davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1889-01-11
MANY MINOR TOPICS.
The Various State Institutions and Boards
Discussed in Few Words.

The conclusion of Mr. Merriam's address con-
tanned brief references to all sorts of important
topics. reappontment bill was advised. The
Whiteman election law was approved in gen.
eral way, but Mr.. Merriam thought fewer ballot
boxes should be used that the voting hours should
be from a. m. TO p M, instead of a. m. to
registering should be given. The law locating
the reform school at Red Wing should be carried
out without delay. The Kandiyohi county capt.
toll site lands should be sold for the benefit of the
general reserve fund.- 'as there seams to be well
settled feeling that the present location of the
state house Is satisfactory" The work of the
soldiers home commission was complimented.
As to the dairy commission this point was made:
II has been suggested that the duties of the
dairy commissioner be enlarged so as 70 include
the right 10 examine oil food products, and,
where adulteration Is discovered, to have the
power to have such articles destroyed. There Is
4 question however In the minds Of some whether
the general government should not enact laws
would be practicable to prohibit the importation
and manufacturing of aduterated food products
by mere local legislation.
The state university was highly complimented
and commended to the fostering care of the leg
islators. The location Of state archaeological
institution at Duluth recommended by Governor
McGiIl two years ago, was advised. The good
work of the state board of health was briefly
noted with this recommendation:
The board should be encouraged in its labors
and IL It requires additional aid equipment It is
manifestly your duty to provide it.
The conclusion OF the address enlarged upon
the important duties devolving upon the new leg
islature and the responsibilities OF the members
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1889-01-11
THE MESSAGES.

The State papers of the outgoing and
incoming Governors are both pretty
long, but they appear in our columns
condensed in manner which will allow
even busy people to read them, and
therefore not much in the way of COM
ment is necessary. They are both adj
mirable documents, and show that both
gentlemen have become close students
of the needs of the people and the sci
ence of government. The railroad ques-
ton, or more properly legislation, re-
ceives considerable attention. The eX-
Governor cites the benificent results of
recent legislation, and thinks the results
have proven its wisdom. He recon-
mends the organization of a special court
with jurisdiction over all cases appealed
to the courts, and advises the extension
of the term Of Office of the railroad COM
missioners TO six years. Governor-elect
Merriam comedies in this recommends
ton, and while advocating "a broad
spirit of honorable dealing" urges that
the people be amply protected from ex-
tortions to pay dividends on fictitious
capital.
Both gentlemen are opposed to the
recent recommendation of the State
prison inspectors that n return be made
TO the contract system of convict labor
Governor Merriam truly says that "it is
crime to enforce idleness upon the
criminal whom the law deprives of hi.
liberty, and it is equally as unjust to the
citizenship of our State to provide fol
him employment of such character, and
IN such manner, as shall adversely alfec
the industries that are the joint produc
of private enterprise and capital and o
honest, free and untrammeled labor
The Governor thinks way may be de
vised TO utilize the labor of the convict
IN way that will be satisfactory to ev
cry interest, but advises that each steI
in the matter be cautiously taken, anC
that no decided or expensive move b,
made until there is reasonable assuranc,
of its wisdom.
The financial condition of the State re
ceives proper attention in both MESA
ges, and Governor Merrlam's suggestion
are in keeping with the business-lik,
methods which have always character
lied his private enterprises.
Many minor matters are touched. a
will be seen by perusal of the two doc
uments, which are as comprehensiv,
and creditable State papers as the coun
try is in the habit of seeing.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1889-01-11
WHAT THERE IS TO DO.

