, 1888-01-13
JNO. =. CARROLL. Editor
THE GOVERNORS MESSAGE.

A large and intelligent audience, which
included a number of ladies, assembled in
the opera house yesterday afternoon to
listen to the reading of Governor Moon
lights first annual message. 1t was
generally conceded that it was in
very many respects an able and ex-
haustiye document. Some very practical
suggestions for legislative enactment are
made, and as it covers a wider field than
it was ever before possible to cover, we
have concluded to place the entire docu-
ment before our readers this morning, be-
lieving that they will obtain from it a
more practical insight into the affairs of
the territory than is otherwise available.
The governor introduces his subject by
speaking of the compilation and printing
of the revised statutes which cost the ter
ritory $40, 525. OF the 5000 copies
printed, he says about 1000 can he legiti.
mately used. Taxes are too high and
should be reduced. County officials re-
ceIve too much money in the shape OF
salaries and fees in comparison with what
federal officials receive. The grand jury
system, which provides for sixteen mem
bers is cumbersome and expensive.
Six members, with five to find a true bill,
he considers a better arrangement in every
way. Too little attention is paid to the
election of county commissioners. If each
county were divided into three commis-
sioncr districts so that men might be
elected who clearly represented the senti-
menis and wants of their several local.
ties, it could then be so arranged that at
least two men with experience in county
affairs could be retained in Office over
every election. Everybody should be
sworn to his statement of assessable prop
-crty, so that taxation might be more uni
formly levied. The governor favors
smaller counties, the question of forming
new counties to be left to the taxpayers
interested, under certain restrictions and
limitations. The election of legislators
fourteen months before they take their
seats he deems unwiso and suggests
methods by which the evil may be remc-
died. He recommends the establishment
of an emigration bureau and looks flvora-
bly, on the suggestion that the county
coroner also act in the capacity of fire cor
oner to Investigate aud report on the
causes of all fires. Arbor day should
be adopted and generally ob'cryed
in Wyoming. He. believes the
fiscal year should close on September
80, so as to give ample time to audit &C
counts. make up reports and submit them
TO the governor. SO that lie may have the
opportunity to digest them before the
Legislature meet. The fiscal year now
ends Dec. 81, which does not give suite
lent time to either elaborate reports or
givs them proper consideration. He
iavors raising the salary of the territorial
veterinarian from 81. 800 to 81, 500 per
annum, so that no third or fourth rate
man be secured for the position.
D.. The report OF the att"rney-gencral with
its accompanying suggestions is treated at
COuSluCldbiC ithSth" lC bGilfNCS llt
Office to be a necessary part of the terri
torlal machinery. The report of the in
surlnce commissioners shows a net gain
In business in the past two years amount
ing to $lGO, 9S3.l7. Reports made by
the fish commissioner, beard of visitors to
the university, the president OF the deaf,
dumb and blind institute, the insane
asylum trustees, librarian, inspector of
mines and educational matters, are
treated very iully. He calls par
ticular attention to the report
of the auditor, and suggests that the
salary of this important Office be increased
so that its incumbent may devote to it
his whole time. He suggests changes in
the existing laws 50 hat the offices of
auditor and treasurer may be brought
into closer and more rigid relations. He
has had no official Information regarding
the capitol building as the commission are
not required by law to make any report.
All these matters are treated infinitely
and the entire document will well repay
careful perusal.