The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1891-01-22
GOVERNORS MESSAGE.
Governor Merriam Presents his Message
to the Legislature in Joint Conven-
tiOn Assembled.

tion Assembled.
ST. PAUL, Jan. 14-It was agreed that
the Governors message should be re.
ceived by both houses in joint session
as soon as the House received formal
notification on the organization of the
Senate. At lO:45 a. m. Secretary Van
Duzee announced the organization and
shortly after the Sergeant-at-arms Of
the Senate appeared followed by the
Senators. Gov. Merriam then delivered
the biennial communication, as follows
Gentlemen Of the Senate and House Of Repre-.
Constitutional enactment permits me the
opportunity of submitting to this body such
facts and suggestions affecting the present
condition OF state affairs as are deemed worthy
of consideration. Awaiting myself of this
privilege, shall first call attention to matters
pertaining to general legislation, and later
refer more specifically to such items as l re.
gard Of special Importance Permit me to
relterate the sentiment expressed in the COM
munication to the Legislature assembled two
years ago as to the desirabli y of careful
ments Of which call for the expenditure OF
pubic moneys. Too much care cannot
be exercised in this direction. Let the taxes
be kept at the lowest point consistent with
and charitable institutions. as well as our pub
tic school system. should be supported in q
manner worthy Of the state and its citizens,
but every demand for increased facilities or
enlarged expenses should be carefully consid-
cred and aid only extended when absolutely
needed. Later on shall take the liberty Of
expressing my views as to what sums should
be allowed the different institutions. The opin-
ions offered are based upon careful computa-
tion of the revenues to be derived from vari-
Gus sources during the coming two years.
Allow me to say that regard as great and
growing evil. in connection with all legal en-.
actments, both state and national, the tend
ency towards class legislation. 1t is too com
mon an occurrence for localities. and for
individuals, to ask of the law making power
some action that will tend to their exclusive
benefit. Laws should be passed that will bear
upon and benefit equally all citizens, and the
greatest care should be exercised that no ad-
vantage of any kind or character to the detri-
ment Of the general public be given to any es-
peclal class, or to any particular locality. 1t Is
quite the custom among many well-meaning
citizens to demand of the legislature relief
from every trouble. imaginary or real, many Of
the difficulties being from causes beyond its
curative resources. All should be protected in
nation of any character that is to the advant
age Of one citizen and works injury TO another
should be studously avoided as unfair
spirit of free In ths connee
ton, too regard paternalism, so called. in
government as an evil that will ultimately re-
suit in great trouble and endless confusion 1t
Is malady that seems to be spreading and
carried to its logical and legitimate conclusion
Will end in the building up of favored classes
and localities, to the detriment Of the great
this direction are important, and commend to
your consideration the necessity of avoiding
all legislation of the character have noted.
RAILROAD and WAREHOUSE COMMISSION.
The report OF the railroad and warehouse
commission gives full insight into the work
that has been accomplished under the direc-
ton of that body during the past two years
Since the passage Of the law creating the
present board, the records will clearly demon
strate The fact that much has been accom-
plished that has been of direct benefit to the
general public Among other things, and i'm
portant, has been the gradual but material re-
resulted in requiring OF the rail.
road r3 companies equal " consideration for
however, that competition improved methods
in handling trains, newer and better machinery
lower grades, and the reduced cost of trans
acting business aided by continually grow
ing traffic, have ali assisted in making lighter
the burdens Of transportation. TO my mind
one OF the greatest evils incident to railroad
management ia the pernicious habit INDUCED
in by TOO many railroad officials of discrim
mating in favor OF some patrons and against
others. 1t is an abuse over which the public
feel Justly incensed. SO manifestly unfair is it
to give one shipper any advantage over an
other, that, in calling attention to the matter
to simply state tina: The practice exists seems
to be all that Is necessary at this time. The
penalties for disobedience Of the section Of the
law referring to discrimination should be so
severe as to administer a less IN to him who
breaks it that IT will not soon be forgotten.
