The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1889-01-09

originally plated to ths State and that were
afterward claimed by tho Government. And
trust that the Legislature will take meas-
ures to urge on the passage OF that bill. We
cannot Afford to permit our citizens 70 Do
forever harassed over the title to their posses
As agents of tho State Wa have felt under obli-
cations to guard and protect tho rights OF the
common wealth. Something over IO,t0J acres
of these disputed lands are still held by different
railroad companies under grants made by Con-
gress. Bell wing that the stste has q title To
Inoin and to assert that till. and further, To
prevent their passing from IN, railroad COM
panies into the hands OF purchasers. suits were
commenced about year ago, by IN junction. 70
prevent the disposal OF these lands by the rail-
road companies and To hold them Tor the SfaI0
II the courts should deci 10 that our aim is
valid These suits are still pending ana
be n pushed with vigor
1he swamp lands, 10 which We hold undis-
10 impress upon your minds the danger Of max
ing appropriations OF land similar to those
made IN 1883 and 1885,
DIRECT TAX.
A bill has passed both houses OF Congress and
now awaits the action Of the President, round
ing 70 the States amounts paid under law
passed by Congress during the war levying .
direct tax. This will give TO Michigan SID, 29S
IL thu bill becomes law. The amount will be-
placed in the treasury TO the credit OF tbs gen.
eral fund. and you are recommended to deduct
this amount from tho appropriation for general
purposes.
There can be no doubt that the effort OF the
Fish Commission is adding TO the iood product
and TO the wealth Of the State. / am confident
that the game and fish warden and his deputies
have been enabled to prevent much OF the de-
structon that has heretofore embarrassed the
efforts OF the commission
RAILROADS AND RAILROAD COMMISSIONERS.
We have within our borders 576S miles OF
completed roads, and according to the reports OF
the Commits Toner OF Railroads we find that the
total cost OF these roads was S2i0, COLON or an
amount equal to one-fourtn OF the equalized
value of all the taxable property within
specific taxes. In 1851 the Legislature
authorized the COMMISSIONS OF Railroads
to appoint a mechanical engineer as as
sstant whose duty it should be TO examine tho
condition OF engines, frogs, guards, switches,
bridges, etc. The appointments was made and
believe has been great benefit to the roads and
TO the employees. The Governor recommends
the Legislature to consider the proprety OF ap-
pointing the commi ssioner and mechanical en-
gineer board OF arbitration to assist in adjust
ing troubles should they arise between compan-
les and men.
The Governor refers TO the failure of the local
option law because Of it's unconstitutionality,
and to the notification by the supreme Court Of
what he regards as some OF the most valuable
amendments to the tax law. He deplores the
evils OF intemperance and continues:
Believing that the sentiment of large por.,
ton Of the State is ripe and ready for it, COM
mend to your consideration the passage OF
local option law,'if one can DO devised free from
constitutional oh iections Entertaining sincere
doubts rs TO this point, de- sire to urge upon
your careful attention the question OF constitu-
tlOnal1ty. Unfortunate, indeed, would IL Do 10
adops measures relating to this subject that
will again be overthrown by competent judicial
authority.
The evil to be confronted is great and power
full one. 1t stalks abroad at monday, and at
night is doing its deadly work. Many saloons OF
the lower order are rendezvous for criminals.
With a high hand il attempts to dictate meas
ures and 10 elect its friends TO official position.
II is SO strong that good men sonetimes
bow down and obey It's demands. But in
some way, somehow IL must be met
and restraints applied IL our Consttu-
tion prohibits nom securing eficient
law for localities it does not prohibit a general
prohiDtory law and If we are denied other OPP
portunities, no doubt in the future this course
tax law should be made increasing the tax and
TO render its enforcem mt more certain. COM
plants against prosecuting attorneys for neg
lect in liquor cases not infrequent Possibly
their duties may be more clearly defined.
The passage OF n law prohibiting the sale OF
intoxicating drinks within three miles OF state
educational institutions has been urged upon
my attention, and while am not yet prepared
to re ;omm md the adoption OF this measure, YET
its consideration in connection with the whole
question is submitted to you for solution.
CONCLUSION.
As rule there is greater danger Of our hav-
ing too much rather than too little legislation.
Changes in the law should not be made except
VIII, re- some good result is to be attained. And
upon no subject Ia ii IN 70 important that you
refrnin from amendments to existing laws than
in those relating to our common school system.
Leave all government in the hands OF the peo-
pie SO fur US possible and our institutions VIII
be safe.
The Governor says that he trusts occasion will
not arise where his conscience and judgment
will be at variance with legislative action, but
if it should, duty must be, though reluctantly.
dis Ia rged
In relation 10 pardons have in the main fol-
lowed the rule adopted two years ago. Fifteen
stitutions and the sentences of four have been
commuted.