The great West. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1889-18??, 1889-11-29

st: p, NJ. & N. R. R., 55.41 miles new line in
2.oo9. IS total miles Of railroad to date.
BY chapter ITO of the Session Laws OF
1889, the duties and powers of the railroad
commissioners were greatly enlarged.
Without the report of the commission we
are unable to give information as to the
efficiency of the law as amended. 1t is be-
ieved, however, that the commission has
ample power to enforce the provisions
thereof. There is some complaint in regard
to the operation and discrimination of ele-
vatOr and warehouse men. and some slight
amendment relative thereto may be desired.
1t is possible that the complaint arises more
from a want of enforcement than defect in
the law itself. The change made by our
constitution, making the commissioners
elective, it is hoped may lead to more
The present system of railroad rates prac-
tically precludes the possibility of establish
ing jObbing and wholesale trade or build
ing up of commercial centers in our state.
This deem to be great detriment to both
city and country, and, if within the prov
ferrlng such powers on the commission
ers as would enable them to remedy this
evil.
NEEDY SETTLERS.
herewith submit correspondence in re-
gard to deStltutiOn in several counties.
From this correspondence it will be seen
there is some restitution in these counties
owing to the failure of crops two successive
years, caused by the early frosts in 1888 and
the severe drouth of this past season: A
loss of crops is more severely felt in these
localities owing to the fact that these cOun-
ties were but recently settled and, as is the
case in all new countries, by men with very
limited means, and thus unable to main
tain themselves and families under the UNI
fortunate failure of crops. While the ex-
aggerated reports of suffering that have
been spread broadcast through the Eastern
cities are to be deprecated, we most fully
sympathize with the destitute and needy,
and l recommend that the subject have
your careful consideration.
information comes from that portion of
the state where greatest need exists that
much complaint is made of the extortion
practiced by certain class of loan agents,
whose chief source of profit would seem to
be the dire distress of their fellow men. I
believe that capital is an all-important ele-
ment in the development of a new country,
and that all legislation tending to makethe
legitimate investment of money more secure
will lead to an influx of capital that will go
Tar to prevent the exactiOn of excessive in
terest o. bonuses. l am, however, of the
opinion that some specific legislation look
ing to the protection of the people against
methods OF extortion now practiced would
be greatly in the interest of all classes.
APPROPRIATIONS.
By the statement of estimated receipts and
expenditures it is apparent that the amount
of our Indebtedness at the end of the present
year will nearly reach the limit allowed by
the constitution, which limit is $500 600. 1t
is hoped, however, that by the greatest care
and scrutiny in the matter Of appropria-
md f1,ov n
ficiency may be somewhat reduced. The
executive has no hesitancy in saying that
he deems it unwise at this time to provide
for the building of any new public institu-
tions of any kind.
While it would possibly be desirable to
do so were we in financial condition to
make the necessary outlay, yet in the pres
ent condition of our treasury, with large
portion of our people struggling with all
the unfavorable conditions appertaining to
the early settler, in the establishment of
home in a new country, l deem it the part
of wisdom that all such appropriations be
deferred and that our credit at home and
nomical methods.
IRRIGATION.
The deficiency of the rainfall for the
past few years in considerable portion of
our state has awakened great interest in the
question of irrigation.
The limits of this message only permit
few suggestions. Rainfall must increase or
certain parts of our state must have moist
ure from artificial sources Is it improba-
BILE that the rainfall may increase? Is irri-
cation practicable in the view Of the undu-
latory character of the surface in the por-
tions where it is most needed? If so how
can it be best accomplished? From
what sources can the water best be sup
piled? If from the Missouri river, how and
" from rfDcIo lie M hat
depth can it be obtained? Is the supply
inexhaustible? Can it be found at about
the same depth in all parts of the state?
Will the water thus obtained injure vegeta-
ton? These, I believe, are questions that
must first be settled before any intelligent
plan can be determined upon. They can
only be determined by surveys and expert
ments at considerable cost. Is it wise for
our state, with all the uncertainties attend
ing the question, to expend money there
for? 1t might not be unwise to memorial
ize congress for an appropriation for the
necessary SURVEYS and other nreliminarx