The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1881-01-14
COZ. JEROME.
synopsis of His inaugural Message


the inaugural message of Gov. David H.
Jerome is a bulky document. Astounding in
statistics from opening to ending. and in this
respect is largely p repetition of the farewell
message of the retiring Executive. Two-thirds
of it are devoted to review Of, and statistical
information relating to, the State penal. re-
formatOry charitable and educational nstitu-
tons and statistics i'll regard to railroads, in
surancc, etc.
Upon the all-important subject of immigra-
ton Gov. Jerome says:
"Thcre are millions OF acres Of good farming
lands in this State unoccuped. The building
of the lines of railroad traversing the entire
length of the Lower Peninsula north and
south, together with the east and west roads
lately completed, and the prospective compile
ton Mt an early day of the Detroit Mackinac
and Marquette railroad, has opened and will
open to easy access vast extent of unoccupied
farming lands. The influx Of settlers upon
these lands We uld add largely TO the productive
wealth and taxable resources of the State.
Through the potent influences of the proper
agencies, enigrants have been taken beyond
Michigan. and great States have been built up
west of us, and this largely by judicious sys-
TENS of making known their advantages
No State OF Territory East or West
has advantages superior to those of Michigan.
ing upon the shores OF the United S ates. and
of the surplus population OF the l. stem
States, we shou make known our resources ,
rich, numerous and varied. Our fertile lands
now in market at moderate prices, our adj
mrable school system, and the many
attractions offered TO the emierant who
desires not only good soil and healthy
81 mate, but good markets, good government.
and pleasant social relations. which are assured
by the general character and traditions of
Michigan society. The unrest and widespread
dissatisfaction among the people of Europe
VIII continue 10 send emiyrant' TO this country
in unprecedented numbers. This seems to be
oiitious time for us to at least do what
other States wet of us are doing to secure
occupants for our idle lands. The State has a
more direct interest in inducing immigration
because of the vast tracts OF unsold lands be-
longing to our State educational institutions.
The true policy IL to induce actual settlers 10
purchase the upoccupied lands held either by
private parties or by the State.
"The State has nov about 1000. 900 acres of
land for sale. This subject, l trust, will re-
ceive such attention at your hands as its i'm
portance demands
The Governor states that the receipts Of the
State Land Office on account OF the lands sold
during the year for principal, interest, AMI
penalty received on sales made in former
years. and from other sources, have been
S2S7, 1888.
Gov. Jerome says the educational work Of the
State is in excellent condition, and shows
marked progress. IIo calls the attention of
the Legislature to the following recommends
tons Of the Superintendent of Public Inslruc-
ton:
IL. The county should be the unit of terri
tory over which the examining authority should
have control.
80. The choice of this authority should be re-
moved AZ far M possible from the influence of
the political caucus.
80. The examining authority should be
board rather than an individual.
"This board should be appointed by compe-
tent local authority and should he under the
supervisory control of the superintendent of
Public Instruction"
The finances OF the State arc i'm splendid con-
dition, a. sho~n by the appended statement
balance in treasury Sept. 30, 1878. 3 40O34O %