Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1880-01-16

Held by the State Sept. 80, 1879. ,574, $3.50. SO
The total expense of securing the 81, 089. 90
acres of indemnity school lands was $677.S7,
of which 1892 was paid as fees to the registers
and receivers of the United States land offices.
Encouraged by the success of the methods
adopted in the prosecution of the claim for in
demnity for deficiencies in school lands, l de
termined with the advice aud cooperation of
the commissioners of the public lands, to
adopt similar methods in presenting the claim
of the State for deficiencies in swamp lands.
These methods were, in brief, to obtain accu-
rate information in regard to the extent and
merits of the claim, and then present it, and
the evidence to sustain 1t, in such plain AID
concise manner that others may understand it.
The preliminary work, now about complete,
has required much extra labor from the clerks
in the land department., which it is due to them
to say has been most cheerfully rendered.
MILITIA.
1 esteem it great misfortune that the legis-
lature of Wisconsin has not hitherto addressed
itself to the serious consideration of measures
for the proper organization and equipment of
the State militia. We cannot hope always to
escape disorders and tumults similar to those
which have arisen in other States and nations
1t lis therefore neither prudent nor economical
to postpone from year to year such prepare
tions as the experience of Others has shown to
be indispensable Tor the discipline and instruc-
ton of that branch of the service upon which
we must rely to suppress such tumults, as may
arise any day, too formidable to be controlled
by che civil authorities. WE
At the present tina the organized mi itia of
the State, known as tho Wisconsin National
Guard numbers twenty-six companies, and
has an aggregate of l $40 officers, non-commis-
stoned officers, and privates. The total ex-
penditures during the year on account of the
National Guard. were 50, 442. Sc.
Renewing my former recommendations that
provision be made for re,imental and battalion
organizations and annual encampments, l sub
action as you may deem for the best interests
and welfare of the State.
INTEREST.
There is no subject likely to come before you
for consideration during the present session
upon which greater divergence of opinion is
entertained than upon the subject of the prop
er rate of interest to be permitted by law upon
the loan or forbearance of money. 1t is urged
that the present law, under present circum-
stances, is prejudicial as well to those who
would lend as to those who must borrow
money; that large amounts of capital are with
held from investment waiting for higher rates
of interest, and that many enterprises are
thereby crippled. l commend this subject to
your mature consideration trusting that you
will be able to agree upon measure which,
capital, encourage industry and afford to all
classes Of citizens the protection they have the
right to expect from the law.
AGRICULTURE.
much regret that the statistics of agricul-
ture returned to the secretary of state. are SO
incomplete and unreliable as to be practically
worthless. 1t is we'll, perhaps, to continue the
law and try to educate assessors to comprehend
and comply with it's terms. but until greater
accuracy is secured. it is unsafe to rely upon
the statistics thus obtained, or attempt to in
stitute comparisons. 1t can be said, in general
terms, that the agricultural interests of Wis
consin were never more prosperous, nor agrl-
culturists, as class, more heartily in accord
with the progressive tendencies of the age.
Indeed oil industries seem to thrive in Wis
consin, and should receive encouragement, but
agriculture SO largely predominates as to de-
mand special recognition, and therefore appro-
priations to the State and Northern Agricul-
tural societies might be supplemented by Ii M
tied aid to the Horticultural society and Dairy
mems association. All these societies have
been most serviceable agents in leading Wis
consiu to its present enviable position in the
various departments of agriculture, and 1t is
certain that the aid heretofore extended to
them has been returned many hundred fold.
CONCLUSION.
Every year brings to US new proofs of the
vigor and elasticity of our republican form of
government, and of the wisdom and the cour-
age of a republican people. In the school of
experience, parties and men are learning that
compromises with error are fatal, and that only
the right is expedient. There is much to en-
courage US, therefore, in the belief, not only
that the people of Maine will speedily cause
right and Justice to prevail there, but also,
that in the broader domain of the nation, the
time is not far distant when right and Justice
will everywhere and IN all things prevail, and
national supremacy insure domestic tranquil
itv, promote the general welfare and secure
the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our
posterity. WILLIAM E. SMITH.
Madison, January Is, 1880.
AKnAYYNXY 4 n