Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1889-01-10
CRAWLING, MICHIGAN, THURSDAY. JANUARY TO- 1889.

originally plated TO the State and that were
afterward claimed by tho Government And
trust that the Legislature will take meas
ures to urgs on the passage OF that bill. We
cannot afford to permit our citizens to be
forever harassed over the title TO their posses
sions.
AS agents OF the State we have felt under obli-
cations TO guard and protect the rights OF the
commonwealth. Something over 10 ,l0J acres
of these disputed lands are stil held by different
railroad companies under grants made by Con-
gress. believing that the State has title to
them, and to assert that titl,, and further. to
prevent their passing from thS railroad COM
panies into the hands OF purchaser suits were
commenced about year ago, by Injunction, to
prevent the disposal of these laRds by the rail-
IL the courts should declie that our c'aim is a
valid one. These suits are still pending and
ben pushed with vigor.
The swamp lands, TO which we hold undis.
puted title, aro now all disposed Of and dc sire
10 impress upon your minds the danger OF max
ing appropriations OF land similar to those
made In 1883 and 1896
DIRECT TAX.
A bill has passed both houses OF Congress and
now awaits the action OF the President refund
ing TO the States amounts paid under law
passed by Congress during the war levying
direct tax This will give to Michigan $426, ,298
IL tha bill becomes q law. The amount will be
eral fund and you are recommended to deduct
this amount from the appropriation for general
purposes.
FISH CULTURE.
There can be no doubt that the effort OF the
Fish Commission 10 adding TO the food product
and to the wealth OF the State. am confident
have been enabled TO prevent much OF the de-
struction that has heretofore embarrassed the
efforts OF the commission.
RAILROADS AND RAILROAD COMMISSIONERS.
We have within our borders 5768 miles Of
completed roads, and according to the reports Of
the Commits sioner OF Railroads we find that the
total cost OF these roads was $240, 0,C0l0J0, or an
amount equal to one-fourth OF the equalized
value Of ell the taxable property within
the state, not including property paying
authorized the Commissioner OF Railroads
to appoint a mechanical engineer as an as
sistaut, whose duty 1t sholld be to examine the
bridges etc. 1he appointment was made, and
believe has been great benefit to the roads and
10 the employees. The Governor recommends
the Legislature TO consider the propriety OF ap-
pointing the comml ,sioner and mech lnical en-
gineer board OF arbitration to assist in adjust
ing troubles should they arise between compan-
les and men.
TEMPERANCE LEGISLATION
The Governor refers TO the failure of the local
option law because OF its 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-
tion Of the State is ripe and ready for IL, COM
mend to your consideration the passage of q
local option law, il one can be devised free from
constitutional objections, Entertaining sincere
doubts as to this point, sire to urge upon
your careful attention the question OF constitu-
tionality. Unfortunate indeed, would it be to
adopt measures relating to this subject that
will again be overthrown by competent judicial
authority.
The evil to be confronted is a great and power
full one. 1t stalks abroad at MONDAY, and at
night is doing It's deadly work. Many saloons OF
the lower order rendezvous for criminals.
With a high hand il attempts to dictate meas
ures and to elect its friends to official position
1t Is so strong that good men sometimes
bow down and obey It's demands. But in
some way, somehow. it must be met
and restraints applied II our Constitu-
tion prohibits us from securing an eficient
law for localities, 1t does not prohibit general
proLibitory law and II we are denied other op-
portunitie5, no doubt in the future this course
will be resorted to- Some amendments to the
tax law should be made increasing the tax and
to render its enforcement more certain. Com
plants against prosecuting attorneys for meg
lect in liquor cases are not infrequent Possibly
their duties may be more clearly defined.
The passage o. law prnhh ting the - sale t.s OF Of
Intoxicating drinks within three miles OF sJato
edu ationaI 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 a 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, some good result Is to be attained. And
upon No subject is 1t m 70 important that you
refrain from amendments to existing laws than
in those relating to our common school syetem.
Leave all government In the hands OF the peo-
pie so far as possible and our institutions VIII
be safe.
The Governor says that he trusts occasion viii
not arise where his conscience and Judgment
will be at variance with legislative action, but
il it should, duty must bo, though reluctantly,
dis .ha rged.
In relation to pardons, have in the main fol-
lowed the rule adopted two years ago. Fifteen
have been pardoneI from the several penal in
stitutions, and the sentences OF four have been
cOmmutad