If the legislature does not get into
dead lock over the election of U. S.
senator there seems to be no reason why
its session should be prolonged one.
There are but one or two very pressing
matters to be attended to, aside from
providing the usual appropriations for
the maintenance of the State institu-
tons. One matter which doubtless will
and should receive attention is electoral
or rather ballot reform. Both parties
do something in this direction. The
Australian system is commended as one
to be followed. The main and best fea-
lures of this system have been combined
in the Saxon bill now before the New
York legislature, and whose require
ments were described in these columns
Tuesday. Perfected by the study of
practical politicians and Jealous reform
ers through two sessions, and 80 framed
as to avoid every objection that can be
offered by the opponents Of reform, this
act may well be taken for a model. 1t
may be assumed as certainty that this
legislature will give ballot reform to
Minnesota. More urgent even than this,
from the practical side, is some leg,sia-
ton to provide for employment In the
in the prisons of the State. The prison
problem must be faced. The report of
the prison inspectors, containing all the
facts that could be gathered in an ex-
tended tour, supplies the legislature
with material upon which to build their
conclusions. 1t is of the first import
ance that our convicts should have regu-
lar and steady employment, and that
this be such as will fit the ends of refor-
nation, make discipline possible, and
lift from the producers Of the State the
burden of maintaining in Idleness its
prison population. Now that this duty
cannot be shirked, the people of the
State expect their representatives to
face it with sturdy common sense and
honesty, while demagoguery and imbe-
cility are given back seat.
There are many other pieces of legis-
lation which will doutless receive atten-
ton, and be pushed forward as a pana-
cea for the peoples ills, but the legisia-
ture may well be wary of all expert
ments. The statute books are now well
loaded, and beyond one or two such
measures as have been mentioned there
is no pressing need for more laws.
There should be liberal but careful and
intelligent appropriations for the various
State institutions, and the Mankato Nor
NAL school is among the ones which need
assistance. The particulars of this
schools needs are too well-known to
need mention here. Let wise and
clear-headed course be pursued in AL
matters.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1889-01-11
ELECTORAL REFORM.

The new electoral reform bill, which
will be introduced early in the New
York legislatures session by Mr.. Sax
ton, preserves, it is said, the essential
feature of the bill vetoed by Governor
Hill last Spring. 1t differs from the lat
ter, however, in some of the provisions
criticised IN the veto message. The old
bill required the counties to bear the ex-
penses of printing the ballots and hold
ing the elections, which the Governor
declared was unfair to the rural voters
in counties containing large cities. The
new bill puts the cost of municipal cleo
tons on the municipality alone. The
old bill provided that three per cent. Of
the voters at the previous election
shonld be necessary to make an official
nunl.uation. The new bill reduces this
proportion to one per cent. and provides
further that 500 voters may nominate
for a State office and 30 tor any lesser Of
flee The governors objection To ballot
clerks, in the old bill, il removed in the
new hv IA section providing that voters
NAV hav" with them a sample ballot
printed on culored paper and previously
marked hv friend So as To enable them
to prepare their tickets without the SUI
pervision of the clerks. The voter pre-
pares his ballot in an absolutely secret
compartment. Persons making oath
that thev are physically unable to mark
their ballots NAV take friend with them
INTO the private room. The new bill re-
uuires a fac simile of the ballots to be
published seven DAYS before election in
two local daily papers representing lead
ing political parties. Neglect or dishon-
esty on the part of election officials may
be punished by from six months to three
years imprisonment and fine of $3.50 to
50 900. In other respects the bill is sub
stantially that of last Winter. As it is
modelled largely on what is called the
Australian method, which has been rec
commended for adoption by the conven-
tons of both parties IN this State, the
fate of the measure in New York will
doubtless be looked to with interest by
our Minnesota UiROna Re
DliblicGn
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1889-01-11
MERRIAM'S MESSAGE.
Growth, Resources and Material
Interests of the state Are
Reviewed.
He Reminds Members of the Legisla.
ture of Their Great Respons-
Utility.
Strict Economy Advised In the Disburse-
ment OF the Funds Of the
State.

After Governor McGills message had
been applauded, Chief Justice Gilfillan
administered the oath of office to Mr..
Merriam. The pith of Governor Mer-
Rams message follows:
The first part of the document was
given up to review of the growth, re-
sources and material interests of the
state, and the great responsibility Of the
states lawmakers at the present time.
You realize the fact that you are not
here in your individual capacity, but as
representatives of a great people, who
have entrusted to you the revision or
formation of laws to best protect the
vast industries and enterprises that make
their citizenship of value to themselves
and legacy worthy to be bestowed up
ON their children.
Equally great is the responsibility OF
the public servant who executes the
laws and administers the trusts and
affairs of the state.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1889-01-11
HIGH LICENSE.
What the Retiring Governor Says OF the
New Liquor Law.

What the Retiring Governor Says OF the
New Liquor Law.
In taking up this subject of high lie
ense Governor McGill entered somewhat
into the history of temperance reform
and the battle which led to the victory
of high license. Of the results he said:
While no official data has been gath
cred, information of character to be
relied upon shows decrease of fully
one-third in the number of saloons and
an increase of one-quarter in the revenue
derived from licenses. The consumption
of liquor has been lessened and the cause
of temperance materially promoted.
There is not so much intoxication as ex-
listed before the law was enacted; the
saloon is no longer dominant power in
the politics of the state; public opinion
for thorough control of the liquor
traffic has strengthened, and in many
ways directly and indirectly, good has
resulted to our state and its people from
the high license law of 1897.
Governor McGill, proceeding to other
subjects concurred in the recommends
tions of the state land commissioner that
the public lands in Kandliyohi county
be sold.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1889-01-11
PUBLIC EDUCATION.
The Common Schools, the Normal Schools
and the State University.