The commission in its reports of 1885, and of
later dates, speaks OF certain form of dis
that is worthy Of your considera-
ton. quote from these reports relative to the
system so common among railroad managers
of bestowing free passes: 1t is the conviction
OF this commission that the issuing Of free
passes as now practiced in this state is an I'M
just discrimination as against every passenger
that pays. and thus opposed to the spirit of
the act passed for the regulation OF common
carriers; that it is a fruitful source Of corrup-
tfon; that it is injurious alike to public and
private interests. and to the interest of the
companies themselves, and that it is one Of
the chief obstacles in the way OF proper and
necessary reform in railway management and
the control thereof under authority OF the
state" The present law regulating common
carriers especially permits the issuance Of
passes for the free transportation OF pas
sengers. although all other discr mination is
prohibited under severe penalties. Comment
is unnecessary.
1t is gratifying to state that those sections of
the law requiring that cars shall be furnished
to individual shippers have been carried into
ehect more fully during the last two years than
at any time heretofore. While there have been
cases where the railroad managers
have been derelict IN their duty in this respect,
yet on the whole the spirit OF the law has been
with.
The decision rendered in March last by the
supreme court of the United States, holding
that certain provisions Of the act of 1887 regu
lating common carriers are not in harmony
with the federal constitution, vii! make neceS-
sary some changes in our laws in this regard.
1t was generally understood when the laws of
1887 was enacted that while the railroads were
entitled to receive reasonable rates for service
rendered, he legislature was the sole arbiter
rs to what rates were reasonable. 1t was also
o a1 m cd hat No
delegai ed by the legislature to a board or COM
missioners With this in view, the law Of 1897
as interpreted by the surreme court of the
United States, delegated this power to the
board OF railroad and warehouse commission
ers. and provided no means for review OF its
action The court of last resort has determined
that action upon such matters is not final either
IN commission or in the legislature itself.
The power OF the legislature toImake reasona-
BILE rates for common carriers is not denied,
put Wnether gwen rate so made Is reasonable
Is Judicial question, and must be settled as
other matters of law and fact are determined.
through the medium Of the courts The statu
tory provision Of 1887 should be so amended as
to provide plain, direct and speedy method Of
review OF the orders of the commission, either
through the medium Of appeals or by direct
on application of the board. or OF
any party or corporation interested, to the su-
preme court Of the state. Much can be done in
the direction of reducing the cost Of marketing
our principal cereal at the terminal points
when the amendment suggested is carried into
effect.
GRAIN INSPECTION
One OF the impor, ant interests entrusted to
the board OF railroad and warehouse commits
s1oners Is the inspection and we Ching OF grain.
i! confess to approaching this subject with diff
dence as l am not entirely positive whet her
our present system Is all that can be desired.
The grading OF wheat Is not an exact science,
but Is largely matt er Of individual judgment.
Grain experts will not always agree, and as q
result there is frequently divergence of opin-
ion between inspectors in the country and ut
terminal points of so marked character as to
produce much confusion and often disatisfac-
tion. l have addressed communications to
many Of the leading farmers OF the state, as
well as to some of the prominent receivers of
wheat, and with practical unanimity they con
cur in the opinion that the law. in its present
is as effective as any
enactments tina: can be devised for
the purposes intended. Some suggest that a
board OF appeal he provided at each terminal
point to adjust any question Of grades arising
in connection with inspection This deem 10
be wise suggestion. The problem of grading
at local stations is more difficult to solve. II
would be impracticable to maintain state in.
spection at the thousand and one points
throughout the state where grain is bought
and therefore it would seem as II the small
shipper must avail himself OF the right to ship
his wheat direct to The receiving points and de.
mand state inspection and weights in case he
Is dissatisfied with the inspcc' ion of the local
elevator agent. ! am well aware that manv
arise from undergrading at country
but see no way whereby this diff.
hculty can be overcome save In the manner in