The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1890-12-11
AFFAIRS OF IDAHO.
A Summary of the Message of
Governor Shoup.
MoRMoNs OBEY ELEcTIoNL LAWS.
Statement of Taxable Land--Courts Yet
Observation-Disclosures of Water
supply and Artesian Wells.

BOISE CITY, Dec. lo.-The legislature
met at III o'clock today, when the message
of Governor George L. Shoup was received
and read in both houses. The message
congratutates the people of Idaho upon
having secured statehood, greets the mem
bers of the legislature. and reminds them
of the important duties entrusted to them.
In speaking of suffrage the governor SAYS
The guarantee OF absolute secrecy OF the ballot
contained in the constitution may require addi-
tional legislation aaording further safeguards.
The polygamists and bigamists are associated in
the Mormon church for an organized conspiracy
against the state, and exercise such an influence
as practically amounts 10 u denial OF personal
freedom and eliminates from the ballot
its central idea of individual choice.
There appears to have been general
acquiesccnce in the terms OF the suffrage laws ut
the late election, and il is believed that few IL
legal votes were east. At the same time, the
leaders of the Mormon body have publicly pro-
nouneed against the continuance of the polyg-
amous system. While rejoicing i'll the declara-
ton of law abiding spirit, cannot advise Mt
present any modification of the existing
statutes
The total indebtedness of the state is si6a rS56
The expenses during the first year of statehood
Will be greater than in succeeding years. and are
estimated ut si71,535.
estimate the assessed value of property i'm the
state in 1891 at s28 600 .0o0 and recommend levy
of 60 cents on the 500 for general fund pur-
poses. This would give an income OF $4,000.
The estimated income from taxes of all kinds is
$4,000. The expenses OF the second year of
statehood viii not exceed siS0,G00.
Our courts are i'll chaotic condition, and that
this important department of our state govern
mcnt may at the earliest day possible be in full
operation. you will appreciate the importance
OF immediate legislation. | recommend 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 also recon-
mended.
The governor recommends the passage
of a joint memorial urging a large appro-
priation by congress for the survey of pub
lie lands, which is an absolute necessity.
He continues:
One OF the most important questions to be con-
sidered is the ownership, control, possession or
right to use water for domestic. agricultural,
mining, manufacturing or other useful or bene-
fetal purposes, and to provide for its distribu-
ton. To protect all our industries without dis
elimination is trying task. If 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 which have now 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.
recommend a liberal appropriation for the
collection and display of an exhibit for the CO.
lumbar exposition. &
There are 497 schools il the state and
25,471 children of school age. The school
system is imperfect, but q revision is not
recommended at the first session, when
time is taxed with other important and
urgent legislation.
The message further recommends that
steps be taken to secure a government ap-
preparation for an agricultural college.
Twenty acres for the site of the state
university have been secured near Moscow,
and the foundation of the building laid
The wagon road uniting North and South
Idaho, for the building of which tax of
IL mills was levied, is one-third completed.
Additional legislation is recommended to
complete the work.
The legislature should make ain appro-
priation to pay the expense of the state
militia.
No further money should be expended
on the insane asylum at Blackfoot till bet
ter ground in that vicinity is secured for
the buildings.
1t is recommended that the state board
of education be empowered to contract
with neighboring states for the education
and care of Idaho's deaf and dumb and
blind.
The senatorial situation is that Dubois is
almost certain of election. Shoup will be
chosen and Clagett is likely to be elected
from North Idaho for the short term end
ing March 4. Harmony prevades the
ranks of the party and good feeling pre-
vailS