The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1891-01-22


is frequently a divergence Of opinion be-
tween inspectors in the country and at ter
mlnal points OF so marked character as to
produce much confusion and often dissatis-
faction. l have addressed communications
to many OF the leading farmers of the state
as well as to some Of the prominent receiv-
ers OF wheat, and with practical unanimlty
they concur in the opinion that the law, in
lis present form, with possibly some slight
amendments, is as effective as any enact
ment that can be devised for the purposes
intended. Some suggest that a board Of ap-
peal be provided at each terminal point to
adjust any. question OF grades arising
l., deem to be wise suggestion.
The problem of grading at local stations
IS more difficult to solve. 1t would be i'm
practicable to maintain state inspection at
the thousand and one points throughout
the state where grain is bought and there
fore it would seem as if 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 inspection of the
local elevator agent. l am we'll aware that
many hardships arise from undergrading at
country stations, but see no way whereby
this difficulty can be overcome save in the
manner indicated.
AUSTRALIAN SYSTEM OF VOTING.
The last legislature enacted law relating
to the manner of voting and the holding of
primaries in cities in this state containing
10000 people or more and a test Of the
plan (known generally as the Australian
systeml was made at the last general cleo
ton. The law in the main worked salts
factorily, some minor changes being ap-
parently necessary to perfect it. In nv
as to make it applicable to the entire state,
and suggest for your consideration the
desirsbility Of causing such additions to
the present laws as will accomplish that re-
suit Public sentim ent is fully alive to
the necessity Of thr owing such safeguard
IN elections. No means should be spared
to prevent fraud, intimidation, or corrup-
ton at the polls.
EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM.
Our whole educational system is so ex-
cellent, and rests upon so secure a founda-
ton, that hardly deem it necessary to en-
large upon it particularly. The excel lent
character OF the work being done in the
university in the normal schools and in
the high schools, isso generally known and
appreciated as to require but little COM
ment, other than words of highest praise
Some changes are needed in the direction
OF the management Of the high schools of
the state, as we'll as some additional appro-
priation to meet the natural growth incident
to rapidly increasing population.It would
be we'll to enlarge the present high school
board, consisting Of three members, to five,
the two additional to be selected, one by the
board of regents, and one by the normal
school board. The employing t of a
special secretary, who would devote his
time to the inspection and improvement of
the high and graded schools seems to me
desirable.
Quite nsmbe of graded schools might
rank as high schools ii the appropriation
was increased $1,000 per year, and thus a
crate additional expenditure. The sum of
$500 is allowed each high school under GER
tain conditions, and at this time the appro-
priation only provides for sixty At least
twenty-five additional schools should re-
ceive the aid Of $500. as by this assistance
and raise the standard of education in the
counties where the are situated
INSPECTION OF ILLUMINATING OILS.
l. At the last session of the legislature the
law concerning the inspection Of illuminate
tenn was abolished and the position of in
spector Of oils made a saaried office all
emoluments arising from inspection being
covered monthly into the state treasury
No appropriation having been made to nav
his salary, the inspector deducted the
OF
the law each month from the fees collected.
In March last, however. in suit brought
in the district court of Hennepin county bv
company dealing in illuminating oils
against the deputy oil inspector in that coun-
ty, it was decided that the term package"
as used in the statute might refer to re-
| cepta Gle tor oil OF any size, and that the
vendor OF oil was not compelled to submit
to inspection by the barrel unless he so
! elected. The practical effect of the decision
was such as to render it impossible to pro-
| cure an inspector to serve who would be
willing to accept the legal compensation for
inspecting package" containing one hun
cents, that being the maximum sum al
lowed by the statute. AS result and if
other temporary measures had not been
| AIKEN, illuminating oils would have been
sold broadcast over the state with
6 6S Phs uan lite sndan aG Posi-
Alter consultation with the attorney general
and the representatives of the large dealers
in illuminating oils an arrangement was
| made whereby the companies dealing in
and distributing oil agreed to pay the sal
| aries of three inspectors until such time as
the law could Ia be amended to meet the case
| involved. This was undoubtedly the best
plan that couldsbe devised to meet the
emergency. respectfully urge upon you
| the necessity of prompt legislation in con-
| nection with this matter. illuminating oil
| is very generally in use throughout the
state, and provision should be at once made
! to avoid any calamity that might occur
from neglect to rigidly inspect the same.
| 1t might be we'll to consider the desirability
of returning to the fee system, reducing the
amount per barrel to ten QO) cents in &C.
| cordance with the law in neighboring
| states. The public will be better served
and the perquisites after deducting the
sum necessary to provide deputies to strictly
| enforce the law would not aggregate all ex-
| cessive amount in view Of the labor per-
! formed. From such information as have
at hand the number of barrels that are
likely to be subject to inspection will not
exceed 80, 900 per annum in the cities of St.
Paul and Minneapolis. There would per-
haps be % 900 to &c, OO0 barrels to be inspect
ed in other parts of the state. to be handled
by local inspectors. Alter deducting neces-
sary expenses Of rigorous inspection in the
two cities, it would leave between $4,000
and 81 ,OOO as salary to the chief inspector
Should it be deemed advisable to continue
to pay q salary to the inspector, the amount
should be provided for in the general ap-
preparation bill.
THE NATIONAL GUARD.
! desire especially to call your attention
to the efficiency and excellence of the Ma
tlOnal Guard. It ia comnOsad 1arvalv NJ