The Common Schools, the Normal Schools
and the State University.
Governor McGill paid high tribute
to the common school as an educator of
the people. He said there were in addi-
ton, 81 high SCHOOLS, with over 5000
pupils, which are aided by the state to
the amount of $4,000. The law grant
ing state aid to districts purchasing
school libraries had been directly bene-
fetal. He greatly approved the direct
tax levy of mill for the benefit of the
schools. The levy Of 1888 amounted to
$4S6, 670.03. He then referred to the
good work of the normal schools. The
fourth normal school at Moorehead, was
well under way and would probably sup
ply the wants of the state for some time
to come. The governor then took up the
subject of the state university, speaking
of its enlarged scope and prosperity. He
greatly appro red the establishment of
practical school of agriculture in connec-
ton with the university and declared
that there was now no grounds for the
severance of the agricultural land grant
from the university. He favored lib
eral appropriation for the benefit of the
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1889-01-11
DESTITUTE FARMERS.
Legislative Aid Needed Where Eros
Ruined the CrOps---Tha Rcmedy.

Legislative Aid Needed Where Frost
Ruined the Crops---Ths Remedy.
Governor Merriam spoke of the gen.
eral prosperity of the state, but referred
to the fact that in the tier of counties
adjacent to and lying north of the North
ern Pacific railroad and to the east of
the Red River of the North, a bitter
frost occurred in the month of August,
of the present year, partially destroying,
and in many instances completely ruin
ing, the wheat crop. The governor has,
by inquiry of the auditors of the several
counties, secured accurate information
in this case. He said:
In some of the counties over 80 per
cent of the wheat crop has been prac-
tically destroyed. There are many in
stances where the farmers who have suf-
fered this misfortune are so poverty
stricken that they are absolutely unable
to purchase seed wheat for this year, and
that there are some cases even where
they find it difficult matter 20 provide
themselves and their families with the
common necessities of life.
1t was recommended that aid be given
in the shape of temporary loans to the
counties affected; the railroads have
agreed to transport seed wheat free of
charge.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1889-01-11
FARMERS INSTITUTES.
The Governor Recommends q Continu
ancca of the Annranria fiona

The Governor Recommends q Continu-
ancce of the Appropriations.
Governor McGil next took up the sub
iect of farmers institutes. He heartily
approved of them as an institution and
recommended continuance of the ap.
preparation of $500 for their benefit.
He advised that the controlling author
ity of the Institutes be remanded to the
board of regents who founded them.
The governor then gave detailed ac-
count of the locust plague in Otter Tail
county and advised the legislature to re-
imburse Otter Tail county for advances
made to suffering farmers. The details
of the relief to settlers who had lost their
crops by hail were then explained. OF
the dairy interests the governor said:
A faithful enforcement of the laws for
the Suppression of adulterated dairy
products has had a wholesome influence
on the dairy interests of the state. Not
only this, but In Kidding the state OF the
fraudulent compounds, the people have
been protected against the food products
at once disgusting and dangerous to the
public health.
Permit me here to suggest the propriety
of small annual appropriation, say
81 900, to the state diary association to
meet the expenses of of publishing and
circulating reports of their annual meet
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1889-01-11
REINFORCEMENT.
The Execution of Long Neglected Duty
Heartily Urged.

The Execution of Long Neglected Duty
Heartily Urged.
Upon the important subject of reap
portionment, Governor McGill said:
The duty of redistricting the state into
senatorial and representative districts
and Reproducing the senators and
representatives therein, will devolve up
on you at the present session. Under
the constitution this duty should have
been performed immediately following
the state enumeration of 1885. The
shifting of population and accessions by
immigration since the last apportion-
ment make our present representation
glaringly unequal and unfair. 1t now
becomes your privilege to pass reap
portionment law which will meet the de-
mand for fair and equal representation,
and thus in common justice repair a
wrong which has been permitted to exist
too long.
Governor McGill strongly repeated his
recommendation of two years ago that
the state grant proper assistance in the
useful and important work of draining
the Red River Valley.
He recommended that Minnesota take
an advance stand in the improvement of
the civil service and quoted New York
and Massachusetts as good examples.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1889-01-11

