Bismarck weekly tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1884-1943, 1891-01-09
BISMARCK WEEKLY TRIBUNE: FRIDAY, JAN. 9 1891.

this session Is revenue and taxation. The
last legislature of this state enacted q new
and complete code of revenue laws, so
varied n comprehensive IN their scope as
to cover nearly every conceivable subject
of taxation from which revenue is usually
the maintenance of its institutions; and,
while l do not wish to pronounce upon the
general plan of taxation thus adopted, I
am, nevertheless, convinced, from personal
experience while acting in an official
capacity, as we'll as by the opinion of our
spects the ambiguity and apparently con
ficting provisions of these laws are a
source of great embarrassment to those
who have to administer them, as we'll as
of insecurity to the people affected by
them, necessitating a complete and thor
ough revision.
That equitable and just laws should ex-
fully protect the interests of the people,
and at the same time deal fairly with all
persons and corporations doing business
within our borders. Our finance should be
based upon sound business principles. The
state should Know. approximately, in ad-
q what its income Is to be, thus en-.
abling it to determine upon the certain
liquidation of its obligations and the pres
erYation of its financial integrity.
The foregoing remarks with reference to
the revenue laws apply also to the ware
house laws. There are several of these,
and the railroad commissioners, in a circu
lar issued by them last August, recognized
the fact that these enactments are conflict
ing In their provisions, ambiguous in their
wording and inequitable in their applica-
ton.
1t would seem to me that this subject
should receive your most careful consider
alton, having in view a practical solution
OF this much vexed question.
STATE MILITIA.
From recent disturbances within our
state, it seems to me impossible that any
quate state militia. | think no state pur-
sues the proper course when it neglects to
provide for this branch of its service, rep
resentlng, as it does, all classes of citizens.
You see the merchant, the farmer, the
artist and the professional man standing
shoulder to shoulder when you scrutinize
ITS personnel. Therefore, in legiSlating for
the militia you are favoring no particular
class. 1t is for the benefit OF all. Legisla-
lures do not hesitate to provide for the
maintenance of all other state service, but
they seem too often possessed with the idea
that a state militia is not requisite to good
government, and therefore not entitled to
ASSoSbAoiOus L LOlu Glldv VIC
state militia is a necessary adjunct to the
body polite. and should be so considered
and supported. Its services may be re-
4ulred at any moment. Let us be wise in
time Of peace that we may
De pes eh II IN emergency; do not
the support OF a large body of men; but l
deem it OF Importance that the state have
an efficient organization at its command,
at all times, to meet any eXlgencieS that
may arise. This service should receive
such consideration at your hands as shall
encourage the young men of the state to
take pride in being identified with it. You
might ad~vantageously provide for the es-
adjustment and maintenance of a perma.
nent encampment ground, at some accessi-
BILE point, (now that the state is young and
such location could be secured at nominal
cost, where all the essentials suitable to
profitable instruction could be preserved,
thereby founding a school of military dis
cipline and training; and one, too, which
should be devoid Of the holiday feature
usually attendant upon annual encamp-
mentS.
The laws of our state, as now framed,
offer but little encouragement to the per.
iect organization and support Of this very
important service. | sincerely hope that
IN the course of your deliberations you
will find time to co%nscientlously consider
and so revise the avs as to deal more
literally with the militia.
REVISION AND CODIFICATIoN OF THE
Avs.
Our state constitution is a document of
which we may feel justly proud. Its
clear and unequivocal provisions will prove
a safe and satisfactory guide to III in the
framing of necessary legislation, as we'll
as point out the subjects which most re-
qulre our consideration.
Section 2 of the schedule provides that:
"All laws now in force in the Territory OF
Dakota which are not repugnant to this
constitution shall remain in force until
they expire by their own limitation, or be
altered or repealed;' but the fact that the
nature, scope and necessities of all indie
pendent state government, whose people
are invested with sovereign power, differ
so materially from a dependent territorial
government, which is permitted to eXer-
else only such powers as were delegated
by the national government through con-
gress necessarily renders the question as
to what are not ~"repugnant to this cOnsti-
tuition" one OF much p~erpleXity, making it
necessary to weigh each provision of The
territorial code by the standard of the con-
stltutiOn before a citizen may know or feel
reasonably sure of what is and what is not
the law. Thus people are compelled to
perform duties which belong to the legis-
latlve branch or the government. Per-
plexities are multiplied and litigation
cOurted.
l am aware that the proper revision and
codifcatiOn of the laws will require much
arduous and conscientious labor, demand
ing the expenditure of a considerable sum
Of money; but If it be a duty which we
owe the people of this state to provide for
them a code Of laws consistant with our
constitution and in harmony with its pro-
visions, I submit that no time should be
lost in considering the means by which
this obligation may be most effectively and
and economically discharged.
AGRICULTURE.
The crops of the past year (speaking of
the state generality nave been abundant
and successfully harvested. This, in con-
nection with the comparatively good prices
obtained, has had a tendency to place our
farming interests in a more satisfactory
condition than for some years past. This
is gratifying to me, and. doubtless, equally
so to you.
In the way of stimulating a diversified
ton of our agricultural pursuits, the
Introduction of sheep raising, as an addi-
ton to the resources of our farmers, 1 look