The Dillon tribune., 1885-01-24
gte iuo,, sib,,',f.
GOVERNOR's MESSAGE.
THE message Of Governor Carpenter
was not received in time for last weeks
paper, and 50 we publish the document
this week.-Ed. TRIB.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, I
HELENA, Montana Territory. J

70 the Council and House Of Representatives;
It cause for congratulation that you
have convened at a time when order IS As
firmly established, life and property AS sa-
cred and secure and justice as wisely ad-
ministered in Montana rs in the States.
Since the last meeting OF the Legislative
Assembly, the great increase Of the Terri
tory in population, wealth, and the oPPor'
tunities for the development Of its exhaust
less resources, will give to your delibera-
tions and conclusion an importance lhat
has nc: characterized any previous session.
The knowledge, common to the people,
that YOU are to make laws for vast Ter
ritory, which is unsurpassed IN America
for its salubrity OF climate and its wealth
in precious metals, and whose plains and
valleys are underlaid with fuel and covered
by the richest pastures, can not for mo.
ment escape your minds. It is fortunate
that in the constitution of the two branches
the choice has been made of SO many who
have thorough acquaintance with the
varied interests and industries Of the Ter
ritory.
It seems proper that your attention
should now be invited to some Of the mat
ters that have been deemed worthy Of con-
sideration by the people.
l. Although the percentage of crime has
largely diminished, the penal institutions
established for an infant settlement are in
sufficient for the great increase OF popula-
ton. In the absence of an appropriation
by Congress to enlarge the Penitentiary,
some provision BY you will be necessary
for the confinement of convicts
,. 1t is suggested that in the near future
the criminal law would probably be en-
forced with less difficulty BY the election of
prosecuting officer for each county, in
stead of one for each Judicial District.
;. There appears to be good ground for
the general opinion that the fees Of public
officers III the Territory are greatly dispro-
portionale, and in some cases, on account
Of recently improved facilities for travel
and transportation, largely in excess Of
just compensation for services performed.
4. Much inconvenience would be avoid
ed if the official term Of notAries public
should expire at some time during the ses-
sion Of the Legislative Assembly.
5. AS a true expression Of the popular
will can only be obtained through the bal
lot box, it is submitted that it would be
wise to provide by law for ascertaining by
proper proofs the persons entitled to vote
at elections. Whether such a provision
should be general, or limited in its applica-
ton to the more populous portions Of the
Territory is also a proper subject for your
consideration.
6. For the purpose Of statistical informa-
ton, and the correction Of abuses, it seems.
desirable that public officers, SO far as prac.
ticable, should be required to make both a
detailed and classified report Of their Off
cial transactions to some supervising auth
ority.
!. The condition of the Territorial law
library is such that not only the broken
sets should be filled. but reasonable addi-
tion should also be made.
s. The commissioners appointed to rep
resent the interests Of Montana at the
Worlds Industrial and Cotton Centennial |
Exposition at New Orleans, have already
performed a work Of immense value to the
Territory. It is reasonable that the Terri |
tory, for whose benefit their energies have1
been exerted, should furnish necessary as
sistance tor the completion Of their under
taking.
3. The auditor OF the treasury has re-
ported ONE the fac. that the expenses of
the Territorial government for the past
year were $e6,55S.77 in excess Of the rev.
eruc. II therefore becomes necessary that
the system, Il in any respect faulty, should
Be 90 revised, Or the expenses Of govern
ment so reduced, that revenue derived /
shall honor III legal demands upon it. I'll
would b greatly q the advantage of Mon
tana that 4 should long continue TO be 4
fact that she owes not dollar.
%. As . our Federal relations, fhe right
of petition will 20 e denied you There
Il nov ! pressing demand that ne Peniy
80. 49,, ..>..fa - -