Bismarck weekly tribune., 1886-10-15


also building a line from its main track to
Grand Forks. The Minneapolis & Pacific
will build seventy miles this year. In all,
the commissioner estimates that 800 miles
of road will be built during the year.
Much space is given to the various min
ing properties and industries Of the Black
Hills region, which is pronounced one Of
the world.
S INSURANCE. Sss
The governor points to the records of the
auditors Office, and particularly to the in
crease Of the business Of insurance in the
territory as showing the remarkable growth
of the territory. The total business, in
risks, amounted in 1886 to $s4S, ISL 1920, an in
crease of $12,000,0 900 over 1884.
The premiums received in 1884 were
$672, 2,S19; in 1856, 81, ,159, ,209; an increase of
$$ss4486, 800, or II per cent "a
The losses paid in 1884 were $s4O4,O54; in
1885, $5S1, Ito; an increase of $126,956, or 81
per cent. s @
The per cent. surplus of premium re-
ceipts over losses paid was 81 in Dakota,
while in Missouri is was 45, Illinois A.
Kentucky 4S, Michigan AZ, and New
York Al.
SCHOOL LANDS.
Referring to the occupancy of school
lands and the decision of the commissioner
OF the general land Office in regard to the
same. the governor says: "The danger that
tenants by paying rents would be thereby
encouraged to claim immunity from the
statute to prevent trespaSsing, is, of course,
sufficient reason for declining to receive
rental for these lands trent having been
rendered by one occupant of school sec
tom, but it all endorsements of this kind
We're obviated by provisions Of law setting
forth the exact terms upon which lands be-
longing to the school fund could be occu-
pied and cultivated, it would operate to the
material advantage of the territory. There
are thousands of acres of school lands in
than a dozen years. Constant cultivation eX-
hausts the soil more or less, and it
certainly appears only fair that those
who enjoy the benefit of these
lands should, at least turn into the
territorial treasury, which is to be the ulti-
mate beneficiary, an equal amount to the
waste and deterioration resulting from such
rental by such tenants would be in the ag-
gregate a substantial help to the school
fund. Such regulation would not inter-
fere with the just conclusions of the hon
orable commissioner, that the bona fide
settlers on these lands, who are intending
to purchase them when placed III the
market, should not be prosecuted, but it
would permit them to occupy the lands un-
der color of law and not, as now, as
technical trespass ers."
GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS.
Regarding federal appropriations for
public buildings, the governor says: $50
far as know, the national government has
never made an appropriation for any terri
torial building in Dakota. Iowa, Ne
braska, Kansas, Minnesota, Colorado, Ne
vada, Oregon and other states received, while
in territorial condition, assistance from con-
gress to aid in the construction of their
public buildings, the amounts varying from
$25,0OO to $4,000. Dakota has expended
large amounts in this direction for young
community, the total outlay for public i'm
provements, including cash and lands, be.
ing upward Of S1,000,O0O. I cali attention
to this fact in the hope that congress may
see proper to extend its generosity to this
States courts are now furnished by the
various counties where sessions are held,
while the territorial officials. representing
the United States government, occupy Off
ces built by private subscription and fur
nished by the liberality of the territorial
legislature"
The governor also asks for an appropri-
alton for the territorial library, similar to
that which has been granted to other terri
tories.
ADMISSION.
In conclusion the governor says: IT have
nothing to add to my former:reports rela-
tive to the admission of the territory to the
union. The subject has been so thoroughly
discussed, in congress and out of it, that it's
condition is very generally and very thor
oughly understood. If any additional evil
dence Of the capacity and fitness of the ter.
ritOry for statehood were needed, this evil
dence would be furnished by the tables
contained in the report of the superintend-
ent Of public instruction, in the augmented
population so abundantly evidenced by the
figures furnished by the commissioner of
immigration, and in the material develop
ment exhibited by the increase of nearly
twenty-five millions of dollars in the value
of property assessed for taxation since the
date OF my last report. take it for granted,
however, that no proof is required that Da-
kota is possessed of all the qualifications
which entitle her to membership in
where. and by. everyone. And it is
scarcely less palpable that the requisites
are here for two states if congress chooses
to authorize the division. I have so often dis
cussed this question, and the arguments
pro and con are so familiar to the public,
that shall not occupy space in going over
the subject. | renew my recommendation,
however, and most earnestly, that this
great people be no longer kept from their
rightful heritage, but be permitted share
and ayOice in that government they honor
by their public spirit and sustain by their
industry"