Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1891-01-15
GOV. EDWIN B. wINANs.

Gentlemen 0i the scnate and House Of REPRE-
The people 81 Michigan have intrusted to you
the legislative control OF public affairs for tho
hext two years.
cannot doubt that you feel the great respon-
sibility which comes to you with the power to
make laws affecting the varied interests OF two
million people, and that you will strive to exer-
else this power in a spirit of equality and fair
ness to all. Coming, as you do, direct from the
people, rart and arcel Of those whom you
represent with like experience and aspirations
aud material interests. and With intimate prac-
tieal knowledge bf their needs, you have only TO
De true TO Yourselves to servo we'll the interests
Of your people, The magnitude Of the trust re-
posed I'm you will becdme appafent as you pro-
ueed, and should be d constant incentive to give
your best thought an energies to the faithful
discharge of your duties.
Custom and the cons siithtiop make IL my duty
to bring to your attention such matters OF public
cotcern seem TO tie to require legi slative ac-
tion. To outline souhd public policy, or TO
propose n wise course pf 1egis' a-ion, would re-.
1uire large public experience and great political
wisdom. / cdn lay claim to neither. but trust
we are all actua.ed by the same motive, how
best TO discharge our official duties and serve
the true interests of the people In this spirit
let us strive together to correct abuses and re-
move inequalities where they exist, and to make
such needed reforms and regulations as expert
ence and the voice OF the people Point out and
demand at our hands. II we do this, we shall
accomplish the object for which we were chosen,
and Justify tho confidence reposed in
My predecessor has so fully aud concisely laid
before you tho condition OF public affairs that
can add little or nothing to the information you
now have. His diligence and fidelity have made
him familiar with the management of the vari-
GUS public institutions, and the measure ol
the success or failure In their administration.
commend his conclusions and suggestions TO
your careful consideration.
have visited the State Prison, tho State Uni
versity, the State Normal School, the school foT
the deaf, and the Eastern asylum, all OF which
seem to be in admirable condition. IL was my
intention TO visit the other State institutions
that might have somo personal knowledge OF
hr2f
yet been able to do so. The growth of our in
| stitutions Is vigorous and their wants beyond
their means. The question will be, not how
much could they use, but how much can you
| grant. Most OF them could make good use a
| more than they ask. but feel sure that the
| various estimates have been made in the spirit
| of economy, and in view OF the popular feeling
against increased public expenditures
| STATE UNIVERSITY.
In submitting their estimates for the next
two years think the Regents of the University
| have acted i'm n spirit of the strictest economy.
Their request is for SIS 900 less than they asked
| two years ago, and 5000 less than then
granted yet the needs OF the University, owing
| to largely increased attendance. are necessarily
greater, and more room and accommodation
are required. While visiting the institution OBJ
servation convinced me that utility was tho
| aim in all expenditures, and IL the same policy
is continued, as think IL will be- every dollal
you may grant will bs carefully and judicious'
The University Of Michigan takes high rank n
| the educational world, and exerts poworfu
1
and nation. i commend it's interests to you
| favorable consideration.
! STATE NORMAL SCHOOL.
The State Normal School 10 well organized
and managed for it's especial work, and results
| are satisfactory.
The State Board Of Education estimates it,
| needs ut S10i960 for the next two years, a.
| against S102. 100 for the past two years. Will,
there IA an increase OF students. think its eff
ciency can be maintained without additiona
| cost. Some additional ground and some sewer
age improvement are needed, but the necessit!
Is not imperative at this time.
SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF
The School for the Deaf Is doing as satisfac
tory .scrk as any OF our public Institutions
| The class Of children gathered there appea
strongly TO our sympathy, and should hav'
| your substantial support. The board asks fo
an Increased appropriation over that OF thu
! past two years. In view OF the public deInans
| that taxation be lowered, think the materia
interests OF the school need not suffer II thei
full request be not granted.
AGRICULTURAL coLLnoE
! I have been unable TO visit the Agriculture
College, but the State Board OF Agriculture hav
| sent me their estimates for the next two years
ageregatiug $4,000. While this does not seenl
large sum for 20 important = school, the oolleg
has q substantial endowment fund. aud II %
board can, itpout injury 70 the college. prun