Northern tribune. [volume] (Cheboygan, Mich.) 1875-1885, 1881-01-15
rHEINAUGURAL MESSAGE.

Governor Jerome's inaugural message
was read to joint convention of both
houses Friday of last week. Our new Gov
ernOr shows that he is familiar with the
vast resources of our state and in well
written and able document, treats of all
the varied interests and institutions in
amanner that would indicate he was
fully cOnyersant with all the subjects
treated. He commences by referring to
the agricultural and various industrial
interests of the state showing all to be
in most prosperous condition.
1t is worthy of note that our state ex-
cells all others in its capacity for salt
and lumber productions. 1t has the lar
gest copper mines and largest iron mines
in the world. 1t has also the most ex-
tensive fresh water fisheries known.
He calls attention to the necessity of
some effort to attract and encourage
immigration to our state. That while
possessed of state offering inducements
to emigrants exceeded by no state in the
union, other states beyond ours have been
reaping the benefits of the vast tide of
immigration, from the fact that they
have spared no effort to make known
their advantages while Michigan has re-
manned inactive. To secure our share of
emigrants now landing upon the shores
of the United States, and of the surplus
population of the eastern states, we
should make known our resources so rich,
numerous and varied.
The subject of taxes is treated at great
length, showing that the Governor has
given considerable time and study to its
investigation. He points out the defects
of the present tax law and makes sug-
gestiOns as to the remedy; and recon-
mends that provision be made for the
appointment of commission. large
enough to cover diversity of talent and
experience, into whose hands the work
of reyisisiOn shall be committed. In
carrying on the work of this commission,
care should be taken to preserve as much
of the present system as shall be found
advantageous, to the end that the per-
sons who will have the execution of our
tax laws shall have the benefit of their
familiarity Herewith, and that the pub
lie shall have the benefit of the laws that
have proved good in practice, and that
have been approved by the higher courts
This commission should not be
required to report before the next ses-
sion, giving ample time for examination
deliberatiOn and discussion so essential
for perfect work.
He has something to say about all the
all the public institutions of the state
and makes such suggestions as to each
as in his judgment their interests and
the public good required. He recon.
mends the adoption of some uniform
system of keeping the accounts of the
various state institutions and suggests
that provision be made for the appoint
ment of one or three experts to act tenn.
porarily to devise such system for the
consideration of the proper authority.
He recommends the transfer of the
st. Mary's ship canal to the general gov
eminent upon the conditions contained
in the act adopted at the last session OF
Congress providing for its acceptance
from the state, which provides that after
such transfer the canal shall be free fol
public use.
In speaking of railroads he refers to
the progress being made in the con.
structiOn of the Detroit, Mackinac and
Marquette in the upper peninsula and
of the Jackson, Lansing & Saginaw in
this part of the state. In closing his
able message he says:
at is impossible to advert in detail tt
the varied and important interests com
mitted to your care without being i'm
pressed with the conviction that we are
members of great state, rich in its re.
sources, generous in itsinstitutiOns, and
almost without limit in the possibilities
of its future; and l invoke for your de-
alterations spirit corresponding, to the
magnitude of the trust"