THE Washburn blowhards who have
for the past week been claiming that
Morgan had a sure thing for the speak
ership, and pointing to the fact as proof
that Washburn would be elected sena-
tor, .are now busily engaged showing
how the speakership fight had little or
nothing to do with the other contest.
We were of that opinion ourselves a
while ago, but have been converted to
other views by the arguments of these
same Washburn wIndbags. We believe
that the result of the speakership race
demonstrates that Mr.. Sabins claims are
based upon something more tangible
than wind, which article seems to have
been the backbone of the Washburn-
Morgan combination.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1889-01-11
BLUE EARTH is not. it seems. the only

BLUE EARTH is not, it seems, the only
county where efforts are being made to
make it appear that the sentiment is un-
animous for Washburn for Senator. A
telegram from Pipestone gives the fol-
lowing information: There was consid-
cradle indignation here among farmers
and others yesterday over purported
interview in Sundays Pioneer Press
with Senator W. b. Brown, of this coun-
ty, in which Mr.. Brown was quoted as
saying that the farmers, merchants and
all here were in favor of Washburn for
United States senator. Nothing further
from the truth could have been thought
of, and if Mr.. Brown told any such thing
he misrepresented the people here will
fully. 1t is safe to say that there are
not half dozen farmers in Pipestone
county in favor of Washburn under any
circumstances, but between him and Sa-
bin the latter is far preferable. Beyond
one of the bankers here there is not
single business man who indorses WASH
burn
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1889-01-11
STATE AND PRISON LABOR.
What Governor McGin Said Upon Mos
Important Topic.

What Governor MoGin Said Upon Most
Important Topic.
State and prison labor was the next
topic treated by the retiring governor.
He said:
The reports of the inspectors and war
ZEN of the state prison present clear
and comprehensive view of the man
agement of that institution during the
past two years and of its status at the
present time.
You viii permit me to call your atten-
ton to the condition of the prison with
respect to the employment of the con-
victs. Under law passed at the last
session of the legislature, the contract
then existing between the state and Sey-
mour. Sabin & Co., without other pro-
visions having been made for the en-
ployment of the prisoners, has created
no little embarrassment. 1t is abso-
lutely necessary for reasons of health
as well as discipline that they be en-
ployed-besides under our laws the pris-
oners are sentenced to penal servitude;
and IL labor b not provided them the
sentences csnnet hafullY executed. But
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1889-01-11
Consumption cured.

An old physician, retired from prac
tice, having had placed in his hands by
an East India missionary the formula of
a simple vegetable remedy for the
speedy and permanent cure of Consump-
ton, Bronchitis, Catarrh, Asthma and
all Throat and Lung Affections, also q
positive and radical cure for Nervous
Debility and all Nervous Complaints.
after having tested its wonderful cura-
tive powers in thousands of cases, has
felt it his duty to make it known to his
suffering fellows. Actuated by this mo-
tive and desire to relieve human suf-
fering, / will send free of charge, to all
who desire it, this recipe, in German,
French or English, with full directions
for preparing and using. Sent by mail
by addressing with stamp, naming this
paper. w. A. MOVES, 149 Poaoer's Block,
Rochester, N. Y. 21eow
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1889-01-11
Irnnrp the Edmunds law of 1887, the

UNDER the Edmunds law of 1887, the
Presidential electors meet on the sec
ond Monday in January-this year the
I4tb-at the various State capitals, in
stead of on the first Wednesday of Dec
ember. as heretofore. They make out
two lists of the votes cast for President
and Vice President, retaining one and
sending the other by special messen-
ger selected from their own number, to
the President of the Senate at Washing
ton. The two houses of Congress con-
vene on the second Wednesday in Feb
ruary, when the votes of all the States
are counted.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1889-01-11
oWbat,s In a Name?"

Shakespeare said there was nothing,
but there Is. Would Caesar had such no.
torlety if his name had been Caleb w.
Pickersgill? Think of Patti drawing ST..
600 night if the bill-boards announced
her as Jane Brown! The idea is absurd.
DIR. Pierce's Pleasant PurgatIve Pellets
is a name that has made record. These
tiny, sugar coated pills cure sick and bill
ious headache, bowel complaints, inter
nal fever and costiyeness.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1889-01-11

THE spectacle presented at st. Paul by
the contest to select statesman" to
represent Minnesota in the U. s. senate,
as we'll as the smaller fights connected
with Legislative Offices, is not calculated
to make the advocate of civil service re-
form happy. The practical politician"
however, is in his glory. The affair
ought to furnish food for some serious
thought and resolutions by the mass OF
the people of the State.