The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1891-01-14
GOV. EDWIN B. WlNANS.

Gentlemen of the Senate ind House Of Repre-
tatiyes:
The people OF Michigan have intrusted 20 you
the legislative control OF public affairs for the
next two years.
cannot doubt that you feel the great respon-
sibility which comes TO you with the power 10
make laws affecting the varied interests of two
million people, and that you will strive TO exer
else this power in n spirit OF equality and fair
ness TO all. Coming, as you do, direct from the
people, part and arcel OF those whom you
represent, with like experience and aspirations
and material interests, and with intimate prac-
teal knowledge of their needs, you have only TO
he true TO yourselves TO serve well the interests
of your people The magnitude Of the trust re-
posed in you will become apparent as you pro-
coed, and should be constant incentive TO give
your best thought and energies TO the faithful
discharge of your duties.
Custom and the constitution make il nv duty
Co bring to your attention such matters of public
concern as seem TO me to require Legislative ac-
ton. To outline n sound public policy, or to
propose n wise course OF legislation, would re.
quire large public experience and great political
wisdom. | can lay claim 10 neither, but trust
we are all actuated 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 10 correct abuses and re-
move inequalities whore they exist and TO make
such needed reforms and regulations as expert
ence and tho voice of the people point out and
demand Mt our hands. If we do this, we shall
accomplish the object for which we We're chosen,
and Justify the confidence reposed in US.
My predecessor has 20 fully and cOnCisely laid
before you the 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 OF
the success or failure in their administration.
i commend his conclusions and suggestions TO
your careful consideration.
have visited the State Prison, the State Uni
versity, the State Normal School, the school for
the deaf, and the Eastern asylum, all OF which
/ seem TO be in admirable condition. IL my
intention TO visit the other State institutions.
/ that / might have some personal knowledge of
annr needs nOf QS
/ yet been able 20 do go. The growth of our in
stitutions is vigorous. and their wants beyonq
| their means. The question will be, not III !
much could they use, but how much can x.
( grant Most of them could make good u<cu
more than they ask. but feel sure thrs ~
various estimates have been made in the a.
! of economy, and in view of the popular lp;rit |
against increased public expenditures. s,ino |
| STATE UNIVERSITY. "e
In submitting their estimates for Il
two years think the Regents of the IL pext
have acted i'm q spirit OF the strictest ,f,ersifv
Their request is for $4,000 less than s.onomy
two years ago, aud 5000 less tHbey asked |
granted yet the needs OF the UI1en was then |
TO largely increased attendance. Srrsitv owing |
srsIsr and nI WSs so3 Sns necessarily
sm ali % b iitusUn t GS
Is continued, as ,, M nynd II the same policy
! ly used caref1ilv md iui,cious.
the education n Michigan takes high rank in |
! II Nrfttl NOflt anu eNcrIb n DOWCrIu'
| h,c>~oo on the intellectual life OF the State |
INV nation. i commend its interests to your
favorable consideration.
STATE NORMAL SCHOOL.
The State Normal School IL well organized
and managed for its especial work, and results
are satisfactory.
The State Board Of Education estimates its
needs Mt S10i 800 for the next two years, as
against Sl02, $50 for the past two years. While |
there Is an increase of students think its offi-
cheney can be maintained without additional
cost. Some additional ground and some sewer |
age improvement are needed but the necessity |
is not imperative at this time.
SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF.
The School for the Deaf il doing as satisfac- |
tory york as any OF our public institutions. |
The class OF children gathered there appeal !
strongly TO our sympathy, and should have |
your substantial support. The board asks for /
an increased appropriation over that OF the |
past two years. In view Of the public demand |
that taxation he lowered, ihink the material |
interests OF the school need not suffer IL their |
full request DO not Granted.
AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE.
have been unable TO visit the Agricultural |
College, but the State Board OF Agriculture have
sent me their estimates for the next two years, |
aglrogating $4,000. While this does not n |
large sum for important q school, the college /
has n substantial endowment fund aud II the /
board can, nthout injury TO the college. pruno !