The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1882-01-26
the new GOVERNOR.
Inaugural Address Of Gov. Duren Z
sherman.

Essays and volumes aud tones have been
written, political economists and statesmen, for
oil time and in every land, have given serious
study to the subject, and left on record the
reflections Of vigorous Metime-yet We have
not witnessed even pause In tho discussion,
which must 60 on with increasing interest and
power until the end IL reached, il happily it
ever be, and mans privileges conceded, and
his rights guaranteed everywhere the sun Of
heaven spiondors universe with his rays.
This study II m important and evel-pressing
necessity, and, fraught with 30 great moment,
merits the thorough consideration OF every cit
lien Of the land, and it augurs we'll for the per-
petuity Of the country that the people through
out all our domain are improving in this ro-
spect, and each revolving year develops in-
creased and yet increasing interest in this
profoundest Of al human reflections.
To US Of Iowa the subject comes with ~
newcd force. We are upon the threshold 0f :
new era in our local system. We have just
passed tho stone making the completion Of
another biennial period in our history, and arc
about to commence the new. The people have
again given utterance to their convictions con-
corning public questions, and their Senators
and Representatives here assembled have come
up clothed with supreme authority TO do those
things demanded BY the public, or necessary
Tor their well being. / commend, therefore,
this subject, in all its length and hreadth, to
your considerate attention. convinced that the
grave responsibilities which rest upon you have
not been lightly assumed but that, stripped OF ali
faint Of seltishness, your acts will be inspired
only BY motives Of the Hottest patriotism and
the general good.
As nation we have experimental for hum
dred years upon government based upon the
free will OF the governed !; and by our own ex-
pcriencc, and as well the knowledge cleaned BY
careful study Of history, and frcm contcmpo-
raneous sources, have educated ourselves in
the belief that . government Of the people, by
the people, and for the people j. best cAlcu-
lated Tor mans privileges and necessities, for
thereto belongs oil mans prec GUS opportnni-
ties. To preserve these rights, and secure these
liberties, handing them down ia unabridged
completeness to those who shall follow, be-
comes at once our solemn duty, - II should
ever be our supremest pleasure: and this done,
" bestowed, as upon servants who, conscious Of
their high responsibilities, failed not in per-
Torrance Of their whole duty.
do not deem 1t necessary II this time to en-
large upon matters which would seem to re-
quire legislative consideration, nor would it
even be possible within the brief limits Of ,
preliminary address. These have probably
been mentioned IN the message already given.
And yet there are . few subjects, to which,
but in a few words, must direct the earnest at
tention OF the members ef the General ASSEM-
bis. Not the least important of these u that Of
For many years this subject has been among
the foremost in public discussion. The agita-
ton has been continuing and increasing in all
civilized countries, until ct last it has become
matter Of sufficient importance to induce legis-
lative action; and I believe has found place
upon the statute books OF all the States Of the
American Union, and doubtless OF oil the
greater and progressive nations Of the earth.
1t has attained that prominence that IL c. nn0t
longer be ignored inasmuch - the people,
with more Immunity than heretofore, are
moving to secure legislation. Naturally enough
and this IL also true Of every other public
question, the people are divided in opinion
Is to the best methods to treat the subject
and until some authoritative declaration BY
them is made. their representatives will be un-
able 10 reach the root of the matter. Ali men de.
sire that temperance shall obtain, vet differing
how best TO secure it. In order TO afford op-
portunity for expression, and IN compliance
with what seemed q very general desire Of the
people, the dominant political party in Iowa
has solemnly declared II favor Of submitting
to free vote Of the people the question
whether or not prOhibltory amendment shall
be migrated upon the organic Law. The last
General Assembly passed the resolutions neces-
eary to that end, and ~ re luired, by the cOnsu-
tuition itself, the same has been referred TO the
present Legislature, and. II there adopted, viii
be submitted to general vote. am unequivo-
cally in favor of like action. am in favor OF
the honorable performance of all proper
pledges made to the people, and, this question
legally submitted, the responsibility rests with
the citizen in his individual capacity, untram-
meled by party pledges, unintuenced by party
considerations. ! am IN favor OF suomission
for another reason-the right of the people to
be heard upon all questions affecting the public
welfare. II ID the very cornerstone OF our po-
itical fabric, aud the right preservative OF Ill
rights.
AGRICULTURE.
Attention il invited also to the desirability OF
additional legislation in advancement Of tho
agricultural interests of the State. and in bet
ter development Of our superior agricultural
and mineral resources The majority OF tho
people are persons engaged in such pursuits,
and the investments in such property exceed all
other interests. 1t is important, therefore, that
thorough aud reliable information be dissemi-
mated touching the general subject, and am
impressed with the belief that 1t ID the duty Of
the State to interest itself more fully in this
behalf, to the end that our Foundation princi-
pie" the rel ance OF our people, and their chief
est industry, should receive that consderate
attention its great Importance demands. Not
outstanding our high rank ~ IN agricultural
ktate--the fifth III the UnlOn-there Is no de-
partment of our State Government devoted
either in whole or In part to the beiterment Of
these great interests, and l suggest for the
consideration Of the General Assembly the pro-
priety OF establishing q Department OF Agr-
Culture Auu TIC appOlutu1out VI OeCIctAIy
therefor. who should be charged with such du-
ties In that relation, and also In respect 70 tho
manufacturing and mining interests OF the
State, as would best conduce to the end desired.
The advantages which would result to our en-
tire commonwealth through the vigorous ad-
oyerestimated.
Akin to this matter, and Of quite equal i'm
portance, is that OF
subject which rghtfully occupies large share
Of public attention. Every citizen 10 more or
less interested in its decision. However fertile
may be our prairios-however abundant their
products-lot onr infant industries grow into
never so grand proportions, and the results Of
of all these depends upon the public market,
and the facilities thereto. Therefore the ex-
IRENE constituencies Of the public mind IN relA-
ton to this great matter, winch has heretofore
given expression in feeling that the Govern
ment should exercise its authority in the ad-
jnstment OF the rights OF all its citizens; an
authority which has been recO9 nized by the
highest court OF the country. Experience has
seemed to demonstrate that an absolute and in
flexible tariff law ID equitably impossible, and
the tendency has been toward Whist is known -
the commiss.onership system" now being
tried In our own as well - several other OF the
States. Sufficient time has not vet elapsed ia
enable us to form conclusion - to the efficacy
OF this system, and therefore favor testing II
with real thoroughness. The law upon oul
statute books is yet new, and may be crude
aud time ID required to demonstrate the neces-
sity Of revision. 1t il matter Of vital impor.
lance to the State, and commend it 70 the
serious study OF the people During the past
year but two other States have constructed .,
many miles Of new railroad - has Iowa, anc
ct least i've millions OF foreign capital has beer
invested In our State through this increase
Tho commission may, think, be p0pularized
by bring ling it more nearly into intimate rela
tons with the people aud their principal EN-
ployments by requirement that It least on,
Of its members should be . representative 81
the producing classes, which would more full.
install 1t in the respect and confidence Of th.
people.
1 am hopeful that the national Government
will yet exercise lts supreme authority, And
through judicious Federal commission effec
those adjustments impossible to State action
This done, the whole question becomes Of com
prehensive aud satisfactory solution. and tn,
divergent interests Of all parties and al $50
tons Of the country brought into harmonious
and equitable settlement.
q 80 vts ii IN, ~ ,v,sshl;