The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1883-01-12
INAUGURAL MESSAGE
Josiah ". BegoIe,
Governor OF the state OF Michigan,
TO THE LEGISLATURE,
JANUARY 3, 1888.

GENTLEMEN OF THE SENATE AND OF TER
House OF REPRESENTATIVES,: We have
assumed the duties assigned US by the
sovereign people of the State of Michigan
you TO serve them as Legislators and / as
the Chief Executive The terms Senator
and Representative indicate somewhat the
duties with which you are intrusted, but the
| word Governor seems harsh and inappropri-
ate A designation that would more nearly
define my real position, as q principal ser
want, would be more agreeable.
L have had but little opportunity TO eX-
anime specially and in detail the many in
terests for which legislation or appropria-
tions may be required and must leave de-
! tailed statements of funds and management
to my predecessor, who has had two years
experience and familiarity with the work
ings of the State Government and the needs
of its institutions What l say must be
somewhat general, and such as might sug
gest itself TO any intelligent citizen.
No political organization is TO be held
responsible for my views on any subject.
The candidate of two political parties, and
elected by the votes OF men or all parties,
cannot afford, nor do desire, to speak from
n merely partisan standpoint, but rather as
a citizen, desiring. first and supremely, the
prosperity of the State and the welfare and
happiness of its inhabitants
CIvII~SERNICE REFORM.
The results of the recent elections in the
several States have called the attention of
men of all parties TO the need of reform
in the civil service, that shall place the
holding of Office on firmer basis and divest
IL OF its present strictly partisan character
Bowling TO the popular Will in this regard
the leaders of the two great parties in Con-
gress have engaged in "a struggle as to which
shall be foremost in this reform. To inaugu-
rate n civil service reform in Michigan by
perpetuating in office the men OF one party
appointed under a system which even their
own party leaders denounce, would not be
in 10 with tho r,opn1ar will "a & inHi-
Gated by the results OF the elections. While
no removals shall be made for opinions
sake, / shall, as terms of Office expire, en-
deayor to nominate good men for the posi-
lions thus made vacant, regarding their
personal character for integrity and their
fitness for the place as of more importance
than their services in behalf of any party
GA candidate.
HUMANE INSTITUTIONS
Our humane institutions compare favora-
bly, with those of any other State, and will,
feel assured, be literally dealt with by you
l believe the State should care most tender
ly for her unfortunate children, following,
however the example of the Master, who,
though able TO supply the wants of the PEG
pie by miraculous power, was careful OF the
fragments that nothing be lost :"
The Trustees of the Institution for the
Deaf and Dumb, at Flint, and of the School
for the Blind, at Lansing, Will present their
usual reports and ask appropriations
STATE PUBLIC SCHOOL
The State Public School at Coldwater is n
temporary home for the uncared-for chill
dren of the poor, Us yet untainted by crime.
Most of them, from their neglected condi-
ton and unfavorable surroundings, would
probably have become inmates OF the poor
houses, reform schools or jails so that the
State Public School is not SO much q charity
Us on economy on the part of the State. The
children receive an education, are taught
habits of industry, and retained in the
school only till homes can be procured for
them in respectable families Since its open
ing in 1874 ,23l children have been admit
ted, of whom 81 remain
1t has always been a source of gratifica-
ton to me that as a member of the Senate of
1871 j assisted in organizing this school
Since its opening have watched its progress
with especial interest, and have been graft
fed with the results From the biennial re-
port of its board you will obtain an interest
ing summary of its operations and needs.
STATE REFORM SCHOOL FOR GrfyfS
The Michigan State Reform School for
Girls meets a long-felt want, and can, from
personal observation, commend its general
features The cottage system has its adj
vantages in permitting grading of the in
mates, and yet doubt very much the pro-
priety of committing youthful prostitutes,
picked up from the streets of our cities, In
the same institution with homeless girls con-
yicted of petty larceny. L cannot believe
that the latter will be improved by contact
with the former class and, while in favor of
caring for both, think it should be done in
separate institutions.
| am satisfied that there is much in a
name, and that the term Reform School is
associated in the popular mind with crime
and disgrace. As it is the object of this in
stitution TO train up its inmates to become
respectable women, II would be point
gained to prevent, as FAR as possible, any
stigma attaching itself TO them on account
.l,s.- In, raf,.
school. l would therefore commend that
the name of this institution be changed to
the state Industrial School for Girls
THE STATE REFORM SCHOOL
Among the various State institutions
have occasionally visited, there is none in
which l have felt a deeper interest than the
State Reform School at Lansing. was de-
lighted when it's prominent prison features
were abolished, and IL assumed more the
form of an educational institution While
can most heartily indorse its present man
agement, IL seems to me that better pro-
vision should be made for teaching the boys
common and useful trades l know IL Is
urged that such n manufacturing establish
ment cannot be made TO pay expenses; but
neither does the common-school education
il affords bring a cash return, or Spay eX-
penses," except rs it tends TO help them
toward noble manhood The knowledge
of a good trade, with the Independence
which IL affords, may tend quite az much to
save the youths trained In this institution
from evil associations and from falling into
old habits as arithmetic or grammar.
think, therefore, that "a trade as well as an
education should be provided for.
The same considerations that induced me
to favor "a change in the name of the school
at Adrian, lead me to recommend that the
name of this institution be changed to "The
State Industrial School for Boys"
AsYLUMs FOR THE INSANE
The Michigan Asylum at Kalamazoo and
the Eastern Asylum at Pontiac are admira-
bly, managed institutions, creditable alike to
the State and TO the intelligent gentlemen
who compose their Boards of Trustees Each
has a corps of competent physicians and at
tendants, devoted to the humane work of
caring for the insane, and ] believe consci-
entiously discharging their duties TO the un-
fortunate ones under their care, and to the
State The reports containing the estimates
for these institutions will be laid before you,
and no doubt receive your favorable consid-
Grafton.
The report - the Commissioners for the
Northern Asylum for the Insane shows that
"a site has been selected near Traverse CITY
One of the Commissioners having an interest
in part of the land to be purchased, and,
from the general plan of the grounds,
essential to their completeness. legislation il
asked TO permit the purchase, and is, under
the circumstances, recommended.
IL apnpare from the raporf hat 4 no nm 0unt