The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1883-01-12

extra session subsequently held The
work of the commission was so thoroughly
and intelligently performed that the bills re-
ported by il were enacted into laws by the
Legislature without material modification.
IL is reasonable to expect that the opera
tions OF these laws win insure the prompt
collection of the revenues of the State, Will
carefully guard the rights Of the property
holders and viii enable the State TO give
valid title in case of resort TO sale of realty
for the nonpayment OF taxes IL will also
restore as tax-paying property millions or
acres OF land that the owners have long since
abandoned paying taxes on, and enable the
State to realize some portion OF the large
sums advanced on bids for delinquent taxes
on these lands by sales of the interest of the
State To be made under "a scale of graduated
prices adjusted according TO the time that
shall have elapsed before sales are consum-
mated 1t will also clear up the mixed titles
To these lands arising out OF the claims of
the State, and restore them TO sale for actual
settlement
STATE SWAMP LANDS.
From the report of the State Swamp Land
Commissioner for the fiscal year ending
Sept 30, 1882, the amount of swamp lands
i'm the Lower Peninsula subject TO appropria-
ton or sale was 40, go acres. At IA suisse
quent meeting of the Board of Control ap-
preparations were made aggregating II, $50
acres leaving 81, 6SS go acres at this date.
1t is estimated by competent authority that
when all the lands now reserved on con-
tracts and special appropriations are select
ed the remainder will be of little or no
value. Adopting this view, the Board of
Control Mt its meeting in December last re-
solved that it was ineXpedient to make fur
ther appropriations until selection of lands
To satisfy all outstanding contracts and APP
preparations be made, and the remainder OF
the lands be examined as to value Con-
tracts for constructing roads and bitches TO
be paid for in worthless lands might place
the State under obligations to pay from
other means. / fully concur in the action
taken by the Board of Control For further
particulars reference is made 70 the APP
pendiX
UNPATENTED SWAMP LANDS.
In the list of swamp lands granted to the
State by the United States there were II T.
5S7 acres in excess or the amount subse-
quently patented The Commissioner of the
State Land Office has caused lists OF these
unpatented lands TO be prepared FOR use in
settling with the Government. Arrange
ments are partly perfected To adjust this
claim in behalf of the State. 1t is expected
that the Government will convey TO the State
what lands ii still has applicable TO the grant
and settle for the deficiency found to be due
in money.
The preparation of these lists covered four
years of continuous labor, and success in Sc
curing the rights claimed will depend upon
the fidelity and energy with which the work
made 10 the report of the Commissioner.
NEW ASYLUM FOR THE INSANE.
The number of the insane had increased so
that more provision for their care was i'm
perative. This necessity was presented TO
the Legislature with the recommendation
that an appropriation be made for the cree
ton of an additional asylum. The appropri-
alton was made the site has been selected
and purchased, and the contracts for con
struction let, with every prospect OF prompt
co Urith
In addition to the site purchased, provis-
ional contract has been made for fifty-SiX
acres of adjacent land with the firm of Han
nah. Lay & Co This is deemed TO be very
desirable for the future good of the asylum,
hut under the provisions of act 107, Laws of
1878, it cannot be legally transferred to the
State in consequence of Commissioner Han
nah being one of the above-named firm of
Hannah. Lay 4 Co / recommend that the
law be so modified as to permit this transfer
TO be made. For "A more detailed statement
reference is made to the report OF the Board
of Commissioners.
MICHIGAN ASYLUM
On examination OF this asylum il was
found To he in good condition with few
exceptions The old system of heating was
inadequate and very expensive for fuel l
recommended an appropriation of $1,000
for an improved method; the amount was
appropriated and the Improvement made,
resulting in n more generous supply of heat,
of less than =, 900 tons of coal for the first
year, while for previous years the average
was over 300 tons.
This was the first asylum for the insane
built in our State, and its construction was
continued over term OF some thirty years
The fragmentary mode of construction nee
essarily has added to its cost and detracted
from its appearance. Appointments that
when made were abreast of the times are
now out OF date Within the two years past
hapn
made including grading, completing drives,
constructing walks and planting additional
shrubbery; removal of barn and erecting n
new one; construction of sewer; purchase OF
additional land, and the Introduction OF
new steam heating system heretofore re-
ferred to. With these Improvements, the in
stitutiOn, for all practical purposes, ranks
with the best On the LIST of October last
there were 40 PATIENTS an increase FOR two
wears of 81 With a normal capacity OF 800
is has had a daily average for the past two
years of G96 patients; ~as consequence the
halls have been crowded, proper classical
ton could.not be maintained, and unusual
disturbance has existed
The finances Of this institution are in good
condition
Total receipts for two years for the
support OF patients. ........... S3i6,O6i6G
Disbursements on the same account
for the same length OF time. ........ 309,llO60
Leaving in the treasury Sept. 80
1882. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. S3b,9oiOO
At the time the female department was
erected the front walls of the center and
south wing were arranged for stuccoing.
They still remain as they were left, in an UNI
finished condition. The brick are crumbling
and should be preserved from further disin-
tegration by repairs and painting. To paint
and pencil these walls will cost, according to
estimate, about $1,000
A hospital department for general pur-
poses, and more especially for the better
treatment OF contagious diseases, and from
wasting diseases, such as cancer, consump-
ton and chronic diarrhga, at an estimated
cost of sl20O0, il asked for.
The prudent management, economy and
utility exhibited heretofore in making i'm
provements commend the estimates made
by the managers to your generous consider
alton. Reference is made TO the report of
the Board of Trustees.
EASTERN ASYLUM.
This institution AZ originally constructed,
had a normal capacity TO care for 400 pa
tients. During the past two years two add
tional wings have been completed, which af-
ford room for $50 patients, making the pres
ent capacity of the asylum 800. The follow
ing improvements have also been made: A
summer house, a lodge, additional rooms
finished in the attic, and considerable addi-
tions to the books and pictures in the Ii