Morris tribune., 1883-01-11
sTl 3H0 a2I

The commissioner remarks that ten years ago,
| from an insurance stand point. Minnesota was q
small and incOnspcuous State; to-day, twenty-five
| States must yield the precedence to her"
HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
The Historical society suffered considerable loss
by the burning of the capitol It's main brray was
mostly saved in good condition. but the fine museum
of archaeological and historical curiosities was
nearly entirely destroyed, together with many pub
locations, pictures, &C.. that constituted ilteres
ing feature of It's collections. The valuable manu-
scripts and greatly priced collection of bound Min
nesota newspapers were In fre-proof vault and
escaped unframed. The society at once removed to
the basement of the temporary capitol and began
vigorous efforts to repair Its losses
The library was soon restored. and
considerable additions have since been made
until it now numbers over 10000 volumes Of care
fully selected and valuable works The society 10
now in a very prosperous condition, and prenared
to enter upon career OF more enlarged usefulness
than before the fire Interrupted its work. 1t has
been its desire for many years TO erect on Its own
ground near the capitol building constructed with
special reference TO its peculiar needs. For this
purpose O subscription of $4,000 has already
been pledged. It is the inteution when S25 900 is
thus raised to ask the State TO contribute equal
amount The great usefulness OF the society, Its
past energetic efforts to fifth Its objects and its
success IN the face of many difficulties, should COM
mend such request when made to favorable
consideration.
THE LIBRARY
Among the most serious calamities entailed by
the burning of the old capitol was the almost total
loss CT the public library. As appears by the re-
port of the state librarian, there saved from
the fire but $40 volumes out of over $4,000. The
foresight of the librarian had provided an insurance
of $10 900 upon the library, though no legislative
authority had been given for doing 50. With this
amount, which was promptly paid and the appro-
pria,ion of $4,000 made for the purpose, there
have been purchased $500 volumes. There have
been received by donation 4,634 volumes. and by
exchange $40, making total o. 1892 volumes
now in the library. The librarian cites many in
stances of great generosity upon the part OF States
and individuals in donations of valuable books, for
which suitable acknowledgment was duly made.
LOGS AND LUMBER.
Reports of survey ors general of logs and lumber
have been made according to law and are herewith
transmitted They show the following transac-
tions
Logs scaled, feet
First district .2eO. o4572 2.G5?5. $40
Second district .2S8, Gas, 2l0 319,2l1 ,7s0
Lumber manufactured, feet
First district No rep 1tt. 1876 $50
sesSn9 diatrct ass 0 goo
Fifth district r1a ,;ir,nI I''00''00
The fish commissioners submit report contain
ing much interesting information upon the general
subject Of fish culture. and In their detailed exhibit
show much industry upon their part in the distri-
button of whitefsh, trout. salmon, and numerous
other varieties of fish in the waters OF the state
There were distributed during two years 1858, l6s
fish, the product Of the Statehatchery.
AGRICULTURE
The agricultural statistics of the State as pre-
sented by the report OF the commissioner OF satis.
tics indicate the existence OF progressive spirit
pervading this great industry OF our people There
Is gratifying evidence of improved methods and
more intelligent system of management in this Inn
portant interest, which is the basis OF the wealth
and prosperity of the stae. In sections that have
heretofore been almost wholly devoted to the pro.
duction of single star :, recent harvests have
returned in gratifying abundance
great diversity Of crops, and as an
exporter of stock and relucts of the dairy, Mime
.ota makes showing Kun Of promise for the future.
There has beena mdrked increase OF interest In
ltock raising and wpch effort made to Introduce