Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1881-01-12
Cash bal. in treasury Nov. go 43 90

Cash BAL in treasury Nov 30s122 o29 40 S264151 80
EDUCATION.
The condition of the several educational in
tereSts of the state is clearly set forth bv the
comprehensive report of the superintendent of
public instruction, covering the two years end
ing August 3lst, 1880. The valuable historical
resume contained in the last annual report is
completed by the addition of a brief sketch of
the earliest public efforts in behalf of educa-
ton, and OF those of the five years interregpum.
during which the system was without eparate
head: The few particulars thus rescued from
OBLIVION, however meager, form part of the
educational history Of the state. They indicate
the wisdom of its founders in looking to popu-
lar intelligence as one of the first conditions of
durable commonwealth, and serve as q
measure of growth for the proud results of
after years. The governor said: II am i'm
PEELED to dissent from the well-known views of
the superintendent regarding the Merrill text
to represent the trivial mishaps DELAYS and
omissions incident to its practical operation as
serious defects inherent in its character. With
out going into extended remarks upon the sub
lect, It IL but simple justice to say that, in spite
ct some crude and complicated provisions of
the law, and the reluctant support it has re-
celved, the net result is substantial achieve
ment OF the great ends contemplated IN its en-
actment, VIZ: cheapness and uniformity of
school books" -
STATE INSTITUTIONS.
The governor calls attention to the report of
the inspectors and warden Of the state PRISON
which shows the, average number of cOnyicts
during the year 1879 was about 229. and for
1880 fraction less than $50, while the number
remaining in confinement at the close of 1880
was 254, leaving 90 available, cells unoccupied
The current expenses for the two years were
Sex, 041.22 and the, convict earnings a.. $40 40
leaving the net cost to the state per convict
s97.28 for 1879, and S99.47 for 1880. The in
spectors pay high compliment to the skill and
fidelity Of the warden, and express their convic-
ton that he is underpaid for bis valuable SER
wees. 1t will be seen by reference tothe report
that a deficiency of $13,478. 80 was created fol
repairing yard walls and for the enlargement OF
prison grounds. The commissioners appointed
to settle all matters of difference between the
state and Seymour, Sabin & Co., after
thorough Examination fixed the value of the
machinery in the prison shops at SIS, 9O6. so. OF
this amount there has been paid during the
vict labor. |4rhe appraisal Of the remaining ma
chinery belonging to the said, firm will be made
on or before April 1, 1881, after which the state
will own all the fixed aid movable machinery
pertaining to the prison for manufacturing pur-
poses. The contract with Seymour, sabin &
Co., Will also expire on that date, and the in
spectors have advertised for proposals for the
governor renews former Recommendation for
the construction Of q new prison, using convict
labor in It's erection. - -. )
As pertaining to this general subject Gov.
Pilisbury renewed his former Recommendation
regarding the discretionary, punishment of
capital crime. While convictions are without
doubt readily secured in the absence Of mi in
cvitable death penalty, since the dread of that
result deters the prompt action Of the juries,
he felt persuaded that the ultimate ends Of JUS
ment, in view Of tie chances which cling to life
and the growing influences by which criminals
practically escape over that expectation:
Calling attention to the burning Of the insane
asylum tie governor J: said, al questions pertain.
treatment Of the patients Of tie burned asylum
must be postponed until immediate protection
is amply afforded them, and he accordingly in.
voked earnest attention to the requirement.
and recommendations of the trustees. It viii