The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1890-12-11
IMPORTANT DUTIES.
Governor Shoup's Message to
the Idaho Legislature.
Urgent Measures Required TO Be Con-
Sidered During The First Session.
The Establishment OF Bureau Of lmmi-
grafton and a Liberal Appropriation for
the Worlds Fair Exhibit.
speciaI TO THE MORNING CALL.

BOISE CITY idaho, Dec. 1O.-The Legls-
lature met at II o'clock to-day, when the
message of Governor George l.. Shoup was
received and read in both houses. The
message cOngratulates the people of Idaho
on having secured statehood; greets the
members of the Legislature and reminds
them of the important duties entrusted to
them. In speaking of suffrage the Governor
says: The guarantee of the absolute secrecy
of the ballot contained in the Constitution may
require additional legislation. affording further
safeguards. The polygamists and bigamistS,
associated in the Mormon Church for or
gained conspiracy against the State, exer-
else such an influence over one another as
practically amounts 70 the denial of personal
freedom, and eliminates from the ballot its
central idea Of individual choice. There ap-
pears to have been general acquiescence
in the terms OF the suffrage laws at the
late election, and it is believed that few
Illegal votes were cast. The leaders of the
Mormon body have publicly pronounced
against the continuance of the polygamous
system, and while rejoicing in the declara-
ton OF law-abiding spirit cannot advise
at present any modification of the existing
statutes. The total Indebtedness of the
State is S169,556. The expenses during the
first year of statehood Will be greater than
the succeeding years, and are estimated at
S177.535."
The Governor estimates tie assessed
value OF property in the State in 1891 at $685.
$4,000 and recommends a levy OF 90 cents
on the 500 for general fund purposes. This
would give an income of S162, 900. 1.-The
estimated income from taxes of all kinds is
$4,000 The expenses of the second year of
statehood will not exceed $4,000. Our
courts are in a fine condition, and that this
important department of our State govern
ment may at the earliest day possible be in
full operation. you will appreciate the i'm
pOrtance of immediate legislation. l recon-
mend that you empower the Supreme and
District courts to fix the times for holding
the terms OF said courts provided for in the
Constitution"
The establishment OF bureau of immi-
grafton, labor and statistics is recon-
mended. The Governor recommends the
passage OF joint memorial urging a large
appropriation by Congress for the survey of
public lands, which is an absolute neces-
sity. zone of the most important questions
TO be considered is the ownership, control,
possession or right to use water for domestic,
agricultural, mining, manufacturing or
other useful or beneficial purposes and TO
provide for its distribution. To protect all
our industries without discrimination is a
trying task. II one-half the water that
flows from our mountains and plains through
and out of the state into the sea could be
held In storage basins. there would be an
ample supply for all purposes. Another
source of supply is worthy of notice and
encouragement. The artesian wells
near Boise City have now a daily
flow of pure water sufficient to
supply city of $4,000 people. 1t is hoped
and believed that this under or artesian
flow will be found in other parts of the
State" The message recommends liberal
appropriation for a collection and display
of an exhibit for the Columbian Exposition.
There are 497 schools in the State, and
25,i71 children of school age. The school
system is imperfect. but revision is not
recommended at the first session, when the
time viii be taxed with other important and
urgent legislation