The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1885-01-16
MESSAGE OF TIE GOVERNOR.
To the Legislative Assembly OF Montana.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE, Helena, M. T.

To the Legislative Assembly OF Montana.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE, Helena, NJ T.
To tie Council and House Of Representatives:
II Is cause for congratulation that you have
convened at time when order Is as firmly
established, life and property Is sacred and
secure, and justice As wisely administered
In Montana as In the States. Since the last
meeting of the Legislative Assembly the
great increase of the Territory In popula-
ton, wealth, and the opportunities for The
development Of Its exhaustless resources,
will give your deliberations and conclusions
an importance that has not characterized
any previous session. The knowledge CON-
mon 10 the people that you are to make laws
for vast Territory which is unsurpassed In
America for Its salubrity Of climate and It's
wealth in precious metals, and whose plains
and valleys are underlaId with fuel and COW
cred by the richest pastures, cannot for a
moment escape your minds. 1t Is fortunate
the choice has been made of so many who
have q thorough acquaintance with the
varied interests and industries of the Terri
tory.
1t seems proper that your attention should
now be invited TO some OF the matters that
have been deemed worthy of consideration
by the people: LIST. Although the percent
age Of crime has largely diminished, the
penal institutions established for an infant
settlement are insufficient for the great in
crease Of population. In the absence of an
appropriation by Congress to enlarge the
penlsentiary, some provision by you will be
necessary for tie confinement of convcts.
I'd. IL is suggested that IN the near future
the criminal law would probably be enforced
with leS difficulty by the election Of a
Prosecuting officer for each county instead of
one for each Judicial District. Sd. There
appears 10 be good grounds for the general
opinion that the fees Of public officers in the
Territory are greatly disproportionate, and
In some cases, on account of recently i'm.
proved facilities for travel and transporta-
ton, largely In excess of just compensa-
ton for services performed. 4th. Much |
Inconvenience would be avoided If the off. |
cal term of Notaries Public should expire |
at some time during the session of the Leg |
Islative Assembly. 9th. As true expression |
Of the popular will can only be obtained
through the ballot box, 1t is submitted that
t would be wise to provide by law for ascer-
aiming by proper proof the persons entitled
% vote at elections. Whether such proyis-
on should be general, or limited In its
application to the more populous portions of
he Territory, Is also proper subject for
'our consideration. 9th. For the purpose Of
information and the correction of
buses, 1t seems desirable that public officers,
% far as practicable, should be required to
make both . detailed aud classified report
IL their official transactions to some SUPER
Using authority. 7Lh. The condition Of the
Territorial law library is such that not only
he broken sets should be filled, but q rea.
enable addition should also be made. 9Th.
he Commissioners appointed to represent
he interests Of Montana ut the Worlds In.
ustrial and Cotton Centennial Exposition
New Orleans have already performed q
FORK OF immense value to the Territory. II
reasonable that this Territory, for whose
enefit their energies have been exerted, ,
hould furnish necessary assistance for the
ompletion Of their undertaking. 9th. The {
udilor of the Territory has reported to me ,
he fact that the expenses Of the Territorial
overnment for the past year were $2s55S.77 O
! excess of the revenue. 1t therefore be- !
'mes necessary that the system Of taxation,
In any respect faulty, should be 80 revised
: the expenses Of government 30 reduced, =
at the revenue derived shall honor all C
gal demands upon IL. 1t would be greatly q
the advantage Of Montana that IL should :
ng continue TO be fact that she owed not n
dollar. 10th. As to our federal relations, I,
Q right Of petition will not be denied you. n
here Is now . pressing demand that the =
nitentiary should be made adequate to the &
auirements Of largely increased popula- A
IN. al
Still another question engrosses the atten, y y
IN of the people. As to that, 1t may DO
q that millions Of acres now idle could, y,
thout detriment or discomfort to human X
Ing, be opened for use and production /; y
IL Is hoped that no disposition of public
Ids or reserved tracts will be SO made as "
retard the settlement of the Territory. m
The reports Of the several officers and So
ards charged with the duty of reporting, g
II be transmitted TO you at an early LAY. y y
om the details of their reports you will 60
ain accurate information rs to the conduct to
the different branches Of the Territorial 60
It's pleasure 20 state that =, -
complaint Of official misconduct has sil
ched me, and It is . qualification to know tn
our common school system, excellent in u
III and wisely conducted, Is furnishing to !"
youth all the advantages to be found In err
er communities. TO
selying much upon those who committed tn
ir early fortunes TO . new land to give y"
the benefit OF their wisdom and expert mi
Q, IL shall hereafter be my privilege TO ac'
lmunicate with you upon matters of pub %
concern as occasion may require. II is nm
ed that all Of the departments of the fri
ritorial government will cooperate for / o
promotion Of the general welfare aud ths
advancement Of every legitimate interest o oss
bout sectional prejudice or partizan bias, uni
bat there may be q just, economical and sur
ghtened administration Of public affairs. or
b. p. CARPENTER. IA
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HE NEW ORLEANS EXPOSITION.
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