
Of the locusts or grasshoppers, has wrought
encouragement among our peopla and tended
to hinder their ext-cation from Hnanaial en-
barrassment. Yet, il we are wise enough to
recognize the uses Of adversely, to correct the
errors Of the past and to adapt ourselves to the
adjustment Of a better considered future, these
1everses may be turned to our advantage
And, moreover, when we reflect that of all
other than their leading product the people Of
harvests, shat they have been exempt from
pcstilence and civil commetion. that they are
in tull enjoyment of peace and order, that
Justice has been impartially administered and
the majesty OF the law vindcated, that the
burdens If taxation are at length being de-
creased, that their educational interests have
been seduously cared for, that their various
charitable and retormatory institutions are in
faithful performance OF their benefcent work,
that the blessings OF civil and religious liber-
-ty are en- 10. ed in full measure and, above all,
s'tsaat following the dissensions of an exciting
campaign tor the choice OF national CHIEF
magistrate, with the issue yet in doubt, and
involving momentous interests, partizan ram
.>'or is happily giving place to dispas 7ionate
ca. osideration,-in such multiplied evidences
Of c.~ptinued private and public welfare there
,is abn ndant cause for grateful recognition OF
chat r. ling Providence in whose gracious
keeping are the Of destinies men and OF ra-
lions.
sented to Won IN detail by the annual reports
OF the several departments and State institu-
tons. Of these, perhaps, the department
fullest OF vital con- cern for an enduring public
welfare is that pert. aiming to our educational
interests. To exhibit at single view the
marvellous expansion >ot our common school
vstem, it will suffice to contrast the few par
tic vlars embraced in the lrst report OF the Ter
rite rial Superintendent of 'ubllo instruction,
mao e for the year 1851, with the correspond
inQ ems in the last State rep 'rt tor the year
1876. covering an interval of % wears:
1881. 1875.
Whole lumber Of school dis
trictS ..... 10 oo0A
Whole lumber OF school
houses .. .. oAAo
Aggregate value OF school
Total enroll nent Of scholars $50 l51 1865
But, striki 9g as these comparative figures
are they give little idea of the actual improve
ment and etit iency OF our common schools
under their exis ting supervision. For evidence
IF this fact, as ell as for thorough present,
stiOn Of the who 4e SUBJECT OF common scnool
education, | conn uend to your careful atten-
ion the mastery report OF the Superintend-
mt OF Public Instr uction. If the modest ap-
probation and the vest practical management
result from a realiza tion of the faults as we'll
Is the merits OF our school system, Mr.: Burt
must be deemed an mValuable ofhcer IN sne
responsible position nolas: .. 10 ms au .Se
subject we are chiefly indebted tor the salu-
tary change in the AZ 'portionment Of the
school funds Instead ! distribution upon
The basis OF the number OF persons entltleo 70
attend, the number in act, al attendance now
governs the apportio1me ut. me super'n-
Eendent. moreover, intima teA that f9rthef
may be found requlslte Dy re.
quiring not only q formal mrol'ment, as ~
present, but all uninterrupted or aggregate AZ
tendance rs the measure Of n Monetary appor.
tionment. The first and most obvious result
Of the change already effected, rs to greatly
remedy that dilatory and rando n attendance
at our common schools which one OF the
principal obstacles to their SUCCESS while such
will be still furthe vforwarded
by the additional requirement suge fsted.
To distribute school money tor tn eoenent OF
those who are being actually cduca TED ~ its
aid rather than to those who arc utilized to
but neglect such aid, is Mt once 'bviously
equitable and direct Involvement Il e better
school attendance. When parents an. school
realize that not only the be- 1eats OF
education but the means for promoting H. de-
pend upon more faithful and continue us at
tendance, it cannot but result advantag eous-
~ tor oil concerned. Mr.. Burt's eport
abounds in pertinent suggestions. lns sead
OF dealing in the easy and discursive ON
mon places devoid Of practical Applicant on,
which Is the besetting temptation to 80 ma ~
educators, he pursues ! steadfast aim Al Vi
treats the subject in the iucisive and vigoro, y
manner usually productive OF specific results
Having proven his right to urge changes tor
greater efficiency bespeak your careful and
dispassioDate consideration OF his recommen-
dation tor restoration OF uniform State
school tax with provision for its apportion-
ment, as well as Of his cogent reasons Tor the
